WISCONSIN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
Capitol Update
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Contents
1. Senate and Assembly Adjourn Regular Session
2. WCC Requests Veto on FoodShare and Medicaid Eligibility Limits
3. Pro-life Groups Express Concerns with Medical Opinions Bill
4. Senate Passes Workforce Housing Improvements
5. Senate Passes Parental Choice Expansion
6. Senate Passes Teacher Permits Expansion
7. Senate Passes Concealed Carry in Worship Spaces on School Grounds
8. New Bills of Interest
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Senate and Assembly Adjourn Regular Session
As of March 8, both the Senate and the Assembly adjourned their regular sessions. While no further bills can be passed in either house, a few public hearings continue to be held and new bills introduced. The Legislature could return in Extraordinary Session, but this is unlikely as most legislators are returning to their districts to campaign. Governor Evers must still act on a number of bills that have reached his desk and the next Capitol Update will list those of interest to the WCC.
WCC Requests Veto on FoodShare and Medicaid Eligibility Limits
On March 4, the WCC wrote a letter to the Governor requesting that he veto AB-935 (Born, Mark), AB-934 (Penterman, William), and AB-936 (Callahan, Calvin). AB-935 directs the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to resume enforcement of FoodShare work requirements and to seek federal approval of drug testing and FSET requirements. AB-934 requires that the DHS determine an individual’s Medicaid eligibility every six months. Currently, most Medicaid recipients must complete a program renewal at least once a year to determine ongoing program eligibility. AB-936 takes away Medicaid eligibility from able-bodied, adult Medicaid participants up to age 65 who do not accept an offer of legal, paid employment or an offer of increased work hours or wages. To retain eligibility, the Medicaid recipient must accept the employment offer, regardless of the pay, benefits, or work schedule. The WCC testified in opposition to all three bills.
Pro-life Groups Express Concerns with Medical Opinions Bill
On March 4, the WCC, Wisconsin Right to Life, and Wisconsin Family Action sent a letter to the Senate expressing concerns regarding AB-1007 (Moses, Clint), which allows health care providers to express health or medical opinions or guidance without penalty from an employer or the state's Medical Examining Board, even when these actions violate employer policies or medical best practices. The bill passed the Assembly and was scheduled for a vote in the Senate but was ultimately referred to committee instead.
Senate Passes Workforce Housing Improvements
On March 8, on a voice vote, the Senate passed AB-607 (Penterman, William), which authorizes low-interest or no-interest loans for the rehabilitation of workforce housing if structural improvements or the removal of lead paint are needed. The bill awaits action by the Governor. The WCC registered in support.
Senate Passes Parental Choice Expansion
On March 8, on a vote of 20-11, the Senate passed AB-970 (Wittke, Robert), which eliminates income limits and any existing pupil participation limits for parental choice programs. The bill awaits action by the Governor. The WCC registered in support.
Senate Passes Teacher Permits Expansion
On March 8, on a vote of 25-5, the Senate passed AB-975 (Thiesfeldt, Jeremy), which expands access to substitute teacher permits. The bill awaits action by the Governor. The WCC registered in support.
Senate Passes Concealed Carry in Worship Spaces on School Grounds
On March 8, on a voice vote, the Senate passed AB-597 (Pronschinske, Treig), which permits possession of a firearm by a licensee in a place of worship located on the grounds of a private school. The bill awaits action by the Governor. The WCC testified in opposition.
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New Bills of Interest
SB-1073 Child Abuse Reporting (Taylor, Lena) The duty of a member of the clergy to report child abuse. Referred to Senate Human Services, Children & Families
AB-1064 Private Well Testing (Novak, Todd) Grants for testing privately owned wells and providing education, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. Referred to Assembly Environment
AB-1065 Fetal Heartbeat (Rozar, Donna) Detection of and abortion after detection of a fetal heartbeat and providing a penalty. Referred to Assembly Health
AB-1078 Medication Requests (Pope, Sondy) Permitting certain qualified individuals to make a request for medication for the purpose of ending their lives and providing a penalty. Referred to Assembly Constitution and Ethics
AB-1082 Remedial Courses (Wittke, Robert) Reporting on, and charging high schools for the cost of, remedial courses at University of Wisconsin System institutions. Referred to Assembly Colleges and Universities
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Websites of Interest
Wisconsin Eye – Independent, nonpartisan video coverage of state government proceedings.
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Capitol Update is a periodic e-mail on legislative issues from the Wisconsin Catholic Conference.
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Wisconsin Catholic Conference
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