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Legislative Update

January 27, 2006

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STATE UPDATE

Senate Action

Concealed Carry Veto Override

The Senate voted Jan. 26 to override Governor Doyle’s veto of SB 403, regarding the carrying of concealed weapons, by a vote of 23-10. Democrats voting to override the veto were Senators Breske, Decker, Lassa, Plale, and Wirch. Luther Olsen was the only Republican to vote to sustain the veto. The Assembly has scheduled an override vote on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

WHEG Maximum; UW-Parkside Charter School Enrollment; Establishment of Charter Schools by UW System Institutions Advance

Also this week, SB 481/AB895, which increases the maximum Wisconsin Higher Education Grant annual maximum from $2,500 to $3,000 was passed unanimously by both houses. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action. Please see President Reilly’s statement on passage of the bill.

SB 436 which gives college enrollment and registration priority to persons called into active military service was passed on a voice vote. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs for action

The Senate also passed AB 698 which would increase the enrollment of the UW-Parkside Charter School by a vote of 20-13, and AB 730 which would allow five additional charter schools to be established by UW institutions was passed by a vote of 20-13. Both bills now go to the Governor for action.

Assembly Action

On Jan. 24 the Assembly passed AB 297 which provides education tax credits for businesses who pay the tuition of their employees. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Job Creation, Economic Development and Consumer Affairs.

Assembly Calendar

The Assembly calendar for Tuesday, Jan. 24 includes AB 297 which provides education tax credits for busineses.

Legislative Committee Action

AB 383, which requires criminal history background investigations of persons who are offered state government jobs that have fiduciary responsibilities was passed by the Senate Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy Committee. The bill has been placed on the Jan. 31 Senate calendar for action.

AB 835, which adds tuition remissions for surviving dependants of public safety employees; and AB 882, which makes several minor changes in the qualifications of student regent appointments were advanced by Assembly committees and are now awaiting Assembly floor votes.

Upcoming Legislative Hearing on Expanded Veterans Tuition Remissions

The Assembly Military Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 1 in room 417 North on AB 879 which adds eligibility to spouses, surviving spouses, or children of veterans if the veteran was a resident of the state for at least ten continuous years before the student registers and the veteran had incurred a service-connected disability that was 30 percent or more.

Legislation Introduced Making Minor Modifications to Capital Budget Process

Rep. Fitzgerald introduced AB 921 which would increase various statutory thresholds for certain types of construction and maintenance projects. The bill has been referred to the State Affairs Committee. See full text at: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/AB-921.pdf