LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR WEEK ENDING 01-29-16

Posted by wsdsaadmin on Feb 9, 2016 in All News, Legislative Updates | Comments Offon LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FOR WEEK ENDING 01-29-16

Here is an update on the priority legislative issues we are working on. For a full review of all the bills we are tracking, please see WS&DSA tracking report: http://hamilton-consulting.com/documents/WSDSA_Tracking.pdf

Strip Search Wait Times Bill (SB 248/AB 340)The Assembly Committee on Corrections will vote on AB 340 next Tuesday February 2. We will update you with the vote. SB 248 passed the Senate on January 20.

Asset Forfeiture (SB 521/AB 537): Both the Senate and Assembly Committee held a public hearing on the forfeiture bill this week. Sheriff Cramer testified on behalf of WS&DSA and BSSA at both hearings and did a great job. There were significantly more questions for the Sheriff at the Senate hearing than the Assembly. As expected, Sen. Nass, who is the chair of the Senate Committee on Labor and Government Reform and the lead Senate author, pushed back on the notion that funding for drug units should come “at the cost of his personal property rights.” Given Sen. Nass is the chair, we expect the Senate committee will take action on the bill in the next week or so. We will continue to keep you updated on the status of this legislation. We are working to help ensure Sen. Nass’ Republican colleagues on the committee, Sen. Wanggaard and Sen. Marklein, vote no on the bill. This would mean that Sen. Nass would need to be joined by the two Democrats, Sen. Wirch and Sen. C. Larson, on the committee to vote the bill out of his committee.  While we anticipate the Democrats will vote aye, it would hurt the bill’s chances in the Senate if a 3-2 vote occurs in committee, with two Republicans voting no.

Probation and Parole Holds (SB 389/AB 522): The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety will hold a public hearing on SB 389 on Monday, February 1 at 9:00 am. The Assembly Committee on Urban and Local Affairs will hold a public hearing on AB 522 on Tuesday, February 2 at 10:30 am. We will register WS&DSA in support at both hearings.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Thanks!

 

Caty McDermott

The Hamilton Consulting Group, LLC.

10 East Doty Street, Suite 500

Madison, WI  53703

mcdermott@hamilton-consulting.com

Phone  (608) 258-9506

Fax      (608) 283-2589

www.hamilton-consulting.com