With summer in the rear-view mirror, the Wisconsin Legislature is back in session for the fall floor period.  Committees are meeting and there are many bills moving forward through the process.  Below are some of the hot topics in Madison:

Less Oversight of State Agency Rules

–  In a 4-3 decision in July, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the laws granting the legislature broad powers to block administrative rules by agencies were unconstitutional.

–  The court case centered on the power of a legislative committee to block rules created by state agencies. For years, the Republican-led committee had used this power to indefinitely postpone or block administrative rules they did not support that were approved by the governor.

–  The net effect of this ruling will mean the legislature will have little to no oversight ability over new rules promulgated by the executive branch, thereby empowering state agencies and unelected government bureaucrats.

New Tariff Mandate Proposed

–  Senator Brad Pfaff (D-Onalaska) and Rep. Andrew Hysell (D-Sun Prairie) have introduced legislation that would require retailers to include the cost of federal tariffs on all invoices and receipts to customers purchasing goods.

–  NFIB opposes this mandate, as it would impose excessive time and financial burdens on small businesses.

Labor Law Changes Proposed

–  The “Living Wage Coalition” has proposed their agenda of raising the minimum wage to $20 in WI.

–  Representative Lisa Subeck (D-Madison) responded with introducing a bill that would allow all local governments to set their own minimum wage and FMLA laws.

–  Other bills introduced include an “Equal Pay Act,” which would allow the pursuit of damages as redress for women or any employee who has suffered pay or other job discrimination.

–  Additionally, the “Job Postings Act,” would require all employers to include all wage and benefits with every open job posting, while also keeping all job posting records for two years.

–  NFIB opposes all of the above labor law changes as they are anti-small business.

Emotional Support Animals

–  This commonsense bill looks to crack down on “fake” service animals.  We all appreciate the need for trained service animals for those with disabilities.  However, there has been a disturbing trend where individuals are buying service dog vests for their “emotional support animals.”  This legislation would allow businesses to post a sign indicating only service animals with proper credentials are allowed inside.  NFIB is in favor of this bill.