The Senate Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs held a public hearing on March 10, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Assembly Bill 560 relating to remedial statutory changes affecting the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission (suggested as remedial legislation by the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission); Assembly Bill 567 relating to amending and revising under s. 10.53 various provisions of ss. 10.62 to 10.82 of the statutes for the purpose of correcting conflicts between the listings in ss. 10.62 to 10.82 and the substantive statutes to which those sections refer. (Correction Bill); Senate Bill 522 relating to various changes to the worker's compensation law; Senate Bill 429 relating to establishing a presumption for employment-connected communicable diseases for fire fighters, emergency medical service providers, law enforcement officers, and certain correctional employees; Senate Bill 540 relating to political disbursements by corporations and cooperative associations and the scope of regulated activity under the campaign finance law.

The Senate Committee on Education held a public hearing on February 18, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 468 relating to the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports and aversive interventions in schools and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; Senate Bill 250 relating to accepting pupils under the full-time Open Enrollment Program; Senate Bill 414 relating to school nurses and the administration of drugs to pupils.

Continued coverage.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held an executive session on February 18, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 44 relating to adjudications for involuntary commitment, appointment of a guardian of the person, and protective placement or protective services, background checks for the purchase of handguns, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; Senate Bill 478 relating to orders to commit state prison inmates to a mental health facility; Senate Bill 473 relating to modifications to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; Senate Bill 492 relating to restoration to competency of a defendant (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Health Services); Senate Bill 493 relating to appointment of an examiner for a person committed as a sexually violent person, and specification of the department responsible for providing an escort for a sexually violent person on supervised release (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Health Services); Assembly Bill 568 relating to revising various provisions of the statutes for the purpose of correcting errors, supplying omissions, and eliminating defects (Correction Bill); Assembly Bill 471 relating to mortgage broker duties and agency relationships; Senate Bill 467 relating to using an electronic signature on a criminal complaint; Senate Bill 219 relating to causing injury to a law enforcement officer while resisting or obstructing an officer or while attempting to flee and providing a penalty; Assembly Bill 269 relating to causing injury to a law enforcement officer while resisting or obstructing an officer or while attempting to flee and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 464 relating to temporary restraining orders and injunctions.

The Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held an executive session on February 17, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Assembly Bill 496 relating to prohibiting electronic text messaging while driving and providing a penalty; Assembly Bill 548 relating to possession of certain animals killed by vehicles; Assembly Bill 562 relating to the master logger certification scholarship grant program (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Natural Resources); Assembly Bill 574 relating to lightweight utility vehicles and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 485 relating to displaying the empty weight on the side of certain motor vehicles (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Transportation); Senate Bill 486 relating to the liability release exception to the requirement that proof of financial responsibility be provided after a motor vehicle accident (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Transportation); Senate Bill 487 relating to motor vehicle occupational licenses issued by the Department of Transportation (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Transportation); Senate Bill 488 relating to policies and bonds issued by out-of-state insurers offered as proof of financial responsibility after a motor vehicle accident (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Transportation); Senate Bill 489 relating to the requirement that a nonresident provide proof of financial responsibility for the operation of a motor vehicle to reinstate a suspended operating privilege or vehicle registration (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Transportation); Senate Bill 490 relating to registration plates for vehicles leased to persons with a disability that limits the ability to walk (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Transportation); Senate Bill 406 relating to snowmobile registration, trail use sticker requirements, intoxicated snowmobiling, snowmobile speed limits, calculating the estimated snowmobile gas tax payment, funding for alcohol education programs and state trails, providing penalties, and making appropriations.

The Senate Committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue held a public hearing on February 11, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 484 relating to the BadgerCare Plus Basic Plan, Benchmark Plan benefits, and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 418 relating to disclosure of information by health care providers and insurers and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 471 relating to health care plans operated by cooperative associations; Senate Bill 463 relating to extending the expenditure period of Tax Incremental District Number 6 in the city of Sheboygan and requiring the Department of Revenue to certify the tax base of Tax Incremental Financing District Number 18 in the city of Waukesha; Assembly Bill 375 relating to a property tax exemption for certain nonprofit community theaters; Assembly Bill 569 relating to revising various provisions of the statutes for the purpose of supplying omissions and eliminating defects (Correction Bill).

Continued coverage of the February 11, 2010 hearing.

The Senate Committee on Clean Energy held a public hearing on February 11, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following item: Senate Bill 450 relating to goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, for construction of zero net energy buildings and for energy conservation; information, analyses, reports, education, and training concerning greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; energy efficiency and renewable resource programs; renewable energy requirements of electric utilities and retail cooperatives; requiring electric utilities to purchase renewable energy from certain renewable facilities in their service territories; authority of the Public Service Commission over nuclear power plants; motor vehicle emission limitations; a low carbon standard for transportation fuels; the Brownfield site assessment grant program, the main street program, the Brownfield’s grant program, the forward innovation fund, grants to local governments for planning activities, the transportation facilities economic assistance and development program, a model parking ordinance; surface transportation planning by the Department of Transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; environmental evaluations for transportation projects; idling limits for certain vehicles; energy conservation codes for public buildings, places of employment, one- and two-family dwellings, and agricultural facilities; design standards for state buildings; energy efficiency standards for certain consumer audio and video devices, boiler inspection requirements; greenhouse gas emissions and energy use by certain state agencies and state assistance to school districts in achieving energy efficiencies; creating an exception to local levy limits for amounts spent on energy efficiency measures; creating an energy crop reserve program; identification of private forest land, promoting sequestration of carbon in forests, qualifying practices and cost-share requirements under the forest grant program established by the Department of Natural Resources; air pollution permits for certain stationary sources reducing greenhouse gas emissions; allocating a portion of existing tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonding to clean energy manufacturing facilities and renewable power generating facilities; requiring a report on certain programs to limit greenhouse gas emissions; granting rule-making authority; requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; and providing a penalty.
This hearing will involve topics related to Goals; Program Coordination and Evaluation; Public Education; State and Local Government; Cap and Trade Report.

The Senate Committee on Clean Energy held a public hearing on February 10, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following item: Senate Bill 450 relating to goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, for construction of zero net energy buildings and for energy conservation; information, analyses, reports, education, and training concerning greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; energy efficiency and renewable resource programs; renewable energy requirements of electric utilities and retail cooperatives; requiring electric utilities to purchase renewable energy from certain renewable facilities in their service territories; authority of the Public Service Commission over nuclear power plants; motor vehicle emission limitations; a low carbon standard for transportation fuels; the Brownfield site assessment grant program, the main street program, the Brownfield’s grant program, the forward innovation fund, grants to local governments for planning activities, the transportation facilities economic assistance and development program, a model parking ordinance; surface transportation planning by the Department of Transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; environmental evaluations for transportation projects; idling limits for certain vehicles; energy conservation codes for public buildings, places of employment, one- and two-family dwellings, and agricultural facilities; design standards for state buildings; energy efficiency standards for certain consumer audio and video devices, boiler inspection requirements; greenhouse gas emissions and energy use by certain state agencies and state assistance to school districts in achieving energy efficiencies; creating an exception to local levy limits for amounts spent on energy efficiency measures; creating an energy crop reserve program; identification of private forest land, promoting sequestration of carbon in forests, qualifying practices and cost-share requirements under the forest grant program established by the Department of Natural Resources; air pollution permits for certain stationary sources reducing greenhouse gas emissions; allocating a portion of existing tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonding to clean energy manufacturing facilities and renewable power generating facilities; requiring a report on certain programs to limit greenhouse gas emissions; granting rule-making authority; requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held a public hearing on February 8, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 44 relating to adjudications for involuntary commitment, appointment of a guardian of the person, and protective placement or protective services, background checks for the purchase of handguns, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; Senate Bill 478 relating to orders to commit state prison inmates to a mental health facility; Senate Bill 473 relating to modifications to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; Senate Bill 492 relating to restoration to competency of a defendant (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Health Services); Senate Bill 493 relating to appointment of an examiner for a person committed as a sexually violent person, and specification of the department responsible for providing an escort for a sexually violent person on supervised release (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Health Services); Assembly Bill 568 relating to revising various provisions of the statutes for the purpose of correcting errors, supplying omissions, and eliminating defects (Correction Bill); Assembly Bill 471 relating to mortgage broker duties and agency relationships.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held a public hearing on February 4, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 171 relating to retail theft, proof of ownership for flea market sales, and providing penalties; Assembly Bill 241 relating to retail theft, proof of ownership for flea market sales, and providing penalties; Senate Bill 219 relating to causing injury to a law enforcement officer while resisting or obstructing an officer or while attempting to flee and providing a penalty; Assembly Bill 269 relating to causing injury to a law enforcement officer while resisting or obstructing an officer or while attempting to flee and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 475 relating to reimbursement of counties and Indian tribes for unexpected or unusually high-cost out-of-home care placements of Indian juveniles who have been adjudicated delinquent by tribal courts and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 467 relating to using an electronic signature on a criminal complaint; Senate Bill 464 relating to temporary restraining orders and injunctions; Senate Bill 380 relating to the possession of a firearm by a person who has committed a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 381 relating to notice of firearm prohibition when served with notice of an injunction hearing and process for surrendering firearms following the granting of certain injunctions.

The Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a public hearing on February 4, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 205 relating to the creation of regional transit authorities and making appropriations; Senate Bill 222 relating to group deer hunting requirements and restrictions on placing, possessing, or transporting a firearm, bow, or crossbow in or on a vehicle; Senate Bill 343 relating to the rail passenger service assistance and promotion program; Senate Bill 456 relating to special distinguishing registration plates supporting motorcycle safety and making appropriations; Senate Bill 457 relating to the placement of advertising signs in highway rights-of-way and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 465 relating to the safe-ride grant program administered by the Department of Transportation; Senate Bill 506 relating to vehicle towing and storage liens.

The Senate Committee on Public Health, Senior Issues, Long-Term Care, and Job Creation held a public hearing on January 27, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Appointment of Ronk, Earlene of Jefferson, as a member of the Nursing Home Administrator Examining Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2010; Senate Bill 96 relating to diversions under a community integration program of Medical Assistance-eligible persons from imminent entry into nursing homes; Assembly Bill 186 relating to salvinorin A and providing a penalty; Assembly Bill 57 relating to permitting a mother to breast-feed in any public or private location where she is otherwise authorized to be; Senate Bill 455 relating to the wholesale distribution of prescription drugs.

The Senate Select Committee on Clean Energy held a public hearing on January 27, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following agenda items: Senate Bill 450 relating to goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, for construction of zero net energy buildings and for energy conservation; information, analyses, reports, education, and training concerning greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; energy efficiency and renewable resource programs; renewable energy requirements of electric utilities and retail cooperatives; requiring electric utilities to purchase renewable energy from certain renewable facilities in their service territories; authority of the Public Service Commission over nuclear power plants; motor vehicle emission limitations; a low carbon standard for transportation fuels; the brownfield site assessment grant program, the main street program, the brownfields grant program, the forward innovation fund, grants to local governments for planning activities, the transportation facilities economic assistance and development program, a model parking ordinance; surface transportation planning by the Department of Transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; environmental evaluations for transportation projects; idling limits for certain vehicles; energy conservation codes for public buildings, places of employment, one- and two-family dwellings, and agricultural facilities; design standards for state buildings; energy efficiency standards for certain consumer audio and video devices, boiler inspection requirements; greenhouse gas emissions and energy use by certain state agencies and state assistance to school districts in achieving energy efficiencies; creating an exception to local levy limits for amounts spent on energy efficiency measures; creating an energy crop reserve program; identification of private forest land, promoting sequestration of carbon in forests, qualifying practices and cost-share requirements under the forest grant program established by the Department of Natural Resources; air pollution permits for certain stationary sources reducing greenhouse gas emissions; allocating a portion of existing tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonding to clean energy manufacturing facilities and renewable power generating facilities; requiring a report on certain programs to limit greenhouse gas emissions; granting rule-making authority; requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a public hearing on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 294 relating to municipal quotas for retail intoxicating liquor licenses; Senate Bill 348 relating to declarations creating marina condominiums and technical corrections to the laws governing marina condominiums; Senate Bill 355 relating to prohibiting electronic text messaging while driving and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 374 relating to creating a commercial driver license exception for law enforcement officers operating commercial motor vehicles; Senate Bill 382 relating to use of lamps on vehicles when visibility is limited by climatic conditions and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 387 relating to special distinguishing registration plates associated with Marquette University; Senate Bill 391 relating to expenditure of $30,000 from moneys appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources in payment of a claim against the state made by Stillmunkes, Inc; Senate Bill 392 relating to registration of former military vehicles; Senate Bill 396 relating to fishing and trolling in boats with electric motors; Senate Bill 400 relating to operation of all-terrain vehicles to remove snow; Senate Bill 401 relating to requiring the Department of Natural Resources to issue one-day fishing licenses; Senate Bill 404 relating to registration of former military vehicles; Senate Bill 408 relating to the exception to the assessment of withdrawal taxes and fees against a landowner who transfers ownership of managed forest land for siting a public safety communications tower; Senate Bill 410 relating to: designating and marking a portion of I 43 in the city of Milwaukee as the Jeannetta Simpson-Robinson Memorial Highway; Senate Bill 428 relating to seasonal weight limitations for certain vehicles transporting agricultural crops; Senate Bill 438 relating to the operation of minitrucks on highways and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 448 relating to a utility terrain vehicle pilot program and making an appropriation.

Continued coverage of Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a public hearing on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at the State Capitol.

The Senate Select Committee on Clean Energy Jobs held an informational hearing on January 20, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following agenda item: Senate Bill 450 relating to goals for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, for construction of zero net energy buildings and for energy conservation; information, analyses, reports, education, and training concerning greenhouse gas emissions and climate change; energy efficiency and renewable resource programs; renewable energy requirements of electric utilities and retail cooperatives; requiring electric utilities to purchase renewable energy from certain renewable facilities in their service territories; authority of the Public Service Commission over nuclear power plants; motor vehicle emission limitations; a low carbon standard for transportation fuels; the brownfield site assessment grant program, the main street program, the brownfields grant program, the forward innovation fund, grants to local governments for planning activities, the transportation facilities economic assistance and development program, a model parking ordinance; surface transportation planning by the Department of Transportation and metropolitan planning organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; environmental evaluations for transportation projects; idling limits for certain vehicles; energy conservation codes for public buildings, places of employment, one- and two-family dwellings, and agricultural facilities; design standards for state buildings; energy efficiency standards for certain consumer audio and video devices, boiler inspection requirements; greenhouse gas emissions and energy use by certain state agencies and state assistance to school districts in achieving energy efficiencies; creating an exception to local levy limits for amounts spent on energy efficiency measures; creating an energy crop reserve program; identification of private forest land, promoting sequestration of carbon in forests, qualifying practices and cost-share requirements under the forest grant program established by the Department of Natural Resources; air pollution permits for certain stationary sources reducing greenhouse gas emissions; allocating a portion of existing tax-exempt industrial development revenue bonding to clean energy manufacturing facilities and renewable power generating facilities; requiring a report on certain programs to limit greenhouse gas emissions; granting rule-making authority; requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources Executive Session held a public hearing on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Assembly Bill 198 relating to highway maps published by the Department of Transportation; Assembly Bill 230 relating to electronic access by law enforcement agencies to photographs on motor vehicle operators licenses and identification cards; Assembly Bill 332 relating to authorizing the use of airguns and crossbows under certain hunting licenses; Assembly Bill 348 relating to the applicability of rules of the road to private roads located in manufactured and mobile home communities; Assembly Bill 355 relating to hunting of deer during the open bow hunting season; Assembly Bill 362 relating to designating and marking the bridge on USH 41 across the Peshtigo River in the city of Peshtigo as the Steven Drees Memorial Bridge; Assembly Bill 382 relating to fishing licenses issued to disabled veterans; Assembly Bill 415 relating to designating and marking a portion of USH 12 in the city of Whitewater as the Stephen Ambrose Memorial Highway; Assembly Bill 456 relating to self-authentication by electronic certification of certain Department of Transportation records; Senate Bill 139 relating to environmental regulation of mining and notice to transferees of interests in mining sites; Senate Bill 301 relating to the application of shoreland zoning ordinances to certain unincorporated areas; Senate Bill 406 relating to snowmobile registration, trail use sticker requirements, intoxicated snowmobiling, snowmobile speed limits, calculating the estimated snowmobile gas tax payment, funding for alcohol education programs and state trails, providing penalties, and making appropriations; Assembly Bill 248 relating to the possession and consumption of alcohol beverages on retail licensed premises in a park in a 1st class city; Senate Bill 296 relating to extensions of managed forest land orders; Senate Bill 192 relating to the possession and consumption of alcohol beverages on retail licensed premises in a park in a 1st class city; Senate Bill 297 relating to the immobilization or removal, impoundment, and disposal of motor vehicles for multiple nonmoving traffic violations; Senate Bill 307 relating to special distinguishing registration plates associated with the Lions Clubs of Wisconsin and making an appropriation.

The Senate Committee on Education held a public hearing on January 13, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Assembly Senate Bill 146 relating to providing benefits and protections to tribal schools and tribal school pupils and staff similar to those provided to private schools and private school pupils and staff and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 25 relating to the use of race-based names, nicknames, logos, and mascots by school boards, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held an executive session on January 12, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 413 relating to receivership for abatement of residential nuisances; Senate Bill 424 relating to regulating certain sport shooting ranges; Senate Bill 303 relating to requesting a person who operates a vehicle that is involved in an accident that causes death or injury to submit to a test for intoxication; Senate Bill 383 relating to municipal court elections, judges, and procedure, and providing penalties; Senate Bill 329 relating to municipal court fees; Senate Bill 365 relating to the Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 415 relating to requiring carbon monoxide detectors in buildings containing one or two dwelling units; Senate Bill 395 relating to psychological evaluations for law enforcement officers, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; Senate Bill 319 relating to the statute of limitations for sexual contact with a child.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education held a public hearing on January 7, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Assembly Bill 229 relating to the sale of home-canned food; Assembly Bill 418 relating to: a county fair coordinator; Senate Bill 268 relating to: the location of facilities in which rendering, animal food processing, or grease processing is conducted; Senate Bill 419 relating to requiring the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to establish standards for products sold as honey, prohibiting the labeling as Wisconsin certified honey of a product that has not been determined to meet the standards, prohibiting the labeling as honey of a product that does not meet the standards, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; Senate Bill 327 relating to designating Wisconsin cheese as the Wisconsin state snack.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held an informational hearing on January 7, 2010 at the State Capitol to hear comments and a song from Timothy Campbell II (R&B Recording Artist) to highlight an upcoming national musical tour, denouncing domestic violence. Mr. Campbell is a Milwaukee native.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held an executive session on January 7, 2010 at the State Capitol on the following items: Senate Bill 344, relating to making crimes based on gender of victim subject to a penalty enhancer and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 283 relating to violation of the 72-hour no contact provision in domestic violence cases and providing a penalty; Assembly Bill 410 relating to violation of the 72-hour no contact provision in domestic violence cases and providing a penalty; Assembly Bill 364 relating to Council on Offender Reentry; appointment of Edward Potter of Mt. Pleasant, as a member of the Real Estate Appraisers Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2012; Senate Bill 417 relating to the threshold for registration and reporting by groups and individuals seeking to influence referendum results by Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing; Senate Bill 149 relating to an examination of the juvenile in a proceeding for waiver of juvenile court jurisdiction; Senate Bill 150 relating to the criteria for waiver of adult criminal court jurisdiction over a juvenile and transfer of the case to juvenile court; Senate Bill 151 relating to: funding to counties to cover increase in juvenile corrections costs; Senate Bill 152 relating to creating a rebuttable presumption of retaining juvenile court jurisdiction in waiver proceedings involving a first offender; Senate Bill 153 relating to petitions for waiver of juvenile court jurisdiction and the criteria for that waiver. The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held a public hearing on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at the State Capitol on the following items: Senate Bill 424 regulating certain sport shooting; Senate Bill 140 relating to posttermination of parental rights contact between a child and a birth relative of the child and disclosure of the report of an investigation of the home of a proposed adoptive parent on the request of the proposed adoptive parent; Assembly Bill 214 relating to posttermination of parental rights contact between a child and a birth relative of the child and disclosure of the report of an investigation of the home of a proposed adoptive parent on the request of the proposed adoptive parent

Senate Committee on Education met January 5, at the Milwaukee Public Schools Central Offices Auditorium. The committee discussed Senate Bill 405, relating to the powers and duties of the board of school directors and the superintendent of schools in a first class city school district, awarding a grant to a nonprofit corporation, requiring a referendum, and granting rule-making authority, and Senate Bill 437, relating to authorizing the state superintendent of public instruction to direct a school district to implement a new curriculum or instructional design, make personnel changes, or adopt accountability measures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority. The committee also heard testimony on additional legislation regarding governance of Milwaukee Public Schools.

Continuing coverage of the Senate Committee on Education from January 5, 2010 in Milwaukee.

Continuing coverage of the Senate Committee on Education from January 5, 2010 in Milwaukee.

Continuing coverage of the Senate Committee on Education from January 5, 2010 in Milwaukee.

The Senate Committee on Education held an executive session on December 15, 2009 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Assembly Bill 236 relating to requiring that certain high school agriculture courses be counted as science credits; Assembly Bill 459/Senate Bill 326 relating to the model academic standards for personal financial literacy; Senate Bill 359 relating to directing school boards to provide instruction about the recent history of the Hmong people; and LRB-3853-1 relating to authorizing the state superintendent of public instruction to direct a school district to implement a new curriculum or instructional design, make personnel changes, or adopt accountability measures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held an executive session and public hearing on December 15, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the executive session, the committee discussed the following items: Moessner, Jeffrey of Eau Claire, as a member of the Council on Domestic Abuse, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2011; Senate Bill 335 relating to using county jail funds for costs related to providing educational and medical services to county jail inmates; Senate Bill 375 relating to the exchange of electronic records contained in the Consolidated Court Automation Program and in the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System between the director of state courts and the Department of Children and Families and providing a penalty; Assembly Bill 47 relating to prohibiting persons convicted of certain felonies from providing martial arts instruction to minors. During the public hearing, the committee heard testimony on the following items: Potter Edward, of Mt. Pleasant, as a member of the Real Estate Appraisers Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2012; Senate Bill 413 relating to receivership for abatement of residential nuisances; Senate Bill 417 relating to the threshold for registration and reporting by groups and individuals seeking to influence referendum results; Senate Bill 365 relating to the Uniform Unsworn Foreign Declarations Act and providing a penalty; Assembly Bill 419 relating to rape shield provisions in civil proceedings, discovery and inspection of victims and witnesses, and victims rights; Senate Bill 344 relating to : making crimes based on gender of victim subject to a penalty enhancer and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 283/Assembly Bill 410 relating to violation of the 72-hour no contact provision in domestic violence cases and providing a penalty; Senate Joint Resolution 42 relating to excluding incarcerated, disenfranchised felons from the enumeration of population for apportionment and redistricting of legislative, county, and certain other district offices (first consideration); and Assembly Bill 364 relating to the Council on Offender Reentry.

The Senate Committee on Education held a public hearing on December 3, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the hearing, the committee heard testimony on the following items: Assembly Bill 236 relating to requiring that certain high school agriculture courses be counted as science credits; Assembly Bill 459/Senate Bill 326 relating to the model academic standards for personal financial literacy; Senate Bill 359 relating to directing school boards to provide instruction about the recent history of the Hmong people.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing met on December 1, 2009 at the State Capitol for an executive session and public hearing. During the executive session, committee members discussed and voted on the following items: Senate Bill 384 relating to defense to criminal prosecutions for parent or guardian for using spiritual treatment in lieu of medical treatment on a child and the election of Christian Science treatment for a child in lieu of medical or surgical treatment for the cure of disease; Senate Bill 332 relating to: submitting custody study reports to the parties and offering custody study reports in accordance with the rules of evidence; Senate Bill 235 relating to: limiting disclosure of information gathered by news persons; Assembly Bill 376 relating to: restitution for misappropriation from a cemetery of certain objects that relate to a veteran; LRB 3859 relating to: the threshold for registration and reporting by groups and individuals seeking to influence referendum results. During the public hearing, the committee heard testimony on the following items: Senate Bill 174 relating to: creating a microstamping requirement for certain handguns, certification of compliance with the microstamping requirement, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and providing penalties; Senate Bill 383 relating to: municipal court elections, judges, and procedure, and providing penalties; Senate Bill 329 relating to: municipal court fees; Senate Bill 336 relating to requiring a person arrested for a felony or a juvenile taken into custody for certain sexual assault offenses to provide a biological specimen for deoxyribonucleic acid analysis, inclusion of the analysis results in the Department of Justice deoxyribonucleic acid data bank, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 149 relating to: an examination of the juvenile in a proceeding for waiver of juvenile court jurisdiction; Senate Bill 150 relating to the criteria for waiver of adult criminal court jurisdiction over a juvenile and transfer of the case to juvenile court; Senate Bill 151 relating to funding to counties to cover increase in juvenile corrections costs; Senate Bill 152 relating to: creating a rebuttable presumption of retaining juvenile court jurisdiction in waiver proceedings involving a first offender; Senate Bill 153 relating to: petitions for waiver of juvenile court jurisdiction and the criteria for that waiver; Senate Bill 335 relating to: using county jail funds for costs related to providing educational and medical services to county jail inmates.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held an executive session and public hearing on November 10, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the executive session, the following items were discussed: Senate Bill 231/Assembly Bill 323 relating to information provided by a person required to register as a sex offender; Senate Bill 281/Assembly Bill 411 relating to the prohibition against making, reproducing, or possessing a nude depiction of a person without the person's consent and the sex offender registry; Senate Bill 325 relating to notification to a parent before chaperoning a sex offender; Assembly Bill 47 relating to prohibiting persons convicted of certain felonies from providing martial arts instruction to minors. During the public hearing, the following items were discussed: Senate Bill 384 relating to defense to criminal prosecutions for parent or guardian for using spiritual treatment in lieu of medical treatment on a child and the election of Christian Science treatment for a child in lieu of medical or surgical treatment for the cure of disease; Senate Bill 375 related to the exchange of electronic records contained in the Consolidated Court Automation Program and in the Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System between the director of state courts and the Department of Children and Families and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 332 relating to submitting custody study reports to the parties and offering custody study reports in accordance with the rules of evidence; Assembly Bill 376 related to restitution for misappropriation from a cemetery of certain objects that relate to a veteran; and Senate Bill 303 related to requesting a person who operates a vehicle that is involved in an accident that causes death or injury to submit to a test for intoxication.

Continued coverage of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing's public hearing on November 10, 2009 at the State Capitol.

The Senate Committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue held a public hearing on November 10, 2009 at the State Capitol, during which they discussed Senate Bill 362, relating to health insurance for mental illness and substance abuse.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held an Executive Session on the following items: Senate Bill 204 relating to prohibiting discrimination in housing because of domestic abuse victim status; Senate Bill 263 relating to criteria for determining indigency for purposes of representation by the State Public Defender; Senate Bill 274 relating to requiring landlords to change locks; Assembly Bill 136 relating to partially exempting an assessor and an assessor's staff from liability for trespassing, creating immunity from civil liability, and changing the notice requirements related to the revaluation of property by an assessor; Assembly Bill 211 relating to administration of grant funds under the county-tribal cooperative law enforcement program; and Assembly Bill 387 relating to the homestead exemption and increases in value of the exemption for various property that is exempt from execution. During the Public Hearing, the committee heard testimony on the following legislation: Senate Bill 231 relating to information provided by a person required to register as a sex offender; Senate Bill 281 relating to the prohibition against making, reproducing, or possessing a nude depiction of a person without the person's consent and the sex offender registry; Senate Bill 325 relating to notification to a parent before chaperoning a sex offender; Senate Bill 235/Assembly Bill 333 relating to limiting disclosure of information gathered by news persons; and Assembly Bill 47 relating to prohibiting persons convicted of certain felonies from providing martial arts instruction to minors.

The Senate Committee on Education held a public hearing on October 8, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 328 relating to allowing a school district to carry over unused revenue limit authority to the following school year.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held an executive session on October 6, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee considered: Senate Bill 251 relating to costs of transporting by ferry an arrested person; Senate Bill 147 relating to administration of grant funds under the county-tribal cooperative law enforcement program; Senate Bill 148 relating to liability for actions of tribal law enforcement officers when enforcing state laws; Senate Bill 259 relating to the homestead exemption and increases in the value of exemption for various property that is exempt from execution; and Senate Bill 66 relating to operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant.

Continued coverage of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing executive session held on October 6, 2009 at the State Capitol.

The Senate Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations held a public hearing on September 30, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard testimony on: appointment of Judge Thomas Barland of Eau Claire as a member of the Government Accountability Board; Senate Bill 206 relating to recording and filing documents with the register of deeds; Senate Bill 292 relating to exemption of State Historical Society books from state printing requirements; Senate Joint Resolution 26 relating to deleting from the constitution the office of secretary of state; and Senate Joint Resolution 27 relating to abolishing the office of lieutenant governor.

The Senate Committee on Public Health, Senior Issues, Long-Term Care, and Job Creation held a public hearing on September 17, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard testimony on James Surprise as a member of the Board on Aging and Long Term Care, and Senate Bill 115 relating to licensure of dietitians and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority.

The Senate Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development held an executive session on September 16, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee considered Senate Bill 280 relating to personal liability of officers, directors, and employees of child care providers, and LRB 2744/2 relating to public disclosure of certain information when child abuse or neglect results in death or serious injury or involves aggravated circumstances or when a child in an out-of-home placement commits suicide or is sexually abused by a caregiver.

The Senate Committee on Education held an executive session on September 10, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee considered Assembly Bill 172 relating to requiring instruction in public schools on the history of organized labor in America and the collective bargaining process, Senate Bill 41 relating to indoor environmental quality in public and private schools, and Senate Bill 154 relating to school safety plans, pupil records, and school bullying.

The Senate Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development held an executive session and public hearing on September 9, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the executive session the committee considered Senate Bill 257 relating to emergency assistance grants, and Senate Bill 30 relating to underage persons possessing, consuming, or being provided alcohol beverages on licensed premises when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse. During the public hearing the committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 280 relating to personal liability of officers, directors, and employees of child care providers.

The Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held an executive session and public hearing on September 3, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the executive session the committee considered: Senate Bill 113, relating to the appointment and term of service of the secretary of natural resources and vacancies on the Natural Resources Board; Senate Bill 234, relating to the consumption of alcohol beverages in public places; Senate Bill 241, relating to modifying the definition of all-terrain vehicle; Senate Bill 243, relating to hunting of deer during the open bow hunting season; Assembly Bill 8, relating to municipal quotas for retail intoxicating liquor licenses; Assembly Bill 86, relating to authorizing hunting of certain game with a crossbow by nonresidents who have attained the age of 65 years; Assembly Bill 308, relating to police escorts and vehicle rights-of-way related to escorted vehicles and providing a penalty; and appointments to various boards. During the public hearing the committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 262 relating to an exemption from recording for time-share licenses, and appointments to various boards.

The Senate Committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection held an executive session and public hearing on September 2, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the executive session the committee considered: Senate Bill 190, relating to renewals and extensions of business contracts; Senate Bill 200, relating to products containing mercury and granting rule-making authority; Senate Bill 226, relating to emergency management, succession of public offices, liability and licensure of emergency volunteers, disaster relief, ratification of the pest control compact, transportation and disposal of animal carcasses, the plant industry, computation of school days, variance for hospital requirements, public works mutual assistance, emergencies related to computer or telecommunication systems, and providing penalties; Senate Bill 227, relating to interim successors for legislators, meetings of the legislature and legislative committees, and temporary seat of government for the legislature; Senate Bill 229, relating to regional structural collapse teams and granting rule-making authority; Senate Joint Resolution 39, relating to continuity of government. During the public hearing the committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 120 relating to pleading requirements for assignees of creditors under the Wisconsin Consumer Act, and Senate Bill 242 relating to creating separate regulatory requirements for certain future service contracts.

Continued coverage of the Senate Committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection executive session and public hearing held on September 2, 2009 at the State Capitol.

The Senate Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs held an executive session and public hearing on September 2, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the executive session the committee considered: Appointment of Rosemary Finora of Pewaukee as a member of the Employee Trust Funds Board; Assembly Bill 33 relating to technical changes that affect the public debt amortization fund of a first class city; and Assembly Bill 132 relating to a requirement that an employer grant an unpaid leave of absence to allow an employee to participate in an emergency service operation of the Civil Air Patrol and prohibiting discrimination in employment based on Civil Air Patrol membership. During the public hearing the committee heard testimony on: Assembly Bill 165 relating to expanding the types of property that may be specially assessed by a neighborhood improvement district; Senate Bill 168 relating to supervision of barber or cosmetologist apprentices; and Senate Bill 179 relating to deceptive election practices; voter intimidation, suppression, and protection; granting rule-making authority; and providing penalties.

The Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology, and Financial Institutions held an executive session and public hearing on August 26, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the executive session the committee considered Senate Bill 195 relating to adding a member to the council on veterans programs. During the public hearing the committee heard testimony on Assembly Bill 202 relating to bulk transfers of inventory, and appointments to the Credit Union Review Board, the Banking Review Board, and the Deferred Compensation Board.

The Senate Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development held a public hearing on August 19, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard testimony on: the state’s 2010 plan, goals and objectives to administer the federal Community Services Development Block Grant; Senate Bill 30 relating to underage persons possessing, consuming, or being provided alcohol beverages on licensed premises when accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse; and Senate Bill 257 relating to emergency assistance grants.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held an executive session and public hearing on August 18, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the executive session, the committee considered Senate Bill 40 relating to public financing of campaigns for the office of justice of the supreme court, and Senate Bill 160 relating to increasing the amount of the homestead exemption. During the public hearing, the committee heard testimony on: enate Bill 93, relating to partially exempting an assessor and an assessor's staff from liability for trespassing, creating immunity from civil liability, and changing the notice requirements related to the revaluation of property by an assessor; Senate Bill127, relating to notification to the state and certain public agencies regarding a medical malpractice claim and limits on liability; Senate Bill203, relating to claims for loss of society and companionship in medical malpractice cases; Senate Bill182, relating to statute of limitations for intentional torts.

The Senate Committee on Labor, Elections, and Urban Affairs held a public hearing on August 18, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard testimony on: Senate Bill 11, relating to a requirement that all employers in this state grant a paid leave of absence on Veterans Day to employees who are veterans; Assembly Bill 33, relating to technical changes that affect the public debt amortization fund of a first class city; Assembly Bill 132, relating to a requirement that an employer grant an unpaid leave of absence to allow an employee to participate in an emergency service operation of the Civil Air Patrol and prohibiting discrimination in employment based on Civil Air Patrol membership.

The Senate Committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue held a public hearing on August 18, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard testimony on: Senate Bill 87, relating to increasing the maximum annual loan amount under the property tax deferral loan program of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority; Senate Bill 233, relating to creating an individual income tax checkoff for the Special Olympics Wisconsin, Inc., and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 184, relating to licenses and limited X-ray machine operator permits to engage in the practice of radiography, and creating a radiography examining board; Senate Bill 191, relating to podiatrists; Senate Bill 163, relating to requiring health insurance coverage of colorectal cancer screening; Senate Bill 80, relating to the Volunteer Health Care Provider Program; Senate Bill 198, relating to donating drugs and dispensing donated drugs; Senate Bill 214, relating to a real property tax exemption for snowmobile clubs; Senate Bill 215, relating to a personal property tax exemption for snowmobile clubs.

The Senate Committee on Small Business, Emeregency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection held an executive session and public hearing on August 13, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the executive session, the committee considered Senate Bill 218, relating to penalties and private actions for violations of restrictions on telephone solicitations. During the public hearing, the committee heard testimony on: Senate Bill 200, relating to products containing mercury and granting rule-making authority; Senate Bill 226, relating to emergency management, succession of public offices, liability and licensure of emergency volunteers, disaster relief, ratification of the pest control compact, transportation and disposal of animal carcasses, the plant industry, computation of school days, variance for hospital requirements, public works mutual assistance, emergencies related to computer or telecommunication systems, and providing penalties; Senate Bill 227, relating to interim successors for legislators, meetings of the legislature and legislative committees, and temporary seat of government for the legislature; Senate Bill 229, relating to regional structural collapse teams and granting rule-making authority; Senate Joint Resolution 39, relating to continuity of government (first consideration).

The Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a public hearing on August 13, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard testimony on: Senate Bill 241, relating to modifying the definition of all-terrain vehicle; Senate Bill 243, relating to hunting of deer during the open bow hunting season; Senate Bill 113, relating to the appointment and term of service of the secretary of natural resources and vacancies on the Natural Resources Board.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education held a public hearing on August 11, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard testimony on: Chuck Pruitt and Aaron Wingad to serve as members of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin; Senate Bill 42, relating to a report on food safety programs; Senate Bill 114, relating to the use of pesticides by veterinarians and veterinary technicians; Senate Bill 121, relating to requiring the Center on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to establish a career conversions program; Senate Bill 223, relating to composition of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail held a public hearing and executive session on August 4, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the public hearing the committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 224, relating to notice of proposed vacation of certain highways. During the executive session the committee considered Senate Bill 185, relating to regulation of wind energy systems and granting rule-making authority.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held an informational hearing on July 29, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard testimony from invited speakers on sentencing modifications in the 2009 Budget Act and plans for implementation of sentencing policy.

The Senate Committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection held a public hearing on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard testimony on: Senate Bill 13, relating to refunds of overcharges by commercial mobile radio service providers, actions against commercial mobile radio service providers that fail to make timely refunds, and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 218, relating to penalties and private actions for violations of restrictions on telephone solicitations; Senate Bill 190, relating to renewals and extensions of business contracts.

The Senate Committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection held an executive session on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the State Capitol.

The Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a public hearing and executive session on July 16, 2009. During the public hearing, the committee heard testimony on: Assembly Bill 8, relating to municipal quotas for retail intoxicating liquor licenses; Assembly Bill 83, relating to issuing annual fishing licenses to certain resident disabled veterans; Assembly Bill 86, relating to authorizing hunting of certain game with a crossbow by nonresidents who have attained the age of 65 years; Assembly Bill 308, relating to police escorts and vehicle rights-of-way related to escorted vehicles and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 234, relating to the consumption of alcohol beverages in public places; Clearinghouse Rule 09-015, relating to hunting and trapping regulations, closed areas and game refuges; Clearinghouse Rule 09-031, relating to the administration of the forest crop law and managed forest law. The executive session included discussion of: Assembly Bill 177, relating to operating a motor vehicle while suspended, revoked, or disqualified; Assembly Bill 178, relating to motor vehicle operating privileges, seizures by courts or law enforcement officers of operator's licenses, and reinstatement of canceled identification cards; Senate Bill 38, relating to issuing annual vehicle admission receipts for motor buses for entry to state parks and other vehicle admission areas under the jurisdiction of the Department of Natural Resources; Senate Bill 103, relating to restrictions on the operation of motor vehicles by persons using electronic text messaging devices and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Education held a public hearing and executive session on July 9, 2009. The committee heard testimony on: Senate Bill 41, relating to indoor environmental quality in public and private schools; Senate Bill 135, relating to requiring instruction in public schools on the history of organized labor in America and the collective bargaining process; Assembly Bill 172, relating to requiring instruction in public schools on the history of organized labor in America and the collective bargaining process; Senate Bill 154, relating to school safety plans, pupil records, and school bullying. The executive session featured disscusion of Senate Bill 89, relating to requirements for pupils enrolled in five-year-old kindergarten.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held a public hearing on Senate Bill 66, relating to operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant and providing a penalty, on June 4, 2009.

The committee held an executive session on May 8, 2009, on Senate Bill 181, relating to prohibiting smoking in indoor areas, in sports arenas, in public conveyances, and at certain outdoor locations and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology, and Financial Institutions held an informational hearing on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, on the following: Operational and Financial Assessment of Wisconsin Veterans Homes by Pathways Health Services, Inc. The committee heard testimony from Pathways Health Services, Inc., which was engaged by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct an operational assessment for the purpose of identifying opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations at the King and Union Grove Veterans Homes. The committee also heard testimony from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The committee also held an executive session on Senate Bill 31, relating to the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act, as approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws; Senate Bill 39, relating to cash value of life insurance regarding eligibility for the veterans assistance program; Senate Bill 75, relating to the designation of Korean War Armistice Day; Senate Bill 76, relating to the designation of Vietnam Veterans Day; Senate Bill 106, relating to allowing an individual income tax deduction for certain amounts contributed by a divorced or legally separated parent to his or her child's college savings account or college tuition and expenses program and limiting the deduction that may be claimed by a married person who files separately; Beil, Martin, Of Madison, as a member of the Deferred Compensation Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2009; Drury, Michael Of Merrill, as a member of the Deferred Compensation Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2011; Macareno, Amelia, Of Milwaukee, as a member of the Banking Review Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2013.

The Senate Committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue held a public hearing on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 181, relating to prohibiting smoking in indoor areas, in sports arenas, in public conveyances, and at certain outdoor locations and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a public hearing on Thursday, April 30, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 157, relating to driver education instruction; Senate Bill 158, relating to vehicle stops at railroad crossings; Senate Bill 159, relating to the issuance of motor vehicle operator's licenses and identification cards by the Department of Transportation; Senate Bill 167, relating to the minimum age for hunting and for possessing a firearm, restrictions on hunting and on possessing a firearm while hunting, establishing a hunting mentorship program, and granting rule-making authority. The committee also held an executive session on the following items: Senate Bill 133, relating to operating a motor vehicle while suspended, revoked, or disqualified; Senate Bill 134, relating to motor vehicle operating privileges, seizures by courts or law enforcement officers of operator's licenses, and reinstatement of canceled identification cards; Senate Bill 137, relating to the definitions of motor bicycle and moped; Senate Bill 112, relating to the possession of green skins of fur-bearing animals, the tagging of traps, and the sale, purchase, bartering, and trade of wild animals and their carcasses.

The Senate Committee on Ethics Reform and Government Operations held a public hearing on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, on the following: Senate Joint Resolution 11, relating to veto power of county executive over appropriations; Senate Bill 81, relating to authorizing a city or village to extend the life of a tax incremental district for one year to benefit housing in the city or village; Senate Bill 170, relating to making June 19, Juneteenth Day, a legal holiday.

The Assembly Committee on Children and Families and the Senate Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development held a public hearing and executive session on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, on the following: Assembly Bill 176 and Senate Bill 141, relating to requiring certain vehicles that transport children to and from a child care provider to have child safety alarms installed, granting rule-making authority, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a public hearing on Thursday, April 16, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 112, relating to the possession of green skins of fur-bearing animals, the tagging of traps, and the sale, purchase, bartering, and trade of wild animals and their carcasses; Senate Bill 133, relating to operating a motor vehicle while suspended, revoked, or disqualified; Senate Bill 134, relating to motor vehicle operating privileges, seizures by courts or law enforcement officers of operator's licenses, and reinstatement of canceled identification cards; Senate Bill 137, relating to the definitions of motor bicycle and moped; Senate Bill 139, relating to environmental regulation of mining and notice to transferees of interests in mining sites. The committee also held an executive session on the following: Senate Bill 91, relating to the use of cellular telephones and other devices while operating certain motor vehicles transporting children and providing a penalty; Assembly Bill 43, relating to designating portions of the Totogatic River as a wild river.

The Senate Committee on Public Health, Senior Issues, Long-Term Care, and Job Creation held an informational hearing on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, to hear testimony on how the safe disposal of unused medicine will protect our Great Lakes, drinking water and children.

The Assembly Committee on Fish and Wildlife and the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held an informational hearing on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, on the following: 2008 Deer Season and Herd Management Techniques. The Committee will hear public testimony relating to the past deer season and population management tools used by the Department of Natural Resources.

The Senate Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development held a public hearing on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, on the following: the State Budget Bill and its Impact on Children and Families in Wisconsin. The committee will hear public testimony on specific provisions of the Governor's budget and how they achieve goals in child welfare, foster care, the W-2 program, childcare and child support.

Continued.

The Senate Committee on Environment held a public hearing on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. In part one, the committee met on the following: Senate Bill 126, relating to changes to and extension of the Environmental Results Program, extension of the Environmental Improvement Program and the length of a compliance schedule under that program, and reporting requirements for certain environmental programs; Senate Bill 107, relating to the sale, disposal, collection, and recycling of electronic devices, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing penalties.

The Senate Committee on Environment held a public hearing on Tuesday, April 14, 2009. In part two, the committee continued discussion of SB 107 and discussed Senate Bill 123, relating to regulating the transportation of aquatic plants and aquatic animals, the administration of federal funds for the control and eradication of noxious weeds, the placement of vehicles, seaplanes, watercraft, and other objects in navigable waters, the regulation of noxious weeds by municipalities, the disposal of invasive species, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, and the Assembly Committee on Judiciary and Ethics held a public hearing on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 99 and Assembly Bill 122, relating to appellate time limits and procedure; Senate Bill 98 and Assembly Bill 123, relating to appellate procedure regarding commitments of persons found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and commitments of sexually violent persons; Senate Bill 100 and Assembly Bill 124, relating to appellate procedure; LRB Senate Bill 120 and Assembly Bill 131, relating to pleading requirements for assignees of creditors under the Wisconsin Consumer Act; LRB 2560 and Assembly Bill 189, relating to increasing the amount of the homestead exemption. In additon, Senate Bill 22, relating to reckless homicide of a child by a parent or caregiver and providing a penalty. Senate Bill 22 will be heard immediately following the joint hearing.

The Senate Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs and the Assembly Committee on Labor held a public hearing on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 161 and Assembly Bill 194, relating to administration of certain public assistance programs in Milwaukee County, removing county civil service protections from certain employees, required provisions in certain collective bargaining agreements under the Municipal Employment Relations Act, and making an appropriation.

The Senate Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs held an executive session on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 20, relating to authorizing the circuit court to order a person who engages in discrimination in employment to pay compensatory and punitive damages and a surcharge and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 49, relating to changing the procedures for filling vacant civil service positions in the city of Milwaukee; Senate Bill 67, relating to preparation time as a mandatory subject of collective bargaining; Senate Bill 94, relating to the licensing and regulation of thermal system insulation mechanics; creating a thermal system insulation council; requiring the employment of a state inspector; establishing standards for installing and maintaining thermal system insulation; requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Education held a public hearing on Thursday, April 2, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 89, relating to requirements for pupils enrolled in five-year-old kindergarten; Senate Bill 109, relating to commencement of the school term in public schools.

The Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology, and Financial Institutions held a public hearing on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 31, relating to the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act, as approved by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws; Senate Bill 39, relating to cash value of life insurance regarding eligibility for the veterans assistance program; Senate Bill 75, relating to the designation of Korean War Armistice Day; Senate Bill 76, relating to the designation of Vietnam Veterans Day; Senate Bill 106, relating to allowing an individual income tax deduction for certain amounts contributed by a divorced or legally separated parent to his or her child's college savings account or college tuition and expenses program and limiting the deduction that may be claimed by a married person who files separately; Beil, Martin, of Madison, as a member of the Deferred Compensation Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2009; Drury, Michael, of Merrill, as a member of the Deferred Compensation Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2011; Macareno, Amelia, of Milwaukee, as a member of the Banking Review Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2013.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education held a public hearing and executive session on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. In part one, the committee met on the following appointments: Davis, Danae, of Milwaukee, as a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2011; Drew, John, of Milwaukee, as a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2014; Falbo, Michael, of Franklin, as a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2015; Opgenorth, Kevin, of Platteville, as a member of the Board of Regents, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2010; Walsh, David, of Madison, as a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2015; and Womack, Betty, of Milwaukee, as a member of the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2014.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education held an informational hearing on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. In part two, the committee held an informational hearing on the following: Agricultural Outlook in Wisconsin. Invited speakers include representatives from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, the University of Wisconsin- River Falls, and the Univeristy of Wisconsin- Platteville, and DATCP.

The Senate Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development held a public hearing on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, for the following appointment: Bicha, Reggie, of Eau Claire, as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families, to serve for the term ending at the pleasure of the Governor. The committee also held an executive session on the following: Bicha, Reggie, of Eau Claire, as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families, to serve for the term ending at the pleasure of the Governor; Senate Bill 4, relating to the regulation of traveling sales crews, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and providing penalties.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy, and Rail and the Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities held an informational hearing on Thursday, March 12, 2009, from Two Rivers for the following invited speakers: Public Service Commission (PSC), representative from the PSC will testify to the committees regarding nuclear power in Wisconsin; Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), representative of the NRC will testify regarding nuclear power in the United States; Dr. Patrick Moore, Chairman and Chief Scientist of Greenspirit Strategies, Co-Chair of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition (CASE), and a founding member of Greenpeace; Frank Jablonski, founding partner of the Progressive Law Group, LLC; Charlie Higley, Executive Director of the Citizens Utility Board (CUB); Katie Nekola, Energy Program Director for Clean Wisconsin; Dominion Resources, Kewaunee Power Station, Carlton, WI, representative from Dominion resources will testify regarding their operations in Wisconsin; Forrest Ceel, Assistant Business Manager, President, IBEW Local #2150; Mark Buss, Business Manager, Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 400.

The Senate Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs held a public hearing on Thursday, March 12, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 20, relating to authorizing the circuit court to order a person who engages in discrimination in employment to pay compensatory and punitive damages and a surcharge and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 46, relating to arbitration and fair-share agreements during collective bargaining negotiations under the Municipal Employment Relations Act.

The Assembly Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education held an joint informational hearing on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, for a briefing on the Working Lands Initiative. The Committees heard testimony relating to the Working Lands Initiative including modernization of the Farmland Preservation Program, establishment of Agricultural Enterprise Areas, and development of a Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements program.

Continued.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held a public hearing on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 51, relating to judicial discretion in certain John Doe proceedings and the provision of attorney representation of state employees at John Doe proceedings. The committee also held an executive session on the following: Senate Bill 19, relating to liability of the state for a violation of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, Fair Labor Standards Act, or Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 or of Title I of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and Senate Bill 21, fees charged by notaries public.

The Senate and Assembly Committees on Education held an informational hearing on Thursday, February 12, 2009, on the following: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education. The committee heard testimony from Superintendent Burmaster and others on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM) in Wisconsin. Speakers discussed the impact of STEM initiatives throughout the state.

The Senate Committee on Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development and the Assembly Committee on Children and Families held an informational hearing in Milwaukee on Thursday, February 12, 2009, for a community dialogue on improving the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare. Presenters include Cyrus Behroozi, Director, Division of Safety and Permanence; Mary Pat Skelly Bohn, Director, Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare. Community members were welcomed and encouraged to attend and participate.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing and the Assembly Committee on Corrections and the Courts met on February 10, 2009, in the Supreme Court Hearing Room to discuss various matters affecting the judiciary and justice system with the Supreme Court Justices.

The Senate Committee on Public Health, Senior Issues, Long-Term Care, and Job Creation held a public hearing on Monday, February 9, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 16, relating to permitting a mother to breast-feed in any public or private location where she is otherwise authorized to be; Senate Bill 3, relating to health insurance coverage of treatment for autism spectrum disorders.

The Senate Committee on Organization met on February 5, 2009, to schedule the Senate calendar for the Tuesday, February 10th floor session.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held a public hearing on Thursday, February 5, 2009, on the following: Senate Joint Resolution 6, relating to opposing a federal mandate requiring the suspension or revocation of driver's licenses in all circumstances in which a person has been convicted of a drug or other controlled substances violation and exercising the state's option to opt out of this federal mandate; Senate Bill 36, relating to motor vehicle operating privilege suspensions for controlled substance violations; Senate Bill 37, relating to payment of judgments in traffic courts and municipal courts by installments and the suspension of operating privileges; Senate Bill 21, relating to fees charged by notaries public; Senate Bill 14, relating to the definition of sexual intercourse for the crime of incest; Senate Bill 9, relating to a tort action for intentional misrepresentation in a residential real estate transaction. The committee also confirmed numerous appointments.

The Senate Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development and the Assembly Committee on Children and Families held a joint informational hearing on Wednesday, February 4, 2009, on "The State of Wisconsin Children and Families: Needs and Challenges During the Economic Crisis." The Committee heard testimony from Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake and Department of Children and Families Secretary Reggie Bicha, discussing the economic and social consequences of the recession on children and families. Both Secretaries also discussed the impact of unemployment on family needs, social services and health care needs, as well as the subsequent demands on agency budgets. They will also provide a general summary of the potential impact of the proposed Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on programs in their agencies. The Committee also heard testimony from invited panelists representing tribal and local service agencies discussing the demand on increased services for children and families. Other invited panelists provided examples of critical social and human services challenges on the social safety net. Several issues were highlighted during the course of the hearing: Hunger and Food Stamps-How are increased demands on food shelves and food assistance programs impacting the ability to feed low income families? Housing and Homeless Issues-How have increased home foreclosures impacted housing needs and homelessness? Health Care-What effect has unemployment had on emergency room utilization by the uninsured population? Child Care-What barriers do eligibility for assistance place on parents ability to work and receive quality child care? Foster Care-How has the shortage of foster care providers affected children in out of home care? Child Welfare-In what ways has the economic downturn driven parental stress and increased demand for protective services? W2 Program-What difficulties does the job market present to putting W2 participants to work?

The Senate Committee on Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs held a public hearing and executive session on Thursday, January 29, 2009, on the following: Sweeney, Timothy of Green Lake, as a member of the Auctioneer Board, to serve for the term ending May 1, 2012; Senate Bill 1, relating to a state minimum wage, permitting the enactment of local living wage ordinances, and granting rule-making authority; and Senate Bill 2, relating to the filing of a wage claim or the bringing of a wage claim action by a collective bargaining representative on behalf of an employee and the priority of a wage claim lien over a prior lien of a commercial lending institution and over the rights of a purchaser of any property of the employer.

The Senate Committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue held a public hearing on Thursday, January 29, 2009, on the following: Ruiz, Laura of Milwaukee, as a member of the Barbering and Cosmetology Examining Board, to serve for the term ending July 1, 2011; LeGrand, Roger of La Crosse, as a member of the Tax Appeals Commission, to serve for the term ending March 1, 2009; McAdams, Thomas of Greendale, as a member of the Tax Appeals Commission, to serve for the term ending March 1, 2013; and Senate Bill 7, relating to the filing of certain forms related to tax incremental financing district number ten in the city of Chippewa Falls. The committee also held an executive session on Senate Bill 7 and to consider numerous appointments.

The Senate Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, Biotechnology, and Financial Institutions held an informational hearing on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, to discuss the safety and soundness of Wisconsin's financial institutions.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy and Rail held a public hearing and executive session to confirm Richard Leinenkugel as Secretary of the Department of Commerce. Secretary Leinenkugel gave testimony, where shortly after he was unanimously confirmed in executive session. The committee met on January 27, 2009.

The Senate Committee on Economic Development held an informational hearing on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, on the following: Wisconsin Economic Forecast, a forecast of economic conditions in Wisconsin through 2010 and their impact on economic development in the state; Matching Displaced Workers with High-Demand Occupations, efforts by the state to identify occupations in need of employees and to prepare displaced workers to enter those occupations; Impact of Federal Stimulus Bill, discussion of the potential impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Committee on Senate Organization held an executive session on Monday, January 26, 2009, to schedule the Senate Calendar for Wednesday, January 28, 2009, and to take up any other matters which may come before the committee at that time.