Notes from the West Wing
By
State Representative Garey Bies
Legislation Update
The new session has just finished its second month, so I thought for this edition of Notes from the West Wing, I would provide just a sampling of the legislative proposals I am working on. This column lacks the space to go into detail on everything, but below are some highlights of what I thought the residents of the First Assembly District might find interesting.
The first proposal I’d like to mention today is in the area of campaign finance reform. I first introduced this legislation at the end of last session and it was passed by the Assembly on a vote of 96-1, but due to lack of time, was not taken up by the Senate. The proposal would increase the number of required finance reports that must be filed by candidates for partisan office. This proposal would allow for better tracking of campaign funds and where those funds are coming from.
I am also introducing legislation that would create a Stewardship Trust Fund. This legislation would allow for private donations to the Stewardship Fund. This bill would not replace any existing funding but provide for an additional source of funding for the Stewardship Fund. In addition, because the Stewardship Fund is a state program, any donations would be tax deductible.
Another proposal I have this session would provide a gas tax exemption for school districts. School districts do currently have tax-exempt status, but this exemption does not apply to taxes on motor vehicle fuel. This exemption, if passed would provide a cost reduction to our school districts and will help them in their difficult task of controlling costs.
The issue of wetland identification is another area where I will be introducing some legislation. My goal with this proposal is to prevent an individual from inadvertently building in a wetland. The proposal will provide for a process at the permit application point that will inform landowners that wetlands may be present on their property and that confirmation one way or the other should be done prior to construction.
Another environmental conservation piece I am working on stems from conversations with the Door County Soil & Water Conservation Department and relates to establishing a prohibition on the use of phosphorous in fertilizer. Excess phosphorous in our state’s waters is a major contributor to excess nutrients which leads to unwanted algae blooms and weeds. This proposal aims to assist in the effort to improve the condition of our state’s waters.
After a 30 year career in the Door County Sheriff’s Department, I am also interested in issues of highways safety, including drunken driving and the terrible consequences that result. I have two proposals I am working on in the area of drunken driving. First, I am working on legislation that would require ignition interlock devices for individuals convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. The intent here is to keep drunken drivers off our roads. The tragic stories of a fatal accident involving an individual who ultimately is charged with their 5th, or 6th, or 7th DUI are sad events that I want to prevent.
Also in this area, I am introducing legislation, at the request of area residents, to address a gap in the statutes that pertain to underage drinkers. Under current law, if someone under the age of 18 is knowingly served alcohol and suffers great bodily injury or death as a result of that consumption, the provider is guilty of a Class H or Class G felony respectively. No such protections exist for those 18, 19, or 20 years old. The legislation I’ve drafted extends the same protections that exist for those under 18 to those between the ages of 18 and 20.
Lastly, over the last few months I have served as Co-Chair for the Joint Legislative Council Study Committee on the Placement of Sex Offenders. As a result of some of the discussions undertaken by this committee, I am looking to develop legislation that will provide state-wide guidelines regarding where sex offenders can be placed in relation to areas where children congregate, such as schools and daycare facilities. This legislation is still fairly early in its development and I will talk more about it in the future as my work on the issue continues.
As I said before, this is only a sampling of legislation I am authoring this session. If you would like more information about what I have listed here or other issues I may be working on, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached by e-mail at Rep.Bies@legis.wisconsin.gov or by telephone, toll-free at 1-888-482-0001. I’m also on the web at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/assembly/asm01/news/.