Contact: Rep. Rob Summerfield, (608) 266-1194
Introduces & Passes Legislation to Maintain Status Quo
Madison…Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly voted to pass Assembly Bill 194, legislation introduced by Rep. Rob Summerfield (R-Bloomer). The bill would create an exemption for large music festivals under Wisconsin Chapter 125, so they may continue to operate the way they have for decades.
“When I found out that these music festivals were technically illegal, I was shocked. There are many large music festivals that are held in the Chippewa Valley alone, and I know how important they and many others are to tourism, the economy, and individuals throughout the state,” said Summerfield. “I knew there was something that had to be done to fix this problem in a very short amount of time, so we [the Assembly] did it.”
Although AB 194 has cleared the Assembly with bipartisan support, it must now go to a vote on the Senate floor. Senate Bill 153, the companion bill to AB 194, passed through its committee on April 12th.
“I’m hopeful that, given the popularity of these festivals and the simplicity of this fix, the Senate will also realize how important this legislation is and vote to pass it soon. The economy of Wisconsin depends on it.”
Music festival season in Wisconsin is set to begin this month.
The 67th Assembly District includes portions of Dunn and Chippewa counties.