Wisconsin today became the 28th state to call for a constitutional convention to propose a balanced budget amendment, leaving the push six short of the states needed to open up the process of changing the U.S. Constitution. The resolutions and bill calling for the convention and laying out rules for

Losing candidates would face a higher bar to seek a recount under legislation the Senate approved today that would have prevented Green Party presidential contender Jill Stein from forcing one in 2016. Currently, any candidates can petition for a recount regardless of how much they trail the winner. Stein finished

The Senate unanimously approved legislation today that would open the door to Wisconsin farmers again growing industrial hemp. SB 119 would require the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to issue licenses to allow the growing and processing of industrial hemp. Those applying for a permit would have to

The state Senate approved five bills today that backers said would help crack down on violent offenders and protect those who have been victimized by criminals undeterred by past punishments. Sen. Leah Vukmir, R-Wauwatosa and sponsor of the bills approved today, said there has been decreased accountability in the criminal

Both houses of the Legislature this afternoon OK’d two bills that backers say look to protect personal property rights and reduce regulatory burdens surrounding owning a home. The legislation, dubbed the “Homeowners’ Bill of Rights,” passed on separate voice votes in the Assembly. One bill cleared the Senate on a

Shortly after gaveling in this afternoon, the Assembly signed off on a FoodShare bill that looks to promote healthy eating. The bill, which has gained bipartisan cosponsors, passed on a 92-1 vote, with only Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton, voting against it. The legislation would create a healthy eating incentive pilot

The state Senate voted 29-4 Tuesday to enshrine in the Wisconsin Constitution additional rights for crime victims such as being treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, sensitivity and fairness in criminal proceedings and to have “reasonable protections” from the accused during proceedings. Backers argued it would ensure victims have rights that

The state Senate voted 22-11 to confirm Dave Ross as Transportation secretary with Dems using the vote to knock the guv’s approach to transportation. Gov. Scott Walker refused to consider a gas tax hike or registration fee increase to fund roads in the 2017-19 budget, and Dems complained that stance

The GOP sulfide mining bill is expected to see at least one amendment when it’s taken up on the Assembly floor later today. Bill managers say the changes are expected to shore up Republican Senate support for the bill following co-author Sen. Tom Tiffany telling WisPolitics.com earlier this week he

The Assembly this afternoon OK’d a bill that would prohibit the Group Insurance Board from providing abortions for public employees or contracting to do. The bill, which cleared the chamber on a 61-35 party-line vote, passed over Dem objections that the legislation was anti-women and would limit access to women’s

The Assembly kicked off its floor session this afternoon with a moment of silence to honor Rep. Bob Gannon, R-West Bend, who passed away last month. The chamber then took up resolutions honoring former Department of Health Services Secretary and state Rep. Kitty Rhoades, who died in June of last

The Senate unanimously approved legislation that would allow utilities to provide homeowners financial assistance to replace service lines containing lead. The bill also would allow the utilities to increase rates to cover the cost of the program. GOP Sen. Rob Cowles, who co-authored the bill, said lead in drinking water

The state Senate kicked off today’s floor period by approving 31 appointments, including JFC Co-chair Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, and former GOP state Rep. Rob Kreibich, of New Richmond, to the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program Board for terms through 2021. All of the appointments but one were unanimous, though

State Rep. Bob Gannon passed away last night, according to Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke. Gannon was 58. Steineke said Gannon, R-West Bend, died from natural causes. “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and colleague, Representative Bob Gannon,” Steineke said. “During his time in

State Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa has decided against challenging Rep. Dianne Hesselbein for Assembly assistant minority leader. Zamarripa, D-Milwaukee, declined comment to WisPolitics.com on why she decided to drop her bid for the Assembly Dems’ No. 2 leadership post. The caucus was meeting Tuesday afternoon to elect a new minority leader