Kara Sears
In the state of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Legislature, consisting of the Wisconsin Assembly and the Wisconsin Senate, is responsible for passing laws. The Assembly has 99 members, while the Senate has 33, and members of each chamber serve two-year and four-year terms, respectively, with no term limits. A bill can be introduced in either chamber, and if passed by both, it goes to the Governor for review. The Governor can sign the bill into law or take no action, in which case it usually becomes law. However, if the Governor vetoes the bill, it returns to the legislature, which can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber. Wisconsin has a range of laws covering various topics, including gun control, marijuana, and traffic regulations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who passes laws in Wisconsin | Wisconsin State Legislature |
| Number of members in the Assembly | 99 |
| Number of members in the Senate | 33 |
| Term length for members of the Assembly | 2 years |
| Term length for members of the Senate | 4 years |
| Committee's role | Determine whether a bill should move forward and propose amendments |
| Governor's role | Review and sign the bill into law or veto it |
| Veto override | Requires a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber of the legislature |
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What You'll Learn
The Wisconsin State Legislature
The process of passing a bill into law in Wisconsin is as follows: a legislator proposes a bill, which is then drafted by a lawyer to identify the necessary legal changes. The bill is then introduced in either the Assembly or the Senate, where it undergoes its first reading. Legislators from the same house can sign on as co-authors, while members of the opposite house can sign on as co-sponsors.
After the first reading, the bill is referred to one or more standing committees, which determine whether the bill should advance and can propose amendments. These committees often hold public hearings and may request input from experts and the general public. Bills involving state expenditures or tax increases are also reviewed by the Joint Committee on Finance, which includes both representatives and senators.
If a bill passes through the committee phase, it returns to the original chamber for its second reading. Legislators then vote on any amendments, and may propose additional ones. After the second reading, the bill is read a third time, and legislators vote on the completed bill with any amendments. If it passes, the bill goes to the other house, where it undergoes the same process. If amendments are made, the bill returns to the first house for approval.
When a bill passes both houses, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law or choose to take no action, in which case the bill usually becomes law. The governor may also veto the bill, returning it to the legislature. The legislature can override the governor's veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber.
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The Wisconsin Assembly
The Wisconsin State Assembly, along with the Wisconsin State Senate, forms the legislative branch of the Wisconsin state government. The Assembly is the lower house of the Wisconsin Legislature, with the Senate being the upper house. The Assembly is currently controlled by the Republican Party, as it has been for 28 of the past 30 years.
The Assembly contains 99 members, elected from 99 Assembly districts apportioned among the state based on population as determined by the decennial census. Assembly members serve two-year terms and are elected during the fall elections. In the case of a vacancy, a special election may be held to fill the position. The Speaker of the Assembly is elected by its members and is responsible for appointing members to legislative committees, authenticating acts, orders, and proceedings of the Assembly, and supervising all other officers of the Assembly.
Representatives in the Assembly are allowed to claim a per diem for travel expenses, with the maximum rate set at 90% of the U.S. General Services Administration rate. Each representative is allotted $12,000 over two years to cover general office expenses, printing, postage, and district mailings.
The Wisconsin State Assembly has legislative authority and responsibilities, including passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override vetoes from the Governor of Wisconsin. A bill can be introduced in either the Assembly or the Senate, and if it passes in both chambers, it is sent to the Governor for review. The Governor may sign the bill into law or take no action, in which case the bill usually becomes law. If the Governor vetoes the bill, it returns to the legislature, which can vote to override the veto with a two-thirds majority in each chamber.
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The Wisconsin Senate
The Wisconsin State Legislature, consisting of the Wisconsin Assembly and the Wisconsin Senate, is responsible for passing laws in the state. The Wisconsin Senate, similar to the U.S. Senate, has the responsibility of reviewing and voting on all legislation passed through the legislature. It also has the exclusive duty of confirming certain gubernatorial appointments, such as cabinet secretaries and members of boards and commissions.
The legislative process in Wisconsin begins with the introduction of a proposed law, known as a bill, in either the Assembly or the Senate. The bill is then referred to one or more standing committees, which can suggest amendments and determine whether the bill should advance. If a bill passes the committee phase, it returns to the chamber of its introduction, where it is discussed and any amendments are considered. If the bill passes in this chamber, it moves to the other chamber of the legislature for approval.
Once a bill passes both chambers, it goes to the Governor of Wisconsin for review. The Governor can sign the bill into law or choose not to take action, in which case the bill typically becomes law. However, if the Governor vetoes the bill, it returns to the legislature. The legislature has the power to override the Governor's veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber, turning the bill into law.
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The Governor of Wisconsin
In the state of Wisconsin, the governor wields significant power and plays a crucial role in the legislative process. While the Wisconsin State Legislature, composed of the Assembly and the Senate, is responsible for proposing and passing bills, the governor has the authority to review and sign these bills into law. The current governor of Wisconsin is Tony Evers, who assumed office in 2019.
Governor Evers, a Democrat, has been noted for his extensive use of the governor's veto power, which is considered stronger in Wisconsin than in other U.S. states. He has used this power to shape legislation, particularly in opposition to the agenda of the Republican-controlled legislature. Evers has vetoed bills pertaining to a diverse range of topics, including election procedures, government powers during a pandemic, education, federal aid, redistricting, guns, police and crime, abortion, and social welfare programs. His frequent use of the veto has led to him rewriting Republican-authored bills.
Prior to becoming governor, Tony Evers had a long career in public education. He served as the Wisconsin State Superintendent of Public Instruction, winning statewide elections in 2009, 2013, and 2017. Evers also worked as a science teacher in Baraboo and served families, students, and communities across Wisconsin. His extensive experience in education influenced his gubernatorial agenda, with a focus on investing in the state's public education system.
Governor Evers has also pursued a diverse range of policies during his tenure. He has supported farmers and small businesses, signed one of the largest tax cuts in state history, advocated for access to clean and safe drinking water, worked to reduce the stigma surrounding mental and behavioral health, and expanded access to affordable healthcare, housing, and childcare. Additionally, he has prepared the state for the 21st century by expanding high-speed, affordable internet and improving roads and infrastructure.
In summary, the governor of Wisconsin, currently Tony Evers, plays a pivotal role in shaping the state's laws and policies. Governor Evers, in particular, has been notable for his active use of the veto power, impacting a wide range of legislative issues and solidifying his influence on the state's governance.
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Legislative committees
In Wisconsin, laws are passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature, which is made up of the Wisconsin Assembly and the Wisconsin Senate. The Assembly has 99 members, while the Senate has 33. The members of the Assembly serve two-year terms, and the members of the Senate serve four-year terms. There are no term limits for either chamber.
A proposed law, or bill, can be introduced in either the Assembly or the Senate. After its introduction, it is referred to one or more standing committees. These committees play a crucial role in shaping legislation in Wisconsin. They determine whether a bill should advance and can propose amendments to it. Wisconsin has a substantial number of committees: the Senate has 32, and the Assembly has 45. There are also 10 joint committees of the Wisconsin State Legislature.
If a bill passes the committee phase, it returns to the chamber where it originated. The members of this chamber will discuss the bill and consider any amendments suggested by a committee or by members of the chamber. If the bill passes this chamber, it goes to the other chamber, where the process is repeated. If the bill passes both chambers, it goes to the Governor of Wisconsin for review.
The Governor has the power to sign the bill into law or choose not to take action, in which case the bill usually becomes law. However, if the Governor vetoes the bill, it returns to the legislature. The legislature can override the Governor's veto with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber, and the bill will become law.
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Frequently asked questions
The Wisconsin State Legislature, which consists of the Wisconsin Assembly and the Wisconsin Senate.
99 members.
Members of the Assembly serve two-year terms.
33 members.
Members of the Senate serve four-year terms.
