OPA gets last-minute bill through Legislature before State Assembly adjourns

One of OPA’s clients wanted a fix to state law following an inadvertent statutory change that was part of an omnibus bill passed and signed into law last year. OPA took the proposed change to the state senator who authored the omnibus bill. The senator and her staff agreed that the change made sense, and, even though the clock was ticking towards the end of the regular legislative session, the bill was introduced and referred to committees in both legislative houses.

Public hearings were called, and Jack O’Meara testified at both meetings. The bills were passed out of the committees on unanimous votes. The bill passed the State Senate on a voice vote.

It was not at all certain that the bill would make it across the finish line in the State Assembly. Will Franken and O’Meara talked with legislative offices, including the majority leader’s office and the minority leader’s office. They addressed any concerns that were raised and the bill passed the State Assembly on Friday, February 20, on a voice vote, the last day the Assembly was in regular session.

The bill is now ready to be sent to Governor Evers for his consideration. OPA will be communicating with the Governor, encouraging him to sign the bill.