Amish families in Wisconsin would be exempt from portions of the Uniform Dwelling Code under a provision in the state budget added by the Legislature’s budget committee.
The budget amendment was drafted by Republican Rep. Kathy Bernier and added to the budget by Republican Joint Finance Committee member Rep. Dean Knudson. It would exempt Amish families from requirements to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in homes they build. It would also ease plumbing regulations for the families.
Bernier said getting the exemptions in the budget is a win for religious liberty.
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“The Amish in particular believe that their home is their temple as well, and they don’t believe in modern amenities, whether it be electrical or plumbing requirements, in their homes,” said Bernier.
Six Amish families have been brought to court in Eau Claire County for not installing smoke detectors. One family faces $42,000 in fines and eviction.
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