Here’s What The Senate Is (And Isn’t) Expected To Take Up On Tuesday

The Senate will return to Madison on Tuesday for its final votes of the year. Lawmakers are scheduled to take up more than 80 bills, including plans to allow online voter registration and amnesty from underage drinking tickets for victims of sexual assault. With few exceptions, these bills would head to Gov. Scott Walker’s desk if they get approval.

There are also some major bills that aren’t on the calendar, meaning they’re likely dead this legislative session.

Here’s a rundown of the significant bills on Tuesday’s agenda — as well as some of the notable omissions.

High-capacity wells

The proposal would loosen regulations on high-capacity wells, which are used by agricultural businesses and can pump up to 100,000 gallons of water per day. Following a committee vote Monday, the Senate’s version of the bill is different from the Assembly’s, meaning the Assembly would have to return to Madison to approve the changes before any proposal could make its way to Walker’s desk. Both the Senate and Assembly versions are on Tuesday’s calendar.

Online voter registration

Under the plan, any eligible voter with a state-issued driver’s license or ID card could register online to vote, starting in the spring 2017 primary election. The bill has gotten heat from opponents because it also eliminates officials called special registration deputies. That change, opponents say, would effectively end voter registration drives in Wisconsin.

School revenue limits

The bill would change how schools use property tax increases to offset cuts caused by the state’s expanded school voucher system. The bill has been significantly changed since it was introduced — an earlier version concerned school administrators, who said it would cost them millions.

Opioid package

A package of four bills sponsored by Marinette Republican Rep. John Nygren would fund treatment and diversion programs, create criminal penalties for using certain masking agents during drug testing, and change regulation of some opioid treatment programs.

Barring plastic bag bans

Under this plan, local governments would be disallowed from banning certain containers, including plastic bags. Proponents of the bill say such bans — which dozens of communities across the U.S. have implemented for environmental reasons — result in increased costs that eventually are passed on to consumers.

(Most of) Walker’s college affordability package

Four bills in Walker’s college affordability package are up for votes. The bills scheduled for votes on Tuesday include funding for need-based and emergency grants for technical college students, hiring internship coordinators and requiring schools to update students on annual debt balances.

Underage drinking amnesty

Under the bill, victims of sexual assault couldn’t be ticketed for underage drinking. It would also let bystanders who help an assault victim get an exemption from a citation. Proponents hope the plan will remove a major barrier to reporting sexual assaults.

Ignition Interlocks

The proposal would allow individuals convicted of drunken driving to forgo having an ignition interlock device installed in their car, if they agree to participate in a 24/7 sobriety program. Advocates say they expect the measure could boost participation in such programs.

Alzheimer’s/dementia package

Only three of several bills passed by the Assembly last month to address Alzheimer’s and dementia care in Wisconsin are scheduled for Senate votes. The bills would require the Department of Health Services to draft a proposal for a dementia crisis unit pilot program, provide a $1 million funding increase for the Alzheimer’s Family and Caregiver Support Program and require the Department of Health Services to award $250,000 grants to counties for training mobile crisis teams.

Walker college affordability tax deduction

The plan, which is estimated to cost about $5 million, would lift the state’s $2,500 cap on student loan interest deductions. Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald told a Madison TV station on Friday the bill’s cost might cause it to be passed over for a vote.

Harsher penalties for unemployment insurance fraud

Under the bill, people who are convicted of unemployment insurance fraud would face penalties ranging from a fine to imprisonment and a felony.

“Right to rent”

The bill would limit local governments’ ability to regulate vacation rentals, like those operated through websites like Airbnb or Vacation Rental By Owner.

Administrative rules changes

The proposal, which has been championed by Walker, would change how state agencies write administrative rules, which have the force of law. Rules that with a projected cost of at least $10 million would be subject to different procedures.

Sanctuary cities

The bill would withhold funding from so-called “sanctuary cities” for undocumented immigrants. Thousands came to the Capitol in February to protest the bill.

Wrongful convictions

Under the proposal, the state would pay more to individuals who were wrongfully convicted of crimes.