WISCONSIN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
Capitol Update
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Contents
1. WCC Opposes Alkaline-Hydrolysis Cremation
2. Governor Signs Holocaust and Genocide Education
3. WCC Supports Expungement Reform
4. WCC Supports Greater Use-of-Force Transparency
5. WCC Supports Removing Administrative Barriers to Marriage
6. New Bills of Interest
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WCC Opposes Alkaline-Hydrolysis Cremation
On April 27, the WCC testified in opposition to SB-228 (Testin, Patrick), which would permit the dissolution of a deceased person in a container filled with hot water and chemicals that break down all portions of the body except for bone. The resulting liquid is typically disposed of through the wastewater system and the bones can be pulverized. Because SB-228 fails to demonstrate appropriate respect for human remains and instead treats them as waste, Catholics and others of good will are urged to contact their Senators and ask that the bill not be advanced on the floor of the Senate today.
Governor Signs Holocaust and Genocide Education
On April 28, Governor Evers signed SB-069 (Darling, Alberta) as 2021 Wisconsin Act 30. The new law requires instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides in social studies curricula. The WCC provided written testimony in support.
WCC Supports Expungement Reform
On May 6, the WCC testified in support of SB-078 (Darling, Alberta), which would give more individuals the opportunity to have their criminal records expunged. Currently, Wisconsin is one of a few states that limits requests to expunge a criminal conviction to those aged 25 or younger and requires that such requests be made at the time of sentencing. The committee took no further action.
WCC Supports Greater Use-of-Force Transparency
The WCC has registered in support of two bills, SB-122 and SB-123 (both authored by Wanggaard, Van), which would provide greater transparency regarding law enforcement policies on the use of force. SB-122 requires a law enforcement agency to post its use-of-force policy on its website, including how to obtain a free copy. SB-123 requires the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to collect data and publish an annual report on law enforcement use-of-force incidents, including when there has been a shooting or a firearm discharged towards a person (even if there was no injury), and where other serious bodily harm resulted. The bill also requires the DOJ to collect certain demographic information about each incident and report it annually on its website.
WCC Supports Removing Administrative Barriers to Marriage
The WCC has registered in support of SB-293 (Kooyenga, Dale) and AB-270 (Wittke, Robert), which would remove certain county residency requirements and allow a marriage license to apply to a ceremony performed in any Wisconsin county, not just the one in which it is issued. The bill also specifies that if, in lieu of a birth record, an applicant presents a passport, license, an identification card that complies with the federal Real ID Act of 2005, a permanent resident card, or a naturalization paper, the clerk must consider such documentation to be satisfactory documentary proof of identification.
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New Bills of Interest
SB-326 Conversion Therapy (Carpenter, Tim) Prohibiting conversion therapy. Referred to Senate Human Services, Children & Families / AB-312 (Snodgrass, Lee) Referred to Assembly Mental Health
SB-332 Minor Employment (Felzkowski, Mary) The employment of minors. Referred to Senate Labor & Regulatory Reform
SB-333 Parenting Classes (Jacque, Andre) Mandatory parenting classes. Referred to Senate Judiciary & Public Safety
AB-295 Pharmacies (Murphy, Dave) Licensing and regulation of pharmacies and remote dispensing sites under the pharmacy practice law, the practice of pharmacy, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, and granting rule-making authority. Referred to Assembly Health
AB-296 Telehealth (Loudenbeck, Amy) Funding for free and charitable clinics and defining telehealth. Referred to Assembly Health
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Websites of Interest
Wisconsin Eye – Independent, nonpartisan video coverage of state government proceedings.
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Capitol Update is a periodic e-mail on legislative issues from the Wisconsin Catholic Conference.
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Wisconsin Catholic Conference
© 2021
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