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Capitol Update

May 10, 2018Like us on Facebook
Contents Include:
1. New Mandatory Reporting for Threats of School Violence
2. Application Period for Child Sales Tax Rebate
3. Wisconsin Institute Sales Tax Holiday
 
New Mandatory Reporting for Threats of School Violence
2017 Wisconsin Act 143 requires reporting of school violence threats by certain individuals, including teachers, school administrators, school counselors, other school employees, clergy, physicians, medical and mental health professionals, and others.
 
Specifically, individuals must report if they believe in good faith, and based on a threat made by an individual regarding violence in or targeted at a school, that there is a serious and imminent threat to the health and safety of a student, school employee, or the public. The requirement is triggered when dealing with individuals seen in the course of professional duties. The mandatory reporter must immediately inform a law enforcement agency of the facts and circumstances contributing to the belief that there is a serious and imminent threat.
 
The Act provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for any person or institution making a report in good faith, as well as immunity for health care providers who do not report based on their good-faith belief and professional judgment that a report is not required. Act 143 also creates an exemption from mandatory reporting for members of the clergy that applies to information obtained under the seal of the confessional.
 
An intentional violation of the reporting requirement is an unclassified misdemeanor, subject to a fine of $1,000 or less, imprisonment of six months or less, or both. Implementation of this requirement is still in development and the WCC will provide further updates as information becomes available.
 
Application Period for Child Sales Tax Rebate
Under 2017 Wisconsin Act 367, households will receive a $100 rebate for Wisconsin sales and use tax paid on purchases made for raising a qualified child in 2017. Eligible individuals can apply for the rebate beginning May 15 through July 2, 2018, if they have a dependent child who was under the age of 18 on December 31, 2017. For further details please refer to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) website at https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/FAQS/ise-ChildTaxRebate.aspx.

Wisconsin Institutes Sales Tax Holiday
Also as a result of 2017 Wisconsin Act 367 , Wisconsin will recognize a Sales Tax Holiday beginning on August 1 through August 5, 2018. During the holiday, identified items will be temporarily exempt from Wisconsin sales and use tax. For more detailed information, please refer to the Wisconsin DOR website at https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Individuals/SalesTaxHoliday.aspx.
Websites of Interest
WisconsinEye - Independent, nonpartisan news service that provides uncut video coverage of state government proceedings, as well as interviews with lawmakers and policy experts.
 
To find out who your legislators are, go to the Wisconsin State Legislature's home page  and type your address in the top right hand corner under "Find My Legislators."

Capitol Update is a periodic e-mail on legislative issues from the Wisconsin Catholic Conference.
 
Wisconsin Catholic Conference
131 W. Wilson St., Suite 1105
Madison, WI 53703
608/257-0004