Legislative Issues
AGC of Wisconsin is the voice of our members in Madison and Washington. AGC helps members stay informed about proposed law changes on the state and federal level that affect your business.
AGC Legislative Action Website: Visit the AGC of Wisconsin Legislative Action Website to learn more about the hot issues, find your legislator, and how to take action!
AGC of Wisconsin Priority Issues for 2007-2008 Legislative Session
| Bill # and Title Key Sponsors |
Description | AGC Position | Status/Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career Academy Grants SB 40 - Budget Bill Rep. Kerkman Rep. Vos |
Create a $250,000 grant program in the Budget Bill for the support and expansion of Construction Career Academies. | Support | Approved by legislature and signed by Governor! |
| State Capital Budget SB 40 - Budget Bill Gov. Doyle |
The legislature approved $1.18 billion of the $1.3 billion Capitol Budget recommended by the State Building Commission. | Support | Approved by legislature and signed by Governor! |
| Contractor Registration (SB-228/ AB-466) Sen. Wirch Rep. Kaufert |
Require all contractors to register with the State. Introduced by Carpenters union to prevent abuse of “independent contractor” status of workers. | Monitor | Passed State Senate on a 28-4 vote. In Assembly Housing Committee. |
| Elevator Licensing (AB-358) Sen. Plale Rep. Kleefisch |
Exempts construction hoists and residential stairway lifts that were included in last year's elevator contractor licensing bill. | Support | Administrative Rules Change has corrected the problems. |
| Electrical Licensing (AB-294) Rep. Ott Sen. Decker |
License all contractors and electricians statewide. AGC concern w/utility worker exemption has been addressed with amendment. | Monitor | No opposition to legislation, should be adopted in 2008. |
| Heat/Frost Insl. & Firestop Licensing (SB-194) Rep. Newcomer Sen. Coggs |
License all Contractors and Mechanics who install Heat and Frost Insulation and Firestopping. | Oppose | Several groups objected at hearing, will have a problem passing. |
| Uniform Commercial Building Code (SB-266) Sen. Plale Rep. Moulton |
Make the Commercial Building Code uniform Statewide without local code amendments. | Support | Strong support at October hearing, bill gaining momentum. |
| Qualifications Based Selection (AB-553) Rep. Gottlieb Sen. Plale |
Require local governments and schools to use a qualifications based selection process for designers. Prohibits the use of fees in scoring. | Monitor | To Housing Committee. No hearing or action yet. |
| Illegal Immigrants (AB-101) Rep. Schneider Sen. Leibham |
Contractors that hire illegal aliens would be ineligible for government construction contracts for seven years and is subject to a $10,000 fine for each illegal alien the company hires. | Oppose | Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee. No hearing or action yet. |
| Local Bid Opening (AB-444) Rep. Hubler |
Require State of Wis. Construction project bids to be opened within 20 miles of job. | Monitor | Referred to State Affairs Committee. |
| Internet Bid Notices (SB-203) Sen. Roessler |
Authorizes local governments to solicit bids for certain contracts by using the Internet. | Monitor | To Ethics Reform and Government Operations. |
| Affirmative Action Sen. Grothman |
Reform Wisconsin affirmative action rules. Legislative Council Study Committee | Monitor | Most recommendations rejected by Leg. Council. |
| Definition of Employee for Workers Comp. | Would provide Workers Comp protection from lawsuits for prime contractors if the employee of a subcontractor is injured. | Support | Dropped from WC package. Likely dead this year. |
Links
Lobbying Reports: Check out the Wisconsin Ethics Board excellent website to find out who is lobbying on issues that are important to you.
Lobbying Activities of Construction Related Organizations
AGC of America Legislative Links
AGC Political Action Committee (PAC)
Legislative Action Center
Current Legislative Priorities
Legislative Policy Papers (pdf 396kb)