Bipartisan Bills were in the Governor’s Special Session Call
Madison—Today Governor Walker signed Assembly Bill (AB) 64, AB 248, AB 252, AB 253, AB 254. AB 267, Senate Bill (SB) 215, SB 222 and SB 223 at the first ever Governor’s Freight Summit. The bills were included in the Governor’s Back to Work Wisconsin Special Session and received bipartisan support.
“Making it easier to transport products will lower the cost of doing business in Wisconsin and make it easier for those in the private sector to create more jobs,” said Governor Walker. “The bipartisan support these pieces of legislation received shows that it is possible to work together on items that will help revitalize our state’s economy.”
AB 64 makes it easier to transport modular homes. It passed by a voice vote in both chambers of the Legislature.
AB 248 makes it easier to transport hay or straw. It passed 33-0 in the Senate and by voice vote in the Assembly.
“I am pleased that today’s action will bring Wisconsin in line with neighboring states in regards to the transporting of hay and straw and will ensure that haulers are not forced to take a loss on a portion of a load,” says State Senator Sheila Harsdorf (R-River Falls). “This legislation is not only a benefit for operators and agricultural producers but also a testament to the critical role that citizens play in the legislative process.”
AB 252 makes it easier to transport agricultural crops during harvest. This bill passed both houses of the Legislature with a voice vote.
AB 253 makes it easier transport large poles and pipes. This bill passed the Senate by 33-0 and the Assembly by voice vote.
AB 254 extends the length of an allowable vehicle to 45 feet without obtaining a permit. This bill passed both chambers of the Legislature by a voice vote.
SB 215 makes it easier to register a trailer that weighs between 12,000 and 14,000 pounds. This passed the State Senate by 32-0 and the Assembly on a voice vote.
“This is a common sense law that reduces red tape for small businesses. The idea came from a constituent. He will now be able to concentrate more on his business than on bureaucratic paperwork. It’s a win for the taxpayers and the state,” said State Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst).
“This law will be an asset to small businesses—especially those in central and north central Wisconsin. The ability to transport more products will undoubtedly generate added revenue for these businesses and could be an incentive for expansion and job creation,” said State Senator Pam Galloway (R-Wausau).
SB 222 allows the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to issue overweight permits for sealed containers. This passed the State Senate 33-0 and the State Assembly by voice vote.
AB 267 makes it easier to transport products on three-vehicle combinations.
SB 223 makes it easier to transport agricultural products like fruit, grain, vegetables, and livestock.
“Governor Walker’s Back to Work Wisconsin Special Session Transportation bills culminate in an outstanding transformation for job creators relying on Wisconsin transportation infrastructure to do their business,” said State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin). “From aligning Wisconsin transportation laws with the laws of neighboring states, to assisting the agriculture industry taking advantage of technology to move products, to enhancing the movement of more goods at less cost, Wisconsin is truly Open for Business.”
“These changes will allow us to move goods faster, using less fuel, and in fewer trips, all without damaging our roadways,” said State Representative Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon). “By reinvesting the money saved through more efficient transportation, local businesses can grow jobs here in Wisconsin.”
