Bill Update

What's Happening with AB 250, the commercial dog breeder bill?
Dear Friends and Constituents,
I promised you regular updates on the status of AB 250 so please consider this the second of my briefings on the bill. Thank you for your interest in protecting Wisconsin dogs but if at any time you would like to be removed from this list, please let me know.
The latest development is the introduction of a companion bill, SB 208, by Senator Kreitlow. (I am number 2 on the bill.) It was introduced earlier this month and referred to the committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges, and Consumer Protection chaired by Senator Wirch. Here is the link that identifies all of the committee members. http://www.legis.state.wi.us/w3asp/commpages/IndividualCommittee.aspx?COMMITTEE=Small+Business%2c+Emergency+Preparedness%2c+Technical+Colleges%2c+and+Consumer+Protection&HOUSE=Senate
Senate Bill 208 is a duplicate of Assembly Bill 250 and some of you may be wondering why the decision was made to put two bills out there that are exactly alike. The reason is having a companion bill will likely help the legislation move more quickly. As I mentioned in my first update, AB 250 must go through the hearing process and receive a vote on the Assembly floor. Assuming it received enough support to pass the Assembly, the same steps would be repeated in the Senate.. Only then would it be available to be signed by the Governor. The introduction of SB 208 means that if the committee chairs choose to do so, they can hold a joint hearing and take testimony on the bill at the same time. I have seen this eliminate weeks or even months from the legislative timeline when applied to other bills.
Right now, there is no word on what the committee chairs plan to do next but of course I will keep you apprised of any developments. In the meantime, my door is always open to you. Please contact Connie in my office at 608/266-5830 or connie.schulze@legis.wi.gov if you have any questions or comments.
Sincerely, ALBERTA DARLING State Senator--8th District