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Committee adopts several legislative positions and updates city's state-policy priorities
Summary
The committee approved a resolution supporting a state holiday to honor Vel Phillips, backed a hands-free driving bill, registered opposition to a bill that would prohibit local guaranteed-income programs, and reviewed multiple other state bills including towing, housing finance changes and film-and-TV tax credits.
The Judiciary & Legislation Committee took multiple actions and heard updates April 14 on the city's state legislative priorities, including support for a proposed state holiday honoring civil-rights leader Vel Phillips and backing for hands-free cell phone legislation.
A resolution expressing support for 2025 legislation to create a state observance for Vel Phillips was moved and ordered by the committee. Representative Moore Omokunde, who sponsored the state measure, spoke in support and said the observance is bipartisan and intended to ensure students learn about Phillips's contributions.
The committee also adopted a resolution seeking state legislation to make Wisconsin a hands-free driving state; the county had passed a similar measure and the mayor's office signaled support.
Legislative affairs staff updated the committee on several bills and the city's positions: - AB 78 / SB 65 (towing bill): reported to be advancing in the Legislature; committee to monitor progress. - AB 165: a quickly introduced bill that would prohibit local guaranteed-income programs; the city registered in opposition under its ordinance and intends to bring formal opposition to the committee for ratification when timing allows. - A victims'rights bill to ensure timely testing and status updates for sexual-assault evidence kits (LRB 0xx): the committee recommended support. - EMS / EMT tuition and reimbursement bills sponsored by Representative Kurtz: the committee will register in favor to support workforce training and to allow reimbursement of non-transport ambulance costs under medical assistance programs. - Housing finance updates (SB 180 / WIDA loan program changes): staff said revisions aim to allow layering of TIF and historic tax credits to get more affordable housing projects financed; DCD is reviewing the bill's local impacts. - Film and TV tax credits: the committee noted the city has joined the Action! Wisconsin coalition and will continue advocacy to bring productions and associated jobs to Milwaukee. - LRB 2448 (restrictions on institutional funds buying single-family homes): staff and members discussed the bill, recommended support in principle and noted drafting concerns about scope and enforcement. - LRB1435 (periodic parking-structure inspections): staff said the city already inspects its own structures more frequently than the proposed five-year minimum; the committee supported the proposal.
On other points, staff said some bills have limited prospects in the current legislature but the city plans to register positions consistent with the council's legislative package and the mayor's office.
Why it matters: the committee's positions guide municipal lobbying in Madison and signal city priorities on public safety, housing finance, victims'rights and economic development measures.
Next steps: staff will return with specific ordinance-based filings where required, request formal committee ratification of registered positions when timing requires, and continue briefing aldermen on priority bills as hearings proceed in Madison.
