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Lobbyists brief committee on slow session, housing bills and local concerns
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Summary
A Welch Group representative told the Madison committee the state legislature has been slow this year with only about 82 bills signed so far and reviewed several housing and local‑government bills; the presenter said AB452 on plat approvals had been signed that day and flagged local bills including a wheel‑tax referendum and mobile home rental rules.
A Welch Group representative provided the Madison Common Council Executive Committee with a state legislative update Dec. 9, describing a slow session so far and reviewing housing, local‑government and other bills the firm is tracking on the city’s behalf.
"To date, I think we have only 82 bills have been signed into law, so far," the representative said, noting that hundreds of bills were introduced and many remain pending. The presenter highlighted several housing measures of interest to the city: AB9194 (changes intended to allow stacking incentives for a previous housing incentive program), AB182 (changes to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit), AB454 (workforce home loan program), AB453 (regulatory changes tied to comprehensive plans), and AB452 (changes to plat approvals and self‑certification of infrastructure). "AB452... passed both houses, and it was signed into law today," the representative said.
The presenter said the office supported many of the housing bills but voiced concern that the state Senate could be a bottleneck for floor action on some proposals. Local‑government items were also discussed: the presenter said the Welch Group opposed AB483 (a wheel‑tax referendum) and noted AB8424 regulating rental of mobile and manufactured homes had been signed into law that day. He also reported recent governor vetoes on measures including a bill to prohibit local guaranteed‑income programs and one to expand cigar bars.
Why it matters: several bills discussed would change incentives and regulatory rules affecting housing development and local government authority. The representative urged continued alder engagement with state lawmakers and said the group plans another lobby day in January to press city priorities.
Questions from alders focused on communication and next steps; no formal council action was taken on the items discussed. The committee moved on after the briefing.
The Welch Group representative emphasized that, while many bills are still in committee, the firm will continue updating the council as items progress.
