Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB598

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/31/23
• Refer: 10/31/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Requiring a public hearing on bills with several cosponsors.

Impact

If enacted, AB598 will alter the existing laws governing the legislative process in Wisconsin by introducing stricter timelines for public hearings on certain bills. This change is expected to facilitate greater accountability as legislators will be required to consider public input when a substantial number of their peers support a bill. The bill could potentially increase the number of public engagements and discussions around legislative proposals, making the system more responsive to the public's voice. Additionally, it may lead to more thorough vetting of legislation, as hearings will gather diverse opinions before a bill progresses further.

Summary

Assembly Bill 598 (AB598) proposes a requirement that any bill which has received support from at least one-third of the members in either house of the Wisconsin legislature must be granted a public hearing within 90 days of its referral to a committee. This requirement aims to enhance transparency and ensure that a significant level of legislative interest in a bill cannot dismiss it from public scrutiny. By mandating a public hearing, the bill seeks to involve the public more in the legislative process, giving citizens a chance to express their views on proposals with considerable backing.

Contention

However, the bill is not without contention. Critics may argue that the requirement could overload committees with public hearings, especially for bills that reach cosponsorship thresholds quickly. Additionally, there may be concerns about how the hearings could be utilized politically, either to delay certain proposals or to drown out minority opinions in particularly contentious debates. Opponents might assert that this bill could lead to logistical complications within legislative processes while supporters argue it is a necessary step toward accountability and public involvement.