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Wisconsin Council on Physical Disabilities |
State Legislation from the 2003-2004 SessionOne of the Council's most important roles is to review proposed state legislation relating to physical disabilities. For each bill listed below, the Council's position is indicated, along with a link to the legislature's web site for the bill's history and text. ASSEMBLY BILLSAmends the state constitution to place a cap on taxing and spending, which cannot be exceeded unless a majority of Wisconsin voters approve a referendum. Often referred to as the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, or TABOR. The Council opposed the resolution, which died at the end of the legislative session. Regulates school buses loading or unloading pupils; requires the use of hazard lights rather than warning lights when loading or unloading a child with a physical disability using a ramp or a vertical power lift. The Council opposed this bill, which died at the end of the legislative session. Limits the use of absentee ballots to individuals who cannot appear at polling places; physical disability and "handicap" are among the accepted reasons for voting absentee. The Council opposed this bill, which died at the end of the legislative session. Allows individuals who have been discriminated against in employment to recover compensatory and punitive damages in circuit court. The bill covers groups protected by the state’s fair employment law. Senate Substitute Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 130 is identical. The Council supported these bills, which died at the end of the legislative session. Establishes a clearinghouse of information about special education transition services and vocational opportunities available in each county. Senate Bill 163 is identical. The Council supported these bills, which died at the end of the legislative session. Creates a program to relocate Medical Assistance nursing home residents to the community. The Council supported this bill, which died at the end of the legislative session. SENATE BILLS Establishes minimum qualifications and requires background checks for drivers of human service vehicles transporting elders or people with disabilities; prohibits the state Department of Transportation from registering a human service vehicle that has not passed a required annual inspection. The Council supported this bill, which was signed into law as 2003 Wisconsin Act 297. Prohibits recovery of damages in "wrongful birth" and "wrongful life" actions relating to children born with a disability. The Council opposed this bill, which died at the end of the legislative session. Requires closing the Central Center for people with developmental disabilities, and leaving Northern and Southern Centers in operation. The Council opposed this bill, which died at the end of the legislative session. Extends prescription drug assistance to people with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements. The Council supported this bill, which died at the end of the legislative session. |
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05/10/2013 |
