Wisconsin legislators have passed two key amendments to the state constitution, paving the way for potential voter approval in November. The first amendment targets discrimination and preferential treatment in public education and employment, while the second addresses the closure of houses of worship during emergencies.
Additionally, the Assembly has advanced a bill to criminalize grooming and responded to a controversial case involving Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan by proposing changes to judicial compensation during suspensions.
Constitutional Amendments on Discrimination and Worship
A proposed amendment aims to eliminate discrimination and preferential treatment in public sectors like education and employment. Supported exclusively by Republicans, the amendment is seen as a step towards fairness. Proponents highlight a civil rights investigation where a student with special needs was allegedly denied resources due to being white.
However, Democrat Rep. Margaret Arney expressed concerns, stating, “The sense of ‘preferential treatment’ will be used to further target any assistance that might be helpful, particularly, to students of color.” She emphasized the need for greater support for minority students in Wisconsin.
The second amendment, motivated by restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeks to protect religious gatherings from government closures. Rep. Ron Tusler emphasized that religious freedom should not be compromised, stating, “Our founders promised people of faith that government would never — N-E-V-E-R — never take the right to assemble away from them.”
Both amendments, having passed in the Assembly, await Senate approval before potentially appearing on the November ballot for voter decision.
Criminalizing Grooming
A new bill seeks to address grooming by defining it as a felony, following reports of inappropriate behavior by educators. Rep. Amanda Nedweski, who introduced the bill, stated it targets “patterned and intentional conduct” aimed at abusing minors. The bill passed with majority support, except from some Democrats, and is now headed to the Senate.
Judicial Compensation Amid Controversy
In response to the case of Judge Hannah Dugan, who was suspended after allegedly helping a man evade arrest, a new bill proposes halting judges’ pay during suspensions. The bill, co-authored by Rep. Shae Sortwell, ensures that wrongly accused judges would receive back pay if cleared of charges. Critics, such as Rep. Andrew Hysell, argue the bill is more symbolic than practical, suggesting it wouldn’t have impacted the Dugan case financially.
