Gov. Scott Walker signed 56 bills Wednesday, including ones that will block property tax increases for some public schools, bar local governments from banning plastic bags and make it illegal to use cellphones while driving in construction zones.
The measure on property taxes, SB 615, will block up to $5 million in property tax increases by public schools outside Milwaukee that are affected by state voucher school programs.
When students use the voucher program to attend religious schools or other private institutions at taxpayer expense, public school districts can recover lost state aid by raising property taxes. The bill Walker signed will limit those increases to the amount of the voucher going to the private school, since that is typically lower than the total amount of state aid and property taxes taken in by a public school for each student.
The governor also signed bills on:
Digital assets. AB 695 will ensure online accounts are dealt with similarly to tangible property when people die.
Cellphones. AB 198 bars drivers from using cellphones while driving in construction zones. The measure includes an exception for reporting emergencies.
First offenses carry a fine of $20 to $40.
Christmas trees. State and local officials won't be to able to prohibit Christmas trees in places of worship through their fire safety policies, under AB 648.
Drones. Another measure bars people from flying drones over prisons. AB 670 is a response to concerns that accomplices could use drones to deliver weapons, drugs or other contraband to inmates in state institutions.
Plastic bags. Local governments will not be able to ban grocers or other businesses from using plastic bags, under AB 730. No communities in Wisconsin have such a ban, but Republicans who control the Legislature passed the measure to ensure none adopts them as the idea takes root in cities in some other states.
Focus on Energy. The budget for the Focus on Energy energy efficiency program will be cut by $7 million a year, under AB 804. The measure will change the way the program is funded to eliminate a policy that the Public Service Commission says is akin to a double tax for certain utilities.
Bucks plates. SB 550 sets the stage for creating a Milwaukee Bucks license plate to help offset the cost of a new arena for the basketball team. Before they could be issued, the plates need design approval from the team.
The plates would cost $40 annually on top of standard registration fees.
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