WCJC Legislative Tracking Report 2013-2014

Provided by The Hamilton Consulting Group

For further information on these initiatives, contact Andy Cook or Bob Fassbender.

• 2009-2010 Legislative Tracking Report
• 2011-2012 Legislative Tracking Report

Assembly Bills

Links	Summary/Status
AB 19 Jacque History	Torts and Personal Injury Trusts Summary: Provides transparency and prevents fraud in lawsuits involving personal injury trusts by creating certain discovery requirements during litigation. Status: Introduced Feb. 15, 2013; Referred to the committee on Judiciary; Public hearing held Apr. 4; Passage as amended recommended (6-2) May 1; Passed the Assembly (58-39) May 8; Referred to Senate committee on Judiciary and Labor;
AB 27 Kuglitsch History	Contingent Fees Summary: Prohibits a state agency from contracting to provide legal services for the state on a contingent fee basis unless the governor makes a written determination that entering into such a contract is cost-effective and in the public interest.. Status: Introduced Feb. 18, 2013; Referred to the committee on Judiciary. Passage as amended recommended (5-3) April 15; Passed the Assembly (60-36) May 8; Referred to Senate committee on Judiciary and Labor;
AB 29 Jacque History	Collateral Source Summary: Allows juries in personal injury cases to see all the evidence when determining the amount owed to compensate the plaintiff for his or her medical expenses.. Status: Introduced Feb. 18, 2013; Referred to the committee on Judiciary. Public hearing held Apr. 11;
AB 139 Ott History	Medical Liability – Informed Consent Summary: Overturns a negative Wisconsin Supreme Court decision (Jandre v. Wisconsin Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund) dealing with informed consent in medical liability cases. Status: Introduced April 5, 2013; Referred to the committee on Judiciary. Public hearing held Apr. 11; Passage as amended recommended (6-2) May 1; Passed the Assembly (65-31) May 8; Referred to Senate committee on Judiciary and Labor May 10;;
AB 200 Kramer History	Motor Vehicle Warranties – Lemon Law Reform Summary: The bill would repeal the double damage provision that encourages attorneys to seek jackpot justice, but keep the obligation that a manufacturer provide a comparable vehicle or refund, whichever remedy the consumer chooses. If the manufacturer fails to provide the vehicle or refund within the specified deadline, a consumer may bring an action to recover for any damages. If he or she prevails, the court may award any pecuniary loss (including the cost of the vehicle), along with costs, disbursements and reasonable attorney fees, and any equitable relief the court determines appropriate. The bill makes other changes that also bring Wisconsin law more in line with other states. Status: Introduced May 13, 2013; Referred to the committee on Judiciary.

Senate Bills

Links	Summary/Status
SB 13 Grothman History	Torts and Personal Injury Trusts Summary: Provides transparency and prevents fraud in lawsuits involving personal injury trusts by creating certain discovery requirements during litigation. Status: Introduced Feb. 12, 2013; Referred to committee on Judiciary and Labor. Public hearing held Apr. 11;
SB 19 Grothman History	Contingent Fees Summary: Prohibits a state agency from contracting to provide legal services for the state on a contingent fee basis unless the governor makes a written determination that entering into such a contract is cost-effective and in the public interest.. Status: Introduced Feb. 13, 2013; Referred to the committee on Judiciary and Labor. Public hearing held Apr. 11; Public hearing held Apr. 11;
SB 22 Farrow History	Collateral Source Summary: Allows juries in personal injury cases to see all the evidence when determining the amount owed to compensate the plaintiff for his or her medical expenses. Status: Introduced Feb. 13, 2013; Referred to the committee on Judiciary and Labor.
SB 137 Grothman History	Medical Liability – Informed Consent Summary: Overturns a negative Wisconsin Supreme Court decision (Jandre v. Wisconsin Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund) dealing with informed consent in medical liability cases. Status: Introduced April 10, 2013; Referred to the committee on Judiciary and Labor. Public hearing held Apr. 11;
SB 143 Hansen History	Employment Discrimination Summary: Authorizes the circuit court to order a person who engages in discrimination in employment, unfair honesty testing, or unfair genetic testing to pay compensatory and punitive damages. Status: Introduced April 17, 2013; Referred to the committee on Judiciary and Labor.
SB 182 Petrowski History	Motor Vehicle Warranties – Lemon Law Reform Summary: The bill would repeal the double damage provision that encourages attorneys to seek jackpot justice, but keep the obligation that a manufacturer provide a comparable vehicle or refund, whichever remedy the consumer chooses. If the manufacturer fails to provide the vehicle or refund within the specified deadline, a consumer may bring an action to recover for any damages. If he or she prevails, the court may award any pecuniary loss (including the cost of the vehicle), along with costs, disbursements and reasonable attorney fees, and any equitable relief the court determines appropriate. The bill makes other changes that also bring Wisconsin law more in line with other states. Status: Introduced May 16, 2013; Referred to the committee on Transportation, Pubic Safety, and Veterans and Military Affairs; .

Updated May 22, 2013