PUBLIC HEARING
Senate Committee on
Ethics Reform and Government Operations
Tuesday, April 6th
Time & Location TBD

     In preparation for this public meeting, please take a few minutes to email or phone the Committee members and register your support. Ask them to PLEASE favorably pass AB-793 / SB-580 out of committee without significant amendments.

     Click here for committee members and contact information   

     SB-580 will be one of several bills discussed at the public hearing on 6 April. Please, if at all possible, come to the hearing to speak or register in support of the Bill. (If you have never attended a Public Hearing, please see What To Expect At A Pubic Hearing, below.)

     These changes to current law would help shelters, animal control facilities, and local governments cope with the thousands upon thousands of dollars incurred in a large seizure or cruelty case. They would also help lessen stress on the animals by reducing the time they must spend in shelter cages.

     We ask that those of you who are unfamiliar with this new legislation visit our AB-793/SB-580, Revisions to Chapter 173 Overview, Bill Summary, and FAQ pages, and read the background and full revisions proposed in AB-793/SB-580.

    AB-793/SB-580, Revisions to Chapter 173 Overview   

    Bill Summary      FAQ   

     If you cannot attend the public meeting, please take a few minutes to email or phone the Committee members and register your support. Ask them to PLEASE favorably pass AB-793 / SB-580 out of committee without significant amendments.

    Click here for committee members and contact information   

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A PUBLIC HEARING

     The Public Hearing is an important step in the legislative process in the State of Wisconsin. All committees must hold public hearings on a bill before voting on it.

Who participates?  Members of the Committee to whom the bill has been assigned for review, any members of the public who wish to attend.

How do the hearings work?  There are sign-in sheets available for those who wish to go on-record with their opinions. People may request to speak, may register for or against the bill without speaking, or may provide information without taking a position on the bill. Depending on the number of people wanting to speak, there may be a time limit for each.

Is there an audience?  Yes, size depends on interest. All interested parties and observers can attend. Media is sometimes there, too.

Do people read prepared statements?   Yes -- however, just reading from a printed statement isn't that effective. It's better to have a prepared written statement (bring 20 copies) then simply "discuss" your position with the legislators when you are called to the table. As always, of course, we request that our supporters be courteous and respectful at all times and present their opinions, supported by facts and personal experience, in an orderly fashion without name-calling or bad language.

Are questions asked of the participants? Sometimes, but not usually. If by some chance you are questioned by a legislator, answer to the best of your ability. If you do not know the answer, say so -- then offer to find out and get back to the questioner by phone or email later.

How long does a public hearing take?  That depends on how many people attend and wish to speak. Some public hearings are quite short; others can take hours.