Wisconsin Legislature

Wisconsin Legislature
Name	Wisconsin Legislature
House type	Bicameral
Houses	Wisconsin Senate, Wisconsin State Assembly
Leader1 type	Senate President
Leader1	Chris Kapenga (R)
Election1	January 4, 2021
Leader2 type	Assembly Speaker
Leader2	Robin Vos (R)
Election2	January 7, 2013
Members	132, 33 Senators, 99 Representatives
Political groups1	Majority (R) (22), Minority (D) (11)
Political groups2	Majority (R) (64), Minority (D) (35)
Term length	Senate: 4 years, Assembly: 2 years
Meeting place	Wisconsin State Capitol, Madison, Wisconsin
Website	legis.wisconsin.gov

Wisconsin Legislature. The legislative branch of the state government of Wisconsin, it is a bicameral body composed of the upper Wisconsin Senate and the lower Wisconsin State Assembly. Inspired by the United States Congress, the legislature convenes at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin. It is responsible for enacting state laws, approving the state budget, and providing oversight of the executive branch.

History

The Wisconsin Legislature was created by the Wisconsin Constitution upon the state's admission to the Union in 1848. Its first session was held in the temporary capital of Madison before moving into the first Wisconsin State Capitol building. Key historical moments include its role during the Progressive Era, when it passed pioneering legislation under the influence of Robert M. La Follette Sr. such as the first workers' compensation system in the nation. The legislature was also the site of significant political battles, including the 1995 Wisconsin Assembly floor brawl and the contentious 2011 protests against Act 10. The current Wisconsin State Capitol, designed by George B. Post, has housed the legislature since 1917.

Structure and organization

The legislature is bicameral, consisting of a 33-member Wisconsin Senate and a 99-member Wisconsin State Assembly. Senators serve four-year terms, while Assembly members serve two-year terms. Leadership in the Senate includes the Senate President and the Majority Leader, while the Assembly is led by the Speaker and the Majority Leader. The partisan composition of each chamber is determined by the Wisconsin Elections Commission. The body operates through a system of standing committees, such as the Joint Committee on Finance, and is supported by non-partisan staff including the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Powers and duties

The legislature holds the primary lawmaking authority for the state, with powers enumerated in the Wisconsin Constitution. Its core duties include enacting statutes, crafting the biennial state budget, and confirming gubernatorial appointments to major agencies like the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. It also has the power to override gubernatorial vetoes with a two-thirds vote in each chamber, impeach state officials, and initiate amendments to the state constitution, which must be approved by voters in a referendum. The legislature exercises oversight over executive agencies such as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Legislative process

A bill may be introduced in either chamber by a member. It is then referred to a relevant standing committee, such as the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, where hearings are held. If approved, the bill proceeds to three readings and votes on the floor of its house of origin. After passage in the first chamber, it moves to the second chamber where a similar process occurs. If amended, it may go to a conference committee. Once both chambers pass an identical bill, it is sent to the Governor of Wisconsin, who may sign it, veto it, or issue a partial veto. The legislature may also act on joint resolutions, which do not require the governor's signature.

Current composition and leadership

Following the 2022 Wisconsin elections, the Republican Party of Wisconsin holds a majority in both chambers. In the Wisconsin Senate, the Majority Leader is Devin LeMahieu, and the Minority Leader is Dianne Hesselbein. The Senate President is Chris Kapenga. In the Wisconsin State Assembly, the Speaker is Robin Vos, with Tyler August as Majority Leader and Greta Neubauer as Minority Leader. This partisan divide has characterized recent sessions, influencing debates on issues like tax policy and abortion access.

Elections and membership

All 132 legislators are elected from single-member districts drawn by the legislature following each United States census. Elections are held in November of even-numbered years. Senate districts are numbered from 1 to 33, and Assembly districts from 1 to 99. To be a member, an individual must be a qualified voter, a resident of the state for one year, and of their district for at least 28 days before the election. Vacancies are filled by special election called by the Governor of Wisconsin. Recent elections have been administered under maps subject to litigation, including cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court.

Category:Wisconsin Legislature Category:State legislatures of the United States