MaryBeth Matzek

1 week ago | wislawjournal.com | MaryBeth Matzek |Alexander Shur

IN BRIEFGOP lawmakers propose plain-language ballot summaries for amendments. Legislative Reference Bureau would draft explanations, not the AG. Critics worry lack of standards could invite partisan influence. Wisconsin Republicans want to require that all proposed constitutional amendments come with a plain-language explanation, a move that they say would help voters better understand complex ballot questions. The proposal has drawn broad support.

2 weeks ago | wislawjournal.com | MaryBeth Matzek |Alexander Shur |Jen Fifield

IN BRIEFDOJ sent letters to Arizona and Wisconsin over HAVA violations. Wisconsin warned for failing to resolve election complaints. DOJ threatens lawsuits and loss of federal election funding. The U.S. Justice Department has sent letters to election officials in Arizona and Wisconsin, threatening action against the states if they don’t comply with provisions of a 2002 federal election law.

3 weeks ago | wislawjournal.com | MaryBeth Matzek |Alexander Shur

IN BRIEFAssembly Bill 268 would let more residents appeal WEC rulings. Bill reverses Wisconsin Supreme Court decision limiting standing. Supporters say it ensures election accountability through courts. A Republican-backed bill would make it easier to go to court to challenge the Wisconsin Elections Commission‘s rulings on administrative complaints — a shift that could increase the number of election-related lawsuits.

1 month ago | wislawjournal.com | MaryBeth Matzek |Peter Cameron

IN BRIEFCity of La Crosse pays $450,000 to settle excessive force lawsuit. Federal judge ruled officers used unjustified force during a 2020 stop. Practice of issuing citations via traffic stops was ended in April. Back in 2020, Demond Harris had outstanding citations for reckless driving and disorderly conduct. An alleged road rage incident led to La Crosse police writing the tickets against Harris after he had departed the scene.

1 month ago | wislawjournal.com | MaryBeth Matzek |Peter Cameron

IN BRIEFDistracted driving killed nearly 3,300 Americans in 2023. States with phone bans see significant drop in fatalities. Wisconsin law only bans phone use in construction zones. The next time you are on or near a road, and not operating a car yourself, take a look around. You will probably see a familiar, but terrifying sight: drivers fiddling with their phones. The average car weighs about 4,000 pounds. Imagine the damage that wrecking ball of metal and plastic does when it slams into something.