Update on Blue Lives Matter Legislation (and Here in Madison)

We stopped by Representative David Steffen's office yesterday and had an opportunity to chat with his friendly & knowledgeable staff. Rep. Steffen is a strong supporter of law enforcement, having introduced two key pieces of legislation. One is the Wisconsin Law Enforcement license plate program, which would result in a portion of the proceeds from the sale of LE plates to be placed in a memorial fund for families of fallen officers. This bill was recently introduced - I'll let you know when the public hearing is scheduled. http://fox11online.com/news/fox-11-investigates/fox-11-investigates-wisconsin-law-enforcement-memorial-license-plate-plan The second bill is Blue Lives Matter legislation (Assembly Bill 48), which would expand the definition of a hate crime to include police officers. Yesterday, Rep. Steffen's office told us that tomorrow (June 8), AB48 is going to Executive Session - Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. The bill still has to travel through a series of proverbial hoops, but it *is* progressing through the Assembly. And that gives me hope. And here in Madison . . . The resolution that would, in part, give Common Council power over Police & Fire Commission (PFC) was introduced at last evening's meeting. It will be referred to committees and discussed before returned to the Council for a vote, which will be in about a month. I'll keep you updated as I learn more. All the best. --Paula Fitzsimmons