Empower Wisconsin | Feb. 18, 2020
MADISON — The Evers’ administration sneak attack on a key homeowner right appears to have been thwarted.
As Empower Wisconsin first reported Monday, the Department of Revenue attempted to quietly push through a law revision that would loosen language requiring assessors — when requesting to view the interior of a residence — to provide notice informing property owners of their right to refuse entry.
The bill changes just one word, replacing “notice” with “information.” But that one word changes the intent of the legislation, potentially circumventing proper notice of property rights.
Sen. Dave Craig (R-Town of Vernon) and his staff caught the change in the bill, which appeared to be on a fast-track to passage. Craig authored the provision in the 2018 Homeowners’ Bill of Rights legislative package.
“This was a great catch by @SenDaveCraig’s staff,” tweeted Assembly Majority Leader Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna). “The Assembly will not be taking this up without substantive changes that protect homeowners’ rights.”
This was a great catch by @SenDaveCraig‘s staff. The Assembly will not be taking this up without substantive changes that protect homeowner’s rights. https://t.co/LH9hWTylic
— Jim Steineke (@jimsteineke) February 17, 2020
Rep. Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) has drafted an amendment striking the Department of Revenue’s language from the bill.
Capitol insiders say a more thorough review of these kinds of supposedly “innocuous” technical bills is under way.
Sen. Craig spoke to Empower Wisconsin Monday morning on the Dan O’Donnell Show, on NewsTalk 1130 WiSN. Listen to the entire interview on the Power Up Podcast.
