AB 597 bill postion posted/ Governor vetoes SB 223

BILL POSITION ON AB 597

UW System has posted a position statement approved by the Board of Regents on the following bill under consideration by the Wisconsin Legislature:

AB 597: UW System Property Acquisition by Condemnation

This bill prohibits the University of Wisconsin System from acquiring property by condemnation unless the Joint Finance Committee holds a public hearing on the action and approves the condemnation by at least a three-quarters vote.

UW System Position

OPPOSE: The Board of Regents strongly opposes arbitrary limitations imposed on the UW System's statutory condemnation authority. The legislation significantly impairs the University's ability to fulfill its mission. Furthermore, it may expose taxpayers, students, and donors to unnecessary financial risk. (Read the full position statement here.)

GOVERNOR VETOES SB 223

Governor Doyle also vetoed Senate Bill 223, which requires appointed citizen members of the UW Board of Regents to come from certain geographical areas. See Board of Regent position statement here.

See Governor Doyle's veto message here