Wisconsin State Assembly

The Wisconsin State Assembly is the lower house of the Wisconsin Legislature, the legislative branch of the state government of Wisconsin. It is composed of 99 members, each elected from single-member districts across the state. The Assembly meets at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, Wisconsin.

History

The Wisconsin State Assembly was established in 1848 when Wisconsin became a state. It was modeled after the United States House of Representatives and has undergone various changes in its structure and function over the years. The Assembly has played a crucial role in shaping the laws and policies of Wisconsin.

Structure and Function

The Assembly is led by the Speaker, who is elected by the members of the Assembly. The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order, managing the legislative process, and representing the Assembly in official capacities. Other key leadership positions include the Speaker pro tempore, the Majority Leader, and the Minority Leader.

The Assembly operates through a committee system, where proposed legislation is reviewed and debated before being brought to the floor for a vote. Committees are specialized by subject matter, such as finance, education, and health.

Legislative Process

The legislative process in the Wisconsin State Assembly begins with the introduction of a bill by a member. The bill is then assigned to a committee for study and recommendation. If approved by the committee, the bill is debated by the full Assembly. A majority vote is required for a bill to pass. Once passed, the bill moves to the Wisconsin State Senate for consideration.

Elections

Members of the Wisconsin State Assembly are elected to two-year terms with no term limits. Elections are held in even-numbered years. The Assembly districts are redrawn every ten years following the United States Census to ensure equal representation.

Current Composition

As of the most recent election, the Wisconsin State Assembly is composed of a majority of Republicans, with the remaining seats held by members of the Democratic Party.

Role in State Government

The Wisconsin State Assembly, along with the Wisconsin State Senate, forms the legislative branch of the state government. It is responsible for enacting laws, approving the state budget, and overseeing the executive branch. The Assembly also has the power to impeach state officials.

Also see

• Wisconsin State Senate
• Wisconsin Legislature
• Wisconsin State Capitol
• Governor of Wisconsin
• List of Speakers of the Wisconsin State Assembly