The state would curtail identification cards issued by local governments, under a bill that shot through the Legislature on Tuesday. Republicans passed the ID limits on party-line votes of 19-13 in the Senate and 62-35 in the Assembly in a marathon day of debate, sending the bill on to GOP Gov. Scott Walker for his signature. In a second bill dealing with illegal immigrants, Assembly Republicans also approved on a party-line vote of 62-35 a bill to fine so-called sanctuary cities that put restrictions on police questioning those charged with crimes about immigration status. The proposal goes to the Senate, where it faces an uncertain future. Assembly leaders are also seeking to create a system for people to register online to vote and eliminate special deputies to register voters.
In a push to finish their work before the legislative session ends, Republicans who control both houses were expected to extend the voting on scores of bills late into Tuesday night.
Local governments would face restrictions on issuing local photo identification cards under SB 533. It would block a proposal in Milwaukee County to provide local IDs to people such as the homeless and immigrants in the country illegally.
Republicans opposed to local IDs are concerned people could try to use them to vote or obtain food stamps. Under the state’s voter ID law, only certain types of IDs can be used, such as driver’s licenses, state ID cards and passports. Democrats called the ID bill an attack on local officials and immigrants. “This is an insult to local government,” said Sen. Dave Hansen (D-Green Bay).
Full Article: Legislature passes limits on local government IDs.