Evers signs first bill into law

Metro Wire Staff

Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday signed into law a bill that removes the term “mental retardation” from five state agency’s administrative codes.

The administrative codes for the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, and the departments of Health Services, Children and Families, Safety and Professional Services and Workforce Development, will instead use the term “intellectual disability”.

“Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity, empathy, and respect every day and that includes the laws and codes that govern our state,” Evers said at the public bill-signing on April 30 in the rotunda of the state capital. “Signing Senate Bill 19 today is an important step in the right direction, but it is also a reminder that we have much work yet to do for equity, equality, and inclusion for our friends, family, and neighbors who are differently abled.”

“It’s fitting that our first bill signed into law is one that ensures dignity for all Wisconsinites,” Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said of the signing. “Gov. Evers and I will continue to work until everyone in our state is treated with the respect they deserve both on paper and in practice.”

Evers also signed Senate Bill 13 in law, which relates to notification of changed property tax assessment for agricultural land.