Assembly approves self-insurance oversight bill

The measure passed Monday comes as Gov. Scott Walker’s administration is looking toward adopting a self-insurance model, a change that could reshape health insurance for about 240,000 public employees, their families and retirees. Walker has voiced general support for the proposals and was expected to sign them into law.

They were also poised to approve one replacing the state’s ethics and elections board with two new commissions.

Republicans have maintained the current GAB, which was created in 2008, was granted too much power, which they argue has been abused through investigations that have targeted conservative lawmakers and political groups. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in July ended the probe, saying the coordination being investigated was legal.

The other bill up for a final vote Monday would change state law to reflect that ruling, making clear that candidates can coordinate political activity with shadowy issue advocacy groups that don’t have to disclose their donors.

Democrats objected to a provision allowing a Republican-controlled committee to select administrators to lead the commissions if there is a stalemate on who to hire. All Democrats voted no.

The bill passed the Assembly on a 59-0 vote.

Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca, speaking earlier Monday, said Democrats hoped to offer a slew of amendments to the bill.

Democrats and government transparency groups in recent weeks have made opposition to the bills the centerpiece of their critiques of majority Republicans. But Knudson, R-Hudson, said it’s imperative to pass the bill now, in advance of the 2016 election cycle.