Assembly Bill 690 seeks to amend existing statutes regarding employment and contracting practices by local governments in Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill modifies the language in statute 66.0145, which currently prohibits discrimination and the granting of preferential treatment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, or sexual orientation. The proposed changes eliminate the prohibition on granting preferential treatment, thereby allowing local governments more flexibility in their hiring and contracting decisions.

The bill also updates the title of the statute from "No preferences in hiring or contracting" to "No discrimination in hiring or contracting," reflecting the shift in focus from preventing preferential treatment to solely addressing discrimination. This legislative change is intended to align local government practices with the evolving legal landscape surrounding employment and contracting, while still maintaining a commitment to non-discrimination unless federal aid requirements dictate otherwise.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 66.0145(title), 66.0145, 66.0145(2)