Two bills passed the Wisconsin Senate early this month, likely changing the state’s future political landscape. One bill eliminates the Government Accountability Board and creates two bipartisan commissions to oversee ethics and elections.

The other bill overhauls state campaign finance laws. It doubles campaign contribution limits and defines express advocacy. Critics argue it creates a potentially dangerous loophole for candidates to loosely coordinate with outside advocacy groups.

The Assembly passed both bills in October but must vote on the revised versions with Senate amendments. It will consider both bills on November 16 in an extraordinary session. The bills are expected to pass and be delivered to Gov. Scott Walker by the end of the month.

Photo of the interior of the Wisconsin State Capitol by Dori on Wikimedia Commons.