The state Senates passes an electronic waste bill. Brookfield Republican, state Senator Ted Kanavas had one good thing to say about the legislation from Monona Democrat, Senator Mark Miller. "This bill has one good piece to it, and that is this idea that we're going to ban landfilling and incinerating electronic devices, that's actually a great idea," said Kanavas. Other than that, Kanavas called the bill "a mess" which he claimed will ban some manufatcturers from selling their products in Wisconsin.
Miller defended the legislation, under the terms of which manufacturers would have to arrange to recycle 80 percent of the total weight of products sold here. Miller's bill would also require manufacturers of computers and other electronics to register with the DNR, and charges a five thousand dollar annual fee. Kanavas said the bill gives too much power to the DNR, and he doesn't trust the agency. The bill picked up considerable GOP support in passing on a 27-to-6 vote, and now goes to the state Assembly.