Wisconsin legislative term for 1891-1892 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Fortieth Wisconsin Legislature convened from January 14, 1891, to April 25, 1891, in regular session.[1] They met again for two special sessions in June 1892 and October 1892 to pass redistricting laws. The extra sessions were necessitated by court cases which threw out the Legislature's previous attempts at redistricting. The final redistricting act was signed just 12 days before the 1892 general election.
This was the first session where the Democratic Party had full control of the Legislature since 1854.
Senators representing odd-numbered districts were newly elected for this session and were serving the first two years of a four-year term. Assembly members were elected to a two-year term. Assembly members and odd-numbered senators were elected in the general election of November 4, 1890. Senators representing even-numbered districts were serving the third and fourth year of a four-year term, having been elected in the general election of November 6, 1888.[1]
January 4, 1892: As the senior-most member of the court, William P. Lyon became the 7th chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court due to the retirement of Orsamus Cole. He was the first chief justice to obtain the office under the new amendment to the Wisconsin Constitution ratified in 1889.
March 22, 1892: The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the redistricting law passed by the Legislature, in the case State ex rel. Attorney General v. Cunningam.[2]
September 27, 1892: The Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the second redistricting law passed by the Legislature, in the case State ex rel. Lamb v. Cunningham.[3]
George Wilbur Peck re-elected as Governor of Wisconsin.
Regular session
February 5, 1891: An Act to repeal chapter 519, of the laws of the state of Wisconsin for the year 1889, entitled, "An act concerning the education and employment of children." 1891 Act 4. Repealed the entire "Bennett Law" due to its provision requiring English language education.
April 25, 1891: An Act to apportion the state into senate and assembly districts, 1891 Act 482. First attempt to pass a legislative redistricting. This law was struck down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in March 1892.
April 25, 1891: An Act to apportion the state into congressional districts, 1891 Act 483.
Joint resolution agreeing to a proposed amendment to sub-division 9, of section 31, of article IV of the constitution of the state of Wisconsin, 1891 Joint Resolution 4. This was the required second legislative passage of a proposed amendment to prohibit the Legislature from making private laws affecting specific city charters. The amendment was ratified by referendum at the November 1892 general election.
First special session
July 1, 1892: An Act to apportion the state of Wisconsin into senate and assembly districts, 1892 Special Session 1 Act 1. This was the second attempt to pass a legislative redistricting. This map was also struck down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, in September 1892.
Second special session
October 27, 1892: An Act to apportion the state of Wisconsin into senate and assembly districts, 1892 Special Session 2 Act 1. This was the third and final attempt to pass a legislative redistricting based on the 1890 U.S. census. This map was utilized for the 1892 election, held just 12 days after the law was signed.
October 27, 1892: An Act relating to the general election to be held on the eighth day of November, in the year 1892, and to notices thereof and nominations therefor, and for other purposes, 1892 Special Session 2 Act 2. Due to the lateness of the legislative redistricting, it was necessary to clarify the status of existing nominees for the legislature and create special procedures for candidates to get on the ballot for the November 1892 general election.
Senate summary
More information Party (Shading indicates majority caucus), Total ...