MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - State judges and juries could no longer award punitive damages for job discrimination, under a bill passed by the Assembly Tuesday night.
The vote was 60-35 to send the measure to Governor Scott Walker for his signature.
Milwaukee Representative Christine Sinicki and other Democrats called the bill a setback for women who don't get paid as much as men for the same work.
But the bill's main author, Senate Republican Glenn Grothman of West Bend, said most job discrimination claims have no legal basis -- and for those that do, employees can still get protections like back pay.
The state Workforce Development Department awards back pay and costs in pursuing discrimination complaints. And Democrats started allowing lawsuits with punitive damages two years ago -- something that would be scrapped if Walker signs the new bill.
