(AP) — State and local governments would be prohibited from banning live Christmas trees in churches under a bill two Republican lawmakers began circulating Tuesday even as fire officials sounded warnings about how quickly trees can ignite. Rep. Jesse Kremer of Kewaskum and Sen. Stephan Nass of Whitewater said in a news release several municipal fire departments have banned live trees in churches in recent years despite provisions in national fire safety guidelines that allow them if adequate safeguards exist. "(Fire officials) are blatantly relieving themselves of any authorized discretion when it comes to allowing the safe display of natural cut Christmas trees in church sanctuaries during the Christmas season," Kremer said. The National Fire Protection Association's guidelines call for banning live Christmas trees in places where 50 people or more gather. Under the bill, the state Department of Public Safety and Professional Standards as well as municipal governments would be forbidden from passing any rules or ordinances prohibiting the seasonal placement of Christmas trees in the state Capitol rotunda or in a church. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, has already thrown his support behind the measure, including a statement in the two legislator's news release saying the bill would keep the Christmas spirit alive.
Comment on Bill would ensure churches could use real Christmas trees
By TODD RICHMOND, Associated Press, San Antonio Express-News: World
Tue, 12/22/2015 - 4:51pm
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