Senate committee takes up natural Christmas tree ban in churches, at Capitol

 

MADISON — State senators are considering legislation prohibiting government officials from banning natural Christmas trees in churches and the state Capitol.

The bill has already cleared the Assembly and has a hearing before a Senate committee Wednesday.

National Fire Protection Association guidelines call for banning 'live' Christmas trees in places where 50 people or more gather, with some exceptions for safeguards.

The bill's author, Republican Rep. Jesse Kremer, says the legislation aims to clarify any confusion about administrative rules. Kremer says some churches might not have natural trees this Christmas if the Senate doesn't act on the bill, which stops state and municipal governments from passing any rules or ordinances prohibiting natural Christmas trees in the Capitol rotunda or in a church.