Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety
Welcome back to the Sortwell Scoop! I hope everyone is keeping warm and staying safe on the roads! Last week (particularly Thursday) was a busy one. I had four committees on the same day, all overlapping with each other. I’m sure you can imagine what a sight I was running around the Capitol!
First, Senator James and I testified in the Senate on SB 641. This legislation eliminates the current prohibitions against electrical weapons, such as tasers, primarily requiring a concealed carry permit.
In a report published by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, the Department of Justice defined electronic control weapons as “non-lethal” or “less lethal” weapons. These self-defense tools are geared toward incapacitating or distracting an attacker, not causing great bodily harm. Allowing individuals to freely carry electronic-controlled weapons offers another form of self-defense. Obtaining a concealed carry license and carrying a firearm do not fit everyone’s skill and comfort level. This is another way to help provide safety to the citizens of Wisconsin.
Committee on Judiciary
Next, the Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on three bills.
AB 544 will prevent courts from conducting repetitive hearings on cases where the district attorney has declined to issue a complaint because the person was acting in self-defense when there is no new evidence presented.
AB 659 allows a notary public to perform a notarial act for a remotely located individual involving the creation and execution of a power of attorney.
AB 556 creates a requirement that a court expedite proceedings in criminal and delinquency cases and juvenile dispositional hearings involving a victim or witness who is an elder person.
As written, I have an issue with this bill because I believe it threatens the 6th Amendment right of a defendant to face their accuser.
We also held an executive session on two bills and one resolution.
AB 87 is a bill I helped draft that will require impaired drivers to pay child support if they cause a crash that kills a parent or guardian. They will be responsible for child support until the minor turns 18 or until they turn 19, if they are still enrolled in high school.
Since 2022, four states—Tennessee, Kentucky, Maine, and Texas—have passed similar legislation known to supporters as “Bentley’s Law.”
AB 460 is a piece of legislation I wrote that requires the Department of Administration (DOA) to maintain an index of discovery system that allows district attorneys and public defenders to manage and organize all discovery-related information for court cases.
According to the State Public Defender’s office, conflict with video evidence is the second-biggest reason why a court case is delayed. An index of discovery would give both sides of a case a more organized system to file and present evidence, which will ensure a fairer trial and higher efficiency in cases. Lastly, the Department of Justice already utilizes this software, so it should allow for limited administrative costs for DOA when implementing this database.
There were some concerns regarding implementing this piece of legislation too quickly, so we introduced an amendment that requires DOA to conduct a study on maintaining an index system for discovery that allows district attorneys and public defenders to manage, access, and organize all discovery-related information.
AJR 60 prohibits the state from closing down or forbidding gatherings in places of worship in response to a state of emergency at the national, state, or local level.
Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Next, the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on three bills.
AB 536 increases the penalties for fleeing an officer.
AB 896 grants the juvenile court the ability to impose reasonable restrictions on a juvenile’s conduct, including travel, association with other persons, alcohol or drug use, and school attendance, during the time between the plea hearing and the conclusion of any fact-finding hearing or any disposition hearing.
AB 37 would provide updates to Wisconsin’s outdated expungement law.
Committee on Veteran and Military Affairs
Last but not least, the Veteran and Military Affairs Committee held a public hearing on Thursday on two bills.
AB 580 allows spouses of veterans to be admitted as members of state veterans homes before the veteran spouse is admitted as a member.
AB 772 makes a minor procedural change for the National Guard tuition reimbursement grant program. Under this bill, instead of a reimbursement to the student, the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) will pay tuition directly to the educational institution.
AB 612 Has Passed Out of Committee!
I also have some exciting news to share! Yesterday, AB 612 passed in the Committee on Labor and Integrated Employment 5-3.
Under ch. 252.04(3), Wisconsin offers K–12 students the right to waive any immunization requirements for reasons of health, religion, or personal conviction. In preserving their bodily autonomy, Wisconsinites have a right to decide what goes into their bodies. However, current law does not expand these protections to our college students or workers. AB 612 expands this right to every Wisconsin employee and prospective employee.
In-District Events
The Mishicot Fishing Derby will be January 27th and 28th. The event begins on Saturday at 13804 Jambo Creek Road in Mishicot. For more information call Joe at 920-905-0095.
Tuesday, January 30th, will be the Mishicot Lions Chili Dinner at Mishicot High School from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
