Question of the Week
As gun deer season kicks off in Wisconsin, what are your thoughts on the state’s wolf hunt policies? Click here to answer!
Assembly Bill 211 Passes the Senate!
This week, AB 211 — the bill exempting tobacco bars from Wisconsin’s public smoking ban — cleared the State Senate and is now headed to the Governor’s desk!
This pro-business, common-sense bill creates a clear path for more cigar lounges to open with local approval and finally brings clarity to Wisconsin’s clean air laws, which have been ambiguous for the past 16 years. It also strikes a thoughtful balance between public health and individual choice.
AB 211 supports small businesses, boosts economic growth, and strengthens community spaces where adults can relax and connect.
A win for Wisconsin entrepreneurship, clean air clarity, and personal freedom!
G.O.A.T. Committee
The G.O.A.T. Committee met for an executive session and voted on the Red Tape Reset Package — a series of bills aimed at improving transparency, oversight, and accountability in Wisconsin’s administrative rulemaking process.
- Assembly Bill 274 – expiration of administrative rules
- Assembly Bill 275 – challenges to the validity of administrative rules and making an appropriation
- Assembly Bill 276 – statements of scope for administrative rules
- Assembly Bill 277 – requirements for proposed administrative rules that impose any costs
All four bills passed and will now head to the Committee on Rules.
The Red Tape Reset Package is an important step toward cutting outdated burdens, improving government transparency, and ensuring a more efficient, accountable rulemaking process for Wisconsin taxpayers.
After the executive session, the G.O.A.T. Committee held a public hearing on just one bill — AB 487, co-authored by me and Senator Bradley.
This bill is key to keeping Wisconsin’s data safe by allowing certain state entities to hold closed sessions when discussing sensitive IT security issues. In a world full of cyber threats, AB 487 ensures we can protect our state’s systems while still maintaining transparency and public trust.
Keeping Wisconsin secure and ahead of cyber risks!
Session
This week, the Assembly met for Floor Session, where we debated and voted on numerous bills. Here are a few highlights:
Public Safety & Community Protection
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AB 530 – Prohibits the operation of drones over school property and establishes penalties to help ensure student safety.
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AB 422 – Removes the time limitation on prosecuting the crime of hiding a corpse.
Representative Ron Tusler authored this bill following the tragic case of Starkie Swenson, whose body was found at High Cliff State Park in 2021 — 38 years after his murder. Charges related to hiding the body were ultimately dropped due to the statute of limitations, highlighting the need for this change in Wisconsin law.
These bills strengthen community safety by protecting students and ensuring justice can be pursued regardless of how much time has passed.
Protecting Teachers & Classrooms
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AB 613 – Requires parental notification when a student is removed from the classroom.
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AB 614 – Strengthens a teacher’s authority to manage their classroom, improves parental notification for disruptive or violent behavior, and reinforces school district codes of conduct.
These bills support teachers, increase transparency, and help create safer, more stable learning environments for students.
School Consolidation & Rural Support
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AB 644 – Provides state aid for consolidated school districts.
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AB 645 – Creates grants for feasibility studies on school district consolidation or whole grade sharing.
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AB 646 – Requires school districts to conduct consolidation studies.
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AB 647 – Establishes whole grade sharing grants for school boards.
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AB 648 – Provides supplemental state aid for consolidated school districts.
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AB 649 – Offers supplemental funding for whole grade sharing grants, consolidation feasibility study grants, and supplemental state aid for districts undergoing consolidation.
These bills give schools—especially rural districts—the tools and financial support needed to plan for long-term sustainability, improve educational opportunities, and use taxpayer dollars wisely.
Speaker’s Task Force on Rulemaking
The Speaker’s Task Force on Rulemaking held a public hearing at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau to discuss administrative regulations, the rulemaking process, and the impact of the Evers v. Marklein II decision.
Wisconsin’s current rulemaking system has significant shortcomings, particularly in how it concentrates too much power in the executive branch. This allows agencies to exceed their authority without sufficient oversight. We need greater transparency, stronger accountability, and clearer limits to ensure agencies operate within their statutory boundaries and that the public’s voice is central in shaping our rules.
The input gathered will help guide the Task Force as we work to restore balance and strengthen Wisconsin’s regulatory framework.
Thank you to yesterday’s speakers:
• Badger Institute
• Wisconsin Builders Association
• Institute for Reforming Government
Senate Bill 400
I testified before the Senate Committee on Transportation and Local Government on SB 400, which places use restrictions on state-issued electronic devices.
This bill is crucial because it prohibits all state agencies from downloading, accessing, or using applications, software, or generative artificial intelligence owned or controlled by a foreign adversary on these devices. Protecting our government’s technology from foreign interference is essential to safeguarding public safety, securing sensitive information, and maintaining trust in our state operations.
Here is the video of my testimony:
STATE CHAMPIONS!
YOUR 2025 FOOTBALL DIVISION 4 STATE CHAMPS!
Congratulations Winneconne Wolves High School Football on an incredible season and fantastic finish!
Gun Deer Hunting Season Opens Tomorrow!
Wishing everyone a safe and successful hunt this year!
Blue Books
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If you would like a Blue Book, please email my office, and we will send one to you! |
Capitol Visits
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Planning a trip to Madison? Schedule a visit with me at the Capitol! Email my office! |
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