Assembly Bill 236 Passes Out of Committee
A few weeks ago the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety passed Assembly Bill 236, The Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights. AB 236 is a bill authored by Senator Andre Jacque and myself that was introduced in May. This is a follow up bill to the 2023 Wisconsin Act 58 which stated that sexual assault kits must be processed within six months, but unfortunately didn’t have a strong enough enforcement mechanism. According to a recent review by the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau, the average turnaround time for processing a sexual assault kit is 292 days. This is unacceptable; victims of these awful crimes deserve justice in a more timely fashion. These delays in justice also give the perpetrator almost ten more months to commit crimes, endangering the community even further. The Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights will grant victims additional rights including to have their kit tested in a timely manner, and be informed of the status of the test throughout the process. I am proud to have authored this important legislation with Senator Jacque. It will give victims a voice in the process and will protect the public by getting these dangerous criminals off the street. AB 236 will now head to the Assembly floor for final passage soon.
Capitol Christmas Tree
A couple of weeks ago the Capitol Christmas Tree was officially lit to mark the start of the Christmas season here at the capitol. Unfortunately, Governor Evers refuses to acknowledge the true reason for the Christmas season by refusing to call it a Christmas Tree and only referring to it as a “holiday tree”. This 30 foot tall Christmas Tree lights up the capitol during this cheerful season and it’s great to see all the ornaments handmade by students from across the state.
Holiday Light Display
This holiday season the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers are introducing a new holiday light show and Christmas activities at Neuroscience Group Field. This festive way to celebrate the Christmas season is open until January 3rd and offers fun events all around the ballpark for families to enjoy!
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State Capitol Tours
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The best way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Wisconsin’s Capitol building (located at 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53702) is to see it for yourself. It is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free tours are offered daily, year round except on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Tours start at the information desk Monday through Saturday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 p.m. A 4:00 p.m. tour is offered weekdays (Monday – Friday), excluding holidays, during Memorial Day through Labor Day. Plan on spending 45-55 minutes for a tour. The sixth floor museum and observation deck are open during the summer months. Groups of ten or more can make an on-line reservation for a tour of the State Capitol or call (608)266-0382.
