Question of the Week
Should sensitive IT vulnerabilities within state governmental bodies be discussed in open session or closed session, and why? Click here to answer!
Committees
This week was a busy one at the State Capitol! I participated in six committee meetings, including Ways and Means; Judiciary; G.O.A.T.; Regulatory Licensing Reform; Science, Technology & AI; and the Task Force on Rulemaking.
Across these committees, we held five executive sessions and two public hearings, and the Task Force on Rulemaking met to discuss potential bill ideas moving forward.
I’m pleased to share that two bills I authored and co-authored passed out of executive session this week and will now head to the Assembly floor.
AB 415 passed out of the Committee on Science, Technology, and AI, which I chair. This bill addresses use restrictions on state and local government devices. It is an important step in preventing state IT departments from allowing foreign actors access to vulnerable government systems.
AB 487 passed out of the Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency. This bill allows governmental bodies to meet in closed session to consider sensitive information technology security issues. Currently, state entities have no effective way to discuss IT vulnerabilities, even though addressing these risks requires understanding both the problem and the solution before funding can be allocated. Under this bill, after a closed session takes place, the governmental body must provide a written summary of what was discussed.
Together, these bills strengthen cybersecurity protections while maintaining transparency through clear public reporting—protecting our IT systems while remaining accountable to the public.
Floor Session
This week, the Assembly met on the floor twice for the first time in the new year to debate and vote on several important pieces of legislation.
Tuesday Floor Session – Bill Highlights
- Assembly Joint Resolution 10 – Relates to the freedom to gather in places of worship during a state of emergency (second consideration).
This resolution reinforces constitutional protections for religious freedom, even during emergency situations. - Assembly Joint Resolution 102 – Relates to prohibiting discrimination by governmental entities.
This resolution affirms that government should treat all individuals fairly and without discrimination. - Assembly Bill 124 – Relates to prohibiting individuals convicted of a violent crime from changing their name and provides a penalty.
This bill helps protect public safety and prevents offenders from concealing their identities. - Assembly Bill 477 – Relates to the age requirement for the issuance of a Missing Child Alert.
This bill updates alert criteria to improve the effectiveness of locating missing children. - Assembly Bill 677 – Creates the crime of grooming a child for sexual activity and provides a penalty.
This bill strengthens protections for children by criminalizing predatory behavior before abuse occurs.
Thursday Floor Session – Bill Highlights
- Assembly Bill 38 – Relates to an income tax exemption for cash tips paid to an employee.
This bill provides tax relief to service industry workers by allowing them to keep more of what they earn. - Assembly Bill 212 – Relates to the registration of out-of-state health care providers to provide telehealth services.
This bill, which I authored with Senator Stafsholt, expands access to health care by allowing more providers to offer telehealth services to Wisconsin residents. - Assembly Bill 226 – Prohibits school boards and independent charter schools from providing food containing certain ingredients in free or reduced-price meals.
This bill promotes healthier meal options for students who rely on school nutrition programs. - Assembly Bill 457 – Relates to the conditions under which a school district may adopt a resolution to exceed its revenue limit.
This bill clarifies financial rules to improve transparency and accountability in school district budgeting. - Assembly Bill 461 – Relates to an income tax subtraction for certain overtime compensation.
This bill rewards hard-working employees by reducing the tax burden on overtime pay. - Assembly Bill 502 – Relates to outdoor advertising signs affected by transportation projects, compensation for takings, and appraisal standards.
This bill ensures fairness and clarity for property owners when signs are impacted by government transportation projects.
Looking ahead: The Assembly will meet on the Floor again on Tuesday, January 20, and Thursday, January 23, to continue debating and voting on important legislation.
Valentines for Veterans
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs is once again inviting community members, schools, and organizations to help spread some Valentine’s Day cheer by sending cards to be shared with veterans at our three Veterans Homes and within the Veterans Housing & Recovery Program.
Over the past three years, this initiative has brought smiles and encouragement to thousands of veterans thanks to the incredible generosity of people across Wisconsin and beyond.
To ensure cards arrive in time for Valentine’s Day, please mail them by January 31. For the safety and well-being of all recipients, please do not include candy, food, or snacks due to dietary restrictions and allergies.
Mail cards to:
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
Attn: Veteran Valentines
PO Box 7843
Madison, WI 53707-7843
Thank you for helping make Valentine’s Day a little brighter for our veterans!
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Human trafficking preys on the most vulnerable and thrives in silence and darkness. Raising awareness is a critical step toward prevention, accountability, and justice for survivors.
You can help make a difference by taking the HEMAD Pledge and committing to efforts that combat human trafficking here in Wisconsin.
Learn more and take the pledge here.
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! |
Follow me on Social Media!
Stay connected by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates from the Capitol and around the district. You can also visit my legislative website at https://legis.wisconsin.gov/
