2nd Assembly District Update: May 18, 2026

Employment and Licensing Bills

This week’s update looks at employment and licensing bills. The Assembly passed 12 employment and license bills in January and February.

SB431 allows for employers to choose not to hire individuals if the employer is concerned that the individual’s arrest record may be harmful to their business. The governor vetoed this bill.

To hear my thoughts on SB431, click here.

AB281 prohibits the state from purchasing materials or contracting services with an employer that does not verify that all staff are eligible to work in the country through the Federal Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify Program). The bill also requires state and local governments to verify whether an intended hire is allowed to work. The governor vetoed this bill.

SB315 repeals the minimum net worth requirement to get a mortgage broker license. The governor vetoed this bill.

AB380 specifies that if the Wisconsin Supreme Court imposes a suspension on a judge due to misconduct, the suspension will be without pay.

In April of 2025, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was suspended by the Wisconsin Supreme Court after being charged with two federal criminal offenses. She is seen on video helping a violent illegal immigrant evade federal law enforcement. While the Court did suspend and relieve her from her official duties, she was authorized to receive her salary of $174,512. Dugan’s court date was originally scheduled for July 21st, but was delayed until December of 2025. She was found guilty on December 18th, 2025. Because of the court delay, taxpayers funded a 9 month extended vacation for her, while paying additional taxpayer dollars for reserve judges to fill in. This bill is written to prevent a suspended judge from collecting their salary. This protects Wisconsin taxpayers from the misconduct by rogue judges.

AB650 was signed into law by the governor as 2025 Wisconsin Act 144. This law authorizes the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to expend funds from an existing appropriation for the purpose of costs related to identity proofing for which federal funding is unavailable.

AB651 was signed into law by the governor as 2025 Wisconsin Act 145. This law makes various changes to worker’s compensation, procedures for dispute resolution, medical care, fraud, and penalties for not being insured.

AB652 makes various changes to the unemployment insurance law to ensure that recipients make good faith efforts to secure new employment.

SB366 was signed into law by the governor as 2025 Wisconsin Act 221. This law makes changes to grants for technical education equipment. The bill modifies what the grant can be awarded for and requires that the grant be matched.

AB696 was signed into law by the governor as 2025 Wisconsin Act 166. This law modifies requirements for becoming a CPA. The bill provides specific education pathways to meet requirements to obtain a CPA certificate. The bill also makes logistical modifications and changes the processes for an out-of-state CPA in Wisconsin.

AB778 was signed into law by the governor as 2025 Wisconsin Act 176. This law adjusts the eligibility for Transform Milwaukee Jobs program and the Transitional Jobs program.

AB803 makes programs that provide evidence-based educational training, leadership development, on-site job experience, and other support to provide individuals with skills and experience needed to pursue careers as teachers eligible for the Fast Forward grant.

AB241 adjusted the ratio of apprentices to trainers to more closely align us with our Midwest neighbors. The governor vetoed this bill.

In-District Events

Saturday, May 23, Memorial Day Celebration at 18424 Tisch Mills Rd, Denmark from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. More information can be found here.

Sunday, May 24, Memorial Day Celebration at 18424 Tisch Mills Rd, Denmark from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. More information can be found here.

Monday, May 25th, is the Appleton Memorial Day Parade at 9 a.m.

Monday, May 25th, is the Two Rivers Memorial Day Parade at 9 a.m.

Monday, May 25th, is the De Pere Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m.

Monday, May 25th, is the Mishicot Memorial Day Parade at 12 p.m.

Monday, May 25th, is the Wrightstown Memorial Day Parade at 2 p.m.

Saturday, May 30, Mishicot FFA Alumni Tractor Pull at Mishicot Community Athletic Complex, Mishicot from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. More information can be found here.

Sunday, May 31, Tractor Pull at Larrabee Sportsman’s Club, Mishicot from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 7, Brown County Breakfast on the Farm at Tinedale Farms, Wrightstown from 8:00 a.m. to noon. More information can be found here.

Wednesday, June 10, Music in the Park at 7431 Dickinson Rd, Greenleaf from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Sunday, June 13, Appleton Flag Day Parade at Downtown Appleton, starting at 2:00 p.m. More information can be found here.

Wednesday, June 17th through Saturday, June 20th is the Electric City River Jam in Hydro Park. More information can be found here.