The bill proposes amending 29.336 (2) (b) and 29.336 (2) (c) of the statutes to restrict baiting deer in counties with confirmed positive tests for CWD or bovine TB in free-roaming animals only. Under current law, the DNR can prohibit baiting deer in counties with confirmed positive tests for CWD or bovine TB in any captive or free-roaming animal, and these rules cannot prevent feeding deer for more than three years after a positive test. The proposed amendments aim to clarify that DNR rules should only apply to free-roaming animals with confirmed positive tests for CWD or bovine TB, rather than any captive or free-roaming animals.

The APRN Modernization Act will bring Wisconsin in line with the National Consensus Model of Advanced Nurse Licensure. The act will provide regulatory flexibility and help remove barriers for qualified healthcare providers to practice within their scope in the areas where they are needed most.

Assembly Bill 476 introduces a vital change to the protocol for addressing vacancies in elective state executive branch positions in Wisconsin. The bill stipulates that if such a vacancy for the offices of secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general, and state superintendent occurs during an election year for the open position, the individual appointed by the Governor to fill the vacancy must receive the advice and consent of the Senate. In instances where it is not an election year, the bill requires a special election to be held, ensuring that the citizens of Wisconsin have the opportunity to elect a new official, rather than having the position filled by appointment.