The Assembly convened this week for a busy floor session. The following are some of the bills that were successfully passed out of the Assembly:
Tougher on Crime Package
I was proud to support a package of bills that will protect our citizens and make our communities safer. The bills would create stronger penalties for violent and repeat offenders, repeat drunk driving offenders, and crimes against elderly persons. The legislation was crafted with input from law enforcement and criminal justice experts.
Assembly Bill 480: Relating to: increased penalties for crimes against elder persons; restraining orders for elder persons; freezing assets of a defendant charged with financial exploitation of an elder person; sexual assault of an elder person; physical abuse of an elder person; and providing a penalty.
Assembly Bill 481: Relating to: financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Assembly Bill 804: Relating to: intimidating a victim of domestic abuse and providing a penalty.
Assembly Bill 805: Relating to: recommendation to revoke parole, probation, and extended supervision if a person is charged with a crime.
Assembly Bill 806: Relating to: acts for which a juvenile may be placed in correctional placement or the Serious Juvenile Offender Program.
Assembly Bill 808: Relating to: prosecuting a violent felon for the crime of illegal possession of a firearm.
Assembly Bill 809: Relating to: earned release from parole or extended supervision and discharge from probation.
Assembly Bill 817: Relating to: bail for a criminal defendant who is charged with bail jumping.
Senate Bill 6: Relating to: committing a fifth or sixth offense related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated and providing a penalty.
Stopping Caller ID Scammers
The Assembly also passed a measure that would crack down on unwanted telemarketing calls. The bill prohibits the falsification of information on caller ID displays. This will help combat scammers from masking their phone numbers as local numbers, also known as “spoofing.”
Assembly Bill 147: Relating to caller ID spoofing, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.
Fostering Free Speech on University Campuses
The Assembly passed a bill that would protect free speech on college campuses. The bill would specifically require the University of Wisconsin system to allow public speakers on campus, regardless of the speaker’s views, ideology or beliefs. The bill also creates strong disciplinary consequences for students who actively disrupt guests from speaking. Our universities should encourage students to think freely and challenge their own beliefs. This bill ensures that all viewpoints and opinions on college campuses are able to be shared.
Assembly Bill 444: Relating to: free expression within the University of Wisconsin System, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, and granting rule-making authority.
Rural Broadband Investment
The Assembly passed a bill that would provide tax exemptions for broadband investments in rural and underserved areas of the state. The objective of the bill is to incentivize telephone companies to invest more in the creation of broadband infrastructure throughout rural Wisconsin. Broadband expansion remains one of my top legislative priorities, and I was encouraged to see this bill pass.
Assembly Bill 344: Relating to: company tax exemption for property used to provide broadband service.
Assembly Committee on State Affairs
The Assembly Committee on State Affairs met this week for two public hearings and an executive session. The following bills were successfully voted out of the committee:
Assembly Bill 816: Relating to: incorporating the Holocaust and other genocides into the state model social studies standards and requiring instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides.
Assembly Bill 670: Relating to: increasing the minimum retirement age under the Wisconsin Retirement System; decreasing the minimum break in service for annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System who are rehired by a participating employer; and allowing rehired annuitants to elect to not participate in the Wisconsin Retirement System.
Assembly Bill 840: Relating to: counting of tips for tipped employees and granting rule-making authority.
Assembly Bill 869: Relating to: creating a private event venue permit issued by the Department of Revenue; the issuance by the Department of Revenue of retail alcohol beverage permits for motor vehicle racetrack grounds and for the state fair park; authorizing caterers to make retail sales of alcohol beverages on racetrack grounds; closing hours for certain alcohol beverage retailers and wineries and hours for retail sales by brewers; and providing a penalty.
Rep. Swearingen chairing the Committee on State Affairs
Alzheimer's Association Legislative Day
I met with representatives of the Alzheimer’s Association during their annual legislative day. Alzheimer’s is a tragic disease that currently affects 5.8 million Americans. As our population ages, the number is expected to increase significantly. We have made good progress in recent years, but we must remain committed to improving Alzheimer’s and dementia care and services throughout Wisconsin.
Rep. Swearingen with representatives of the Alzheimer's Association.
Wisconsin Library Association Legislative Day
I had a great meeting with local librarians as part of the Wisconsin Library Association’s legislative day in the Capitol. In addition to the ability to check out books, public libraries offer many additional resources and services to communities throughout Wisconsin. I encourage you to visit your local library to learn more about all the great things they offer!
Rep. Swearingen with librarians from throughout the Northwoods.
Wisconsin Historical Society Legislative Day
The Wisconsin Historical Society also held their annual legislative day in the Capitol this week. I had a great discussion with James Bokern of Manitowish Waters about the history of the Northwoods and opportunities for communities to grow tourism by highlighting their rich history. Thanks for stopping by!
Rep. Swearingen with James Bokern of Manitowish Waters.
Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association Legislative Day
My staff met with members of the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association this week to discuss their legislative priorities. Occupational therapists conduct invaluable work to help individuals who may be injured, ill or disabled live a high quality life. I appreciate all they do in our communities.
My Legislative Assistant, Sascha Glaeser, with members of the Wisconsin Occupational Therapy Association.
Travel Wisconsin Snow Report
To keep up to date with the snow conditions and trail openings around the state for snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, check out Travel Wisconsin's Snow Report.
Community Events
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