State Assembly Updates

January 26th, 2026

WisconsinEye Update

In our last newsletter I discussed the temporary shuttering of WisconsinEye, Wisconsin’s version of C-SPAN. At the end of last week, Minority Leader Greta Neubauer and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced a new bill aimed at restoring public video access to your state government. We are hopeful that this bipartisan bill will be picked up in the Senate quickly and we can restore urgently needed government transparency. In the meantime, we will be providing more detailed constituent communications, so keep an eye on my newsletters and social media for regular updates. 

Assembly Floor Session - Week of 1/19

AB840: a bill that regulates data centers. Data center accountability is one of the most important issues before the legislature, and yet the proposal was introduced just 11 days before the vote in the Assembly. A separate, more comprehensive data center bill, AB722, has yet to receive a public hearing. 

• I voted against AB840, pointing out that a Republican bill regulating BINGO was given more time for public input - and was only slightly longer - than the Republican-led data center proposal. Nevertheless it passed in the Assembly and awaits a vote in the Senate. 

• If you would like to hear part of my speech about the data center bill on the Assembly Floor, listen here. 

AB315 / AB612: two bills that were introduced by Legislative Republicans to reauthorize the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program. Although reauthorization of the stewardship program is a top priority, I think these bills are “a day late and 20 million dollars short.” I voted against the bill as did all of my Democratic colleagues and I am hopeful that the Senate can find a bipartisan compromise.

• Meanwhile, Legislative Democrats introduced a separate bill (AB435) renewing the Knowles Nelson program for six years, with $72 million in critical funding, and establishing an independent oversight board. Our proposal stays true to the heart of the program and is a responsible step forward in preserving our state’s most precious resources for the future. Unfortunately, that bill has yet to receive a hearing. 

AB672: a bill that creates a penalty enhancer for crimes committed by a person acting as a foreign government or terrorist organization with the intent to silence or punish persons for their political view, criminalizing the enforcement of foreign laws without federal or state approval. 

• We heard from many constituents concerned about this possible restriction on their right to speak freely, without fear of prosecution. The language in this bill is very broad and stifles free speech. I voted no on this bill, but ultimately it passed along party lines and is waiting to be brought for a vote in the Senate. 

AB749: a bill that requires instruction in blood and organ donation in high school grades. As many people know, organ and blood donation can save lives. I voted yes on this bill after hearing from many constituents about the critical difference education on organ and blood donation can make. It passed in the Assembly through a voice vote and is now waiting to be brought for a vote in the Senate. 

Around the Capitol

It is a busy time in your state capitol! The legislature will likely end its session by early March, so there are lots of bills, committees, and votes happening. Here are just a few from last week, click on the links for more details:

Nurses Collective Bargaining: Last week, I joined my Democratic colleagues in standing with the nurses at UW Health to introduce legislation in support of the talented and dedicated nurses who work there. This bill will reauthorize their right to union representation and ensure our nurses can continue to provide the best possible care while being paid fair wages, with adequate staffing levels, reasonable hours, and a safe workplace.