Senator James is proud to have had dozens of great bills signed into law during his time in the legislature. Read on about some of his favorites, or click here for his full legislative page.

PROTECTING KIDS

Above: The "Last Name Change" / "The 4" bill was inspired by real constituents who came to Jesse advocating for the best interests of children who had been deeply affected by their parent's actions.

Shielding the Vulnerable

Jesse's bill 2021 WI Act 182, enables a parent to change the last name of their child without the consent of the other parent when that individual has been convicted of certain heinous crimes, including child sexual abuse and homicide.  Changing a child's last name allows them to have a fresh start away from the negative press and reputation of their parent.

Also signed into law is his legislation allowing underage witnesses in human trafficking cases to be allowed to testify outside of the courtroom. Shielding a child from the pressure and  intimidation of their trafficker can help protect their safety and mental health. 

Standing Against Predators

In 2024, Jesse's bills banning AI Child Porn and Child Sex Dolls were signed into law. 2023 Wisconsin Act 224 and 225 make sex dolls resembling a minor illegal in Wisconsin and add a new section in our state statute banning computer-generated/AI child porn. Artificial intelligence models learn from real images of real victims. Closing the door on these activities will help put a stop to child sexual abuse.

James also authored legislation clarifying sexual misconduct and harassment between a school employee and a pupil. Protecting kids is one of Jesse's highest priorities, and he takes pride in fighting to keep them safe.

Safe Schools

Senator James authored legislation to provide grants to schools to map out their campuses with new technology designed for efficient emergency responses. He received a School Bus Association Legislative Champion award for his bill to raise penalties on cars who fail to stop for a school bus. James legislation also made it possible to keep Narcan and glucagon in schools, both life-saving medications.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Crime and Justice for Victims

As a police officer, safety and justice for victims have been primary legislative focuses for Sen. James. He authored legislation to prevent backlogs in processing sexual assault kits in Wisconsin, as well as securing $10 million for crime victim services in Wisconsin after a critical federal source of funding dried up. He also was able to author a bill that defines and penalizes the crime of carjacking.

Sen. James passed the Kelsey Smith Act, which allows first responders to more easily access the cell phone location data of people in immediate danger, as well as the Lily Alert/Prince Act bill, which adds missing child alerts to our statewide alert system. In 2024, his bill to create an emergency contact feature for Wisconsin drivers' licenses was signed into law. 

The Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis has claimed thousands of lives in Wisconsin. Jesse authored legislation to legalize fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, which were previously considered drug paraphernalia.

Fentanyl is an odorless, tasteless synthetic opioid and has become a leading killer of people aged 18-45. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer that does not respond to the reversal agent naloxone. Both drugs can be laced into any substance and have claimed lives. These testing strips are inexpensive, disposable paper tests that can identify hidden fentanyl or xylazine in various substances, helping prevent overdose deaths. Sen. James also authored legislation that allows nurses in our Wisconsin schools to keep naloxone on hand.

Above: Wisconsin mothers Sharon and Michelle, who lost their children Erin and Cade to lethal fentanyl poisoning, and both advocate for fentanyl awareness and change.

MENTAL HEALTH AND BACK AT HOME

Above: Rep. Barbara Dittrich (R - Oconomowoc) and Sen. James testify on their bill to establish financial support for recovery high schools in Wisconsin.

Expanding Needed Services

Senator James is the Chair of the Senate Mental Health Committee, and is always looking to address the mental health crisis we are experiencing. He passed legislation to increase peer support programs among first responders, as well as create a pilot program that would provide officers with virtual help from a trained professional when answering mental health calls.

In previous budgets, he secured $30 million in increases for school-based mental health, $15 million for a mental health hospital expansion in the Chippewa Valley, and established a grant program for the growth of recovery high schools in Wisconsin. Recovery high schools provide a sober environment and deep-end intervention for teens struggling with substance abuse and other issues.

Jesse is an advocate for encouraging people to speak out when they are struggling, especially his fellow first responders.

Putting District First

Jesse is committed to fighting for his district and representing the people of the 23rd. He passed legislation enabling local governments to secure bridge funding and voted in favor of a historic increase in shared revenue for local governments in the '23-'25 budget. His budget motions this same year secured funding for the new science building at U.W. Eau Claire, a building expansion at U.W. Stout, and funds for a much-needed Lake Altoona sediment collector.

Many of his successful legislative ideas have come from constituents, such as allowing homeschoolers to become election inspectors, providing medical testing for first responders who come into contact with bodily fluids, and making September 11th an observance day in Wisconsin schools.