With the legislative session wrapping up, we sent a number of bills to the Governor to be signed. About a dozen of them were bills that I authored. I am very proud to report that the Governor signed nearly all of them. This week’s column will highlight some of the most interesting legislation he signed into law.

One of the bills I authored, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 178, changes a state grant program to allow fire departments to purchase soybean-based fire suppressants. These soybean-based suppressants are an environmentally friendly alternative to the PFAS-based foams that were commonly used until they were banned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 2020. Incentivizing this effective, Wisconsin-developed alternative allows our firefighters to use a safe, environmentally-friendly fire suppressant while also opening up new markets for Wisconsin’s soybean farmers.

Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and I also worked on a bill to ensure that all healthcare workers are properly protected and able to do their jobs safely, regardless of where they provide care. 2025 Wisconsin Act 197 addresses an unintentional issue in state statute that was brought to our attention by Sauk County District Attorney Michael Albrecht. During a recent case, Albrecht identified ambiguity about whether threats made outside traditional healthcare settings could be charged. As a result, while prosecutors could charge someone for threatening to cause bodily harm to a nurse in a hospital, they could not charge someone for making the same threat to an EMS provider working in an ambulance. Our bipartisan bill will ensure that all healthcare professionals working in their official capacity, including EMS personnel, nurses, and other providers are protected.

We also had a number of local bills signed into law that were brought to me by constituents. The Governor signed legislation to place two signs on Highway 18/151 directing people to the Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial and to require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to install signage officially designating the Mississippi River Trail bike path along the Great River Road.

While I was pleased to see so many good pieces of legislation signed into law, I was disappointed to see one bill vetoed. Rep. Kurtz and I worked on legislation to provide small communities with funding to obtain grant writing services. Many of the communities I represent lack the full-time staff necessary to compete with larger cities around the state for grant opportunities. A farmer serving on the town board, for example, does not have time to write a grant application at night after milking cows. I am very disappointed to see the Governor veto this legislation, which would have helped level the playing field for access to important financial assistance.

As session comes to a close, the Governor signed 19 of my bills, bringing my total to 38 over the past two legislative sessions. This places me above all but two of my Senate colleagues. During this time, I have also achieved the highest percentage of introduced bills becoming law of any legislator in the Senate. I am very proud of the work I am able to do on your behalf, especially considering the time devoted to passing a state budget in early 2025. Our success in moving legislation is a testament to the good ideas that you provide and the advocacy of the citizens of the 17th Senate District.

If you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.