On Tuesday, November 18 the State Senate was in session. We passed eight bills that I authored, all with bipartisan support, and a number of other interesting pieces of legislation. A few of those bills are described here:

Senate Bill (SB) 291 – Helping local businesses pay for childcare: This legislative session I have made childcare reform one of my top priorities. I authored this legislation with an eye towards increasing the amount of available childcare slots and putting resources into the hands of parents. This bill updates the list of eligible expenses for an underutilized tax credit and incentivizes businesses to support employees’ childcare costs. This bill would broaden the list of expenses that businesses can claim to receive an existing tax credit to include reimbursing employees for childcare expenses, contributing to their dependent care flexible savings accounts (FSAs), and establishing and operating on-site childcare facilities.

SB 413 – Sexual Assault Survivor Assistance: I authored this legislation to strengthen protections for sexual assault survivors and give them the resources they need to seek justice. This bill extends the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault, provides immunity for victims and witnesses who report sexual assault, and makes it easier for victims to terminate their lease.

SB 461 – Authorizing the design-build program: As discussed here, design-build is a method of road construction that streamlines the traditional contracting process. This enables complex projects to be completed more quickly and efficiently. The 2021-23 state budget created a statewide design-build pilot program. After seeing this program in action on the Lone Rock Bridge project, I authored the legislation to make this program permanent and allow more projects around the state to utilize this method of construction.

SB 474 – Soybean-Based Fire Suppressants: This legislation, which I authored, would allow fire departments to purchase soybean derived fire suppressants through an existing Department of Natural Resources (DNR) grant program. Soybean-based fire suppressants are an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to PFAs-based firefighting foams. SB 474 enables more Wisconsin firefighters to use an effective and environmentally friendly fire suppressant, while opening up new markets for Wisconsin soybean farmers.

SB 529 – Repealing obsolete tax provisions: Nearly every bill passed in Madison adds to the state’s statutes, which now number over 8,000 pages. I authored this legislation to remove approximately 80 pages containing language associated with 25 tax provisions that can no longer be claimed or are expired. Repealing these outdated provisions does not affect any Wisconsinite’s tax bill. SB 529 is a step towards cleaning up our state statutes and simplifying our tax code.

Assembly Bill (AB) 74 – Protecting students from sexual misconduct: This legislation requires school districts to notify parents of an alleged victim of sexual misconduct by a school staff member. Parents have the right to know if their child may be a victim, and AB 74 mandates that notification occur no later than the end of the day the school board receives the report.

At the close of session, I requested that we adjourn in honor of Chief Don Ritchie, who passed away in October. Don served as Fire Chief of the Cobb-Eden Fire Department for 51 years, the longest serving volunteer fire chief in Wisconsin’s history! He also served in Cobb’s village government for 48 years and co-founded the Cobb Corn Boil. Don’s dedication and passion for his community will be greatly missed by me and so many others.

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.