Gov. Scott Walker signs 62 bills into law Tuesday

MADISON (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker signed 62 bills into law on Tuesday, April 8th. The bills signed into law include:

Assembly Bill 641 – strengthens the process for prosecuting sexual assault crimes and protecting victims; updates Wisconsin Code of Military Justice to reflect changes in federal regulations.   This bill is part of a larger effort in Wisconsin, to address sexual misconduct in the military.  Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) authored the bill which passed both the Assembly and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 201.

Senate Bill 527 – complements existing law to protect owners and operators of shooting ranges from nuisance lawsuits, while protecting the rights of adjacent property owners.  Senator Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) and Representative Scott Krug (R-Town of Rome) authored the bill which passed the Senate 19-13 and the Assembly 65-30; it is Act 202.

Senate Bill 565 – creates the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board and prohibits the Milwaukee County Board from forming policies relating to mental health or county facilities that deal with mental health, alcohol, and/or substance abuse.  The bill also states that the Department of Health Services shall complete a programmatic and financial audit of mental health services in Milwaukee County and submit that report by December 1, 2014.  Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) and Representative Joe Sanfelippo (R-West Allis) authored the bill which unanimously passed the Senate and passed the Assembly 89-1; it is Act 203.

Senate Bill 500 – extends the expiration date of motor vehicle fuel tax exemption certificates, to three years, rather than one year, for agri-business fuel providers.  Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative Bob Kulp (R-Stratford) authored the bill which passed the Senate 32-0 and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 204. 

Senate Bill 237 – reduces barriers for people pursuing barbering and cosmetology licenses.  The bill allows people to earn their license faster, by reducing the number of apprentice hours from 3,712 to 1,712, eliminating the requirement that the 1,000 classroom hours be spread out over a 10 month period, and allowing classroom time to exceed eight hours per day or 48 hours per week.  Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Representative Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 205.

Assembly Bill 290 – approves payment of $90,000 to Robert Lee Stinson for wrongful imprisonment.  Stinson served 23 years in prison following a false conviction of first-degree murder, relating to the death of a Milwaukee woman in 1985.  Representative Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) and Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 96-0 and unanimously passed the Senate; it is Act 206.

Senate Bill 631 – increases the base pay for former district attorneys who are later appointed to an assistant district attorney position, if they left the position within the previous five years.  The bill aims to encourage district attorneys to continue serving as state prosecutors.  Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Representative Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 207.

Senate Bill 223 – prohibits employers, educational institutions and landlords from requesting or requiring passwords or other protected access to personal internet accounts of students, employees, and tenants.  Viewing, accessing and using information from internet accounts, including social media, in the public domain is allowed.  Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Representative Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay) authored the bill which unanimously passed the Senate and passed the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 208.

Senate Bill 68 – requires the recipient of maintenance/alimony payments due to divorce to notify the court if the payee remarries.  Under current law, maintenance/alimony payments terminate upon the payee’s death or remarriage.  Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 209. 

Assembly Bill 669 – brings Wisconsin’s Certified Public Accountant (CPA) practice standards in line with the rest of the nation by updating the Accounting Examining Board Administrative Rules and adopting national standards including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’s Code of Professional Conduct, standards for auditing, accounting and review services, and peer review.  Requires applicants for a CPA license to first have completed 120 of the 150 required hours of school before they can take the CPA licensure exam.  Representative Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) authored the bill which passed both the Assembly and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 210.

Senate Bill 458 – clarifies standards of admission for home-schooled students taking courses in the school district.  Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) and Representative Jim Ott (R-Mequon) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 211.

Senate Bill 576 – allows an owner of a limited lines travel license to supervise the sale of travel insurance by unlicensed individuals.  Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and the Assembly 93-0; it is Act 212.

Senate Bill 196 – increases protections of personal privacy and liberty by prohibiting the unwarranted use of drones.   Establishes penalty of a Class A misdemeanor for non-law enforcement persons who use drones with the intended purpose of photographing or recording an individual where the individual is expecting privacy.   Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 213.

Senate Bill 373 – makes changes to the DNA at Arrest program to ensure civil liberties are protected, while still enabling law enforcement to prosecute crimes and protect public safety to the best of their ability.  The bill also improves the training process by giving the law enforcement standards board more flexibility.  Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 214.

Senate Bill 433 –  protects both citizens and businesses by prohibiting local governments from providing alcohol beverage retailers with identification scanners, which allow law enforcement to collect personal information of patrons.   Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative David Craig (R-Big Bend) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 215.

Senate Bill 501 – expands the list of commodities that can be transported via oversized vehicle, mirroring the weight limits allowed in both Minnesota and Iowa.  The bill will aid farmers and haulers dealing with challenging weather conditions.  Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative Bob Kulp (R-Stratford) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 216.

Senate Bill 574 – allows the Department of Transportation to permit vehicles transporting energy resources, such as propane, to exceed posted weight limits on thawing highways, to ensure a continued supply of propane to rural residents and businesses.  The Department may further extend the permit to vehicles weighing 50,000 pounds or more during an energy emergency.  Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative Bob Kulp (R-Stratford) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by the Assembly 93-0; it is Act 217.

Senate Bill 256 – makes first offense of an unlicensed salvage yard a civil offense, punishable by a forfeiture between $500 and $5,000.  Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative Joe Sanfelippo (R-West Allis) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 218.

Assembly Bill 799 – clarifies that the same railroad crossing restrictions apply to pedestrians as the restrictions that apply to vehicles and bicycles.  Representative Al Ott (R-Forest Junction) and Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 94-0 and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 219.

Assembly Bill284 – supports economic development in the trucking industry by increasing the allowable length of  vehicles from 75 feet to 97 feet, consistent with a 2005 federal law and laws in surrounding states.  Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield) and Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) authored the bill which passed both the Assembly and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 220.

Senate Bill 630 – allows collector vehicles, manufactured before 1979, to display historical registration plates if the vehicle is being operated to or from a car show or parade and if the current registration plate is carried in the vehicle.  Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 221.

Assembly Bill 598 – promotes economic development by providing municipalities with additional tools, special assessments and B bonds, for funding public improvements at more reasonable terms.  Representative Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) and Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 97-0 and unanimously passed the Senate ; it is Act 222.

Assembly Bill 727 – adds individual-at-risk to the list of individuals subject to injunction that may be prohibited from possessing a firearm, and requires the Department of Justice and the courts share information regarding persons who are prohibited from possessing firearms.  The bill will ensure citizens are protected against those who pose a danger and should not be in possession of firearms.  Representative Jim Ott  (R-Mequon) and Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 97-0 and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 223.

Assembly Bill 180 – clarifies current OWI law, requiring a court to impose jail time for a seventh or subsequent OWI offense.  Strengthens the language of the statutes so that the 3 year confinement and 3 year extended supervision for 7th, 8th, and 9th OWI is mandatory.   Clarifies that someone convicted of causing injury while OWI “shall” be imprisoned for at least 30 days, rather than “may”, with a minor exception.  Representative Jim Ott  (R-Mequon) and Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 95-1 and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 224.

Assembly Bill 741 – adjusts how the Department of Children and Families awards Wisconsin Works (W-2) contracts, bringing the state into compliance with CAPTA.  Representative Jessie Rodriguez (R-Franklin) and Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) authored the bill which passed both the Assembly and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 225.

Senate Bill 245 – addresses fraud in public assistance programs; moves public assistance fraud from Chapter 49 to the criminal code of Wisconsin State Statutes.  The bill also allows either the Department of Justice or the local district attorneys to prosecute violations relating to public assistance program.  Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) authored the bill which passed the Senate 31-1 and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 226.

Senate Bill 389 – promotes saving for a college education by indexing for inflation, extending the period of deductible EdVest contributions, and allowing individuals to claim a deduction for contributions to an account of another individual.  Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) authored the bill which passed the Senate 32-0 and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 227.

Senate Bill 414 – increases the time allowed for taxpayers to review changed assessments before deciding whether or not to challenge them at the local board of review.  Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) authored the bill which passed the Senate 27-5 and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 228.

Assembly Bill 644 – allows retailers to be reimbursed by the state for sales tax paid to the state when a customer defaults on a store credit card.  Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) and Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate 19-14; it is Act 229.

Senate Bill 524 – allows consumers to purchase portable electronics insurance when device is financed.  Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 230. 

Assembly Bill 770 (CEREMONIAL SIGNING) – creates an emergency heating assistance loan guarantee program to address high cost of heating due to extreme cold and propane shortage.  It will allow families to obtain financing of up to $2,500 through a participating lender with a guarantee of 50 to 80 percent on original amount borrowed.  Assembly Bill 770 makes financing more affordable by providing a one-time payment of 3.5 percent to reduce the interest rate on the loan.  Representative John Nygren (R-Marinette) and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 94-1 and unanimously passed the Senate.  It is Act 175.

Assembly Bill 258 – streamlines the process for maintaining and removing vegetation that is obstructing advertising signs along highways.  Representatives Mark Honadel (R-South Milwaukee), Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate 19-13; it is Act 231.

Assembly Bill 368 – allows Wisconsin residents to urchase shotguns or rifles in any other state, bringing Wisconsin in line with most states, providing more options, and benefitting Wisconsin’s hunting and sporting heritage.   This bill does not change the purchasing process for long guns.  Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield) and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 94-3 and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 232.

Assembly Bill 670 – reduces the registration fees for antique snowmobiles, to bring fees similar to those required in Minnesota and Michigan.  If a snowmobile is at least 35 years old, the initial registration fee is $20, with a renewal fee of $5 every two years.  Representative Mary Williams (R-Medford) and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) authored the bill which passed both the Assembly and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 233.

Senate Bill 155 – eliminates the burden for consumers of registering for the state and federal no call list by allowing the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to use the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call list, and eliminate the state list.  Individuals will be protected and will no longer be required to re-register for the state no-call list every two years.  This bill will save the state approximately $190,000 a year in costs related to maintaining the no-call list. Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) and Representative Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) authored the bill which unanimously passed the Senate and was concurred by the Assembly 98-0; it is Act 234.

Assembly Bill 500 – creates pilot program in Milwaukee County that reduces stigma in mental health, by allowing emergency detention initiation without the involvement of law enforcement.  Under this bill, the authority to initiate emergency detention is expanded to the “treatment director” or their designee, including a licensed social worker, professional counselor, or psychiatric nurse allowing a clinical approach that is more therapeutic to the individual.  Representative Sandy Pasch (D-Shorewood) and Senator Nikiya Harris (D-Milwaukee) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 235.

Senate Bill 560 – streamlines the regulatory rules that govern Wisconsin hospitals by allowing state surveyors and hospitals to use the same standards.  This will allow the Department of Health Services to adopt and enforce federal regulatory standards that govern psychiatric hospitals and address areas of hospital care that are not covered under federal rules, such as Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU), maternity wards, and building codes.  Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) and Representative Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) authored the bill which passed the Senate 32-0 and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 236. 

Senate Bill 584 – holds schools accountable and ensures they are best suited to participate in parental choice program (PCP).  The bill also requires private schools participating in a parental choice program to maintain accreditation.  Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) and Representative Jessie Rodriguez (R-Franklin) authored the bill which unanimously passed the Senate and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 237. 

Senate Bill 453 – allows intoxicating liquor taste samples to be provided at certain retailer trade association events to anyone who has reached the legal drinking age.  Retailers may not offer samples at more than two such events of any one trade association per year.  Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and Representative Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 238. 

Senate Bill 375 – allows schools to adopt a physician approved plan for managing students with life-threatening allergies.  The plan authorizes a school nurse or other individual with authorization to provide an epinephrine auto-injector to a student for self-administration as well as administer an epinephrine auto-injector to a student.  In the event student is given an epinephrine auto-injector and does not have a prescription for it, 911 must be called.  Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) and Representative Erik Severson (R-Star Prairie) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 239. 

Senate Bill 579 – strengthens Wisconsin’s physician licensure standards by raising the residency requirement for physicians from one year to two.  The bill also creates a new administrative physician license for physicians who do not do clinical work, but who still work in administrative positions in hospitals.  Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) and Representative Eric Severson (R-Osceola) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; its Act 240. 

Senate Bill 391 – allows an out-of-state health care professional to partner with a non-profit to participate in Wisconsin’s volunteer health care provider program.  The health care provider must have a current license to practice in their home state or territory and must only volunteer within their scope of practice.  Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) and Representative Erik Severson (R-Star Prairie) authored the bill which passed the Senate 32-0 and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 241.

Assembly Bill 120 – allows a health care provider to have full and frank conversations with patients or patient’s relatives that may include apology, benevolence, compassion, condolence, fault, liability, remorse, responsibility, or sympathy, without risk of admissibility in civil action, administrative hearing, disciplinary proceedings, mediation, or arbitration as evidence of liability.  Representative Erik Severson (R-Star Prairie) and Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate 19-14; it is Act 242. 

Senate Bill 367 – modernizes Wisconsin’s law relating to disseminating private images and expands protections for victims who have their private images distributed without their consent.  Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) and Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 243. 

Senate Bill 573 – gives the Dental Examining Board the authority to regulate mobile dental clinics by verifying that the individuals who work inside mobile dental clinics are properly licensed and by ensuring patient’s dental records are maintained, particularly kids who are Medicaid-eligible.  Senator Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) and Representative Dave Murphy (R-Greenville) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and the Assembly 96-0; it is Act 244. 

Assembly Bill 485 – exempts small-scale egg producers, those with 150 birds or less, who sell eggs directly to consumers at the farm, at farmers’ markets, and on egg sales routes, from having to hold a food processing plant license for egg collection and packing activities.  Representative Andre Jacqué (R-De Pere) and Senator Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 245.

Assembly Bill 32 – permits an approved tribal treatment facility to assess and treat participants in the intoxicated driver program who are either tribal members or relatives of tribal members.  The bill requires a court to notify the person convicted of operating while intoxicated that the offender is eligible for treatment at the facility and the facility must notify the appropriate county assessment agency within 72 hours of assessing the individual.  The Joint Legislative Council introduced the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 246. 

Assembly Bill 592 – requires non-government agencies to outline there is no requirement to purchase a public record or deed from them, list what government agency does provide that record, and include the pricing of that government agency.  Representative Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) and Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) authored the bill which passed both the Assembly and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 247.

Senate Bill 596 – includes water trails in the State Trail System as part of the federal government’s new “national water trail” designation.  The bill will allow the Department of Natural Resources to plan, research, and gather public input on the appropriate use of state trails including either use by hikers, cross-country skiers, equestrians, bicyclists, riders of electric personal assistive mobility devices, snowmobilers, or in-line skaters.  Senator Luther Olsen (R- Ripon) and Representative Al Ott (R- Forest Junction) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by the Assembly 93-0; it is Act 248.

Senate Bill 452 – supports the growing number of wineries in Wisconsin by allowing minors to tour state wineries without a parent or guardian present.  Does not allow minors to sample wine.  Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and Representative Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 249.

Assembly Bill 453 – aligns privacy restrictions with federal HIPAA restrictions so medical providers will be able to share patient health records which should improve the provider’s ability to diagnose and treat the patient.  Senator Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) and Representative Erik Severson (R-Star Prairie) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 250.

Assembly Bill 456 – requires the Department of Health Services to provide a report to the Legislature on January 1 of every odd numbered year that describes what mental health services are being provided by the counties.  This bill will help inform the Governor’s initiatives with mental health, ensure that state programs are being effective, and allow the Legislature to be informed on the status of Wisconsin’s mental health services at the start of every budget year.  Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) and Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 251.

Senate Bill 561 – requires juvenile courts to open court records for inspection and copying by authorized representatives, but requires those representatives to keep the records confidential.  The bill also permits an authorized person to be admitted to juvenile court hearings, which are generally closed hearings.  Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 252.

Assembly Bill 388 – defines what a “vulnerable highway user” is and requires all driver education courses to provide at least 30 minutes of instruction in safely dealing with the hazards posed by motor vehicles to vulnerable highway users.  The bill will help lead to a safer driving environment for the travelling public.  Representative Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay) and Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) authored the bill which passed the Assembly as amended on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 253.

Assembly Bill 274 – brings Wisconsin in line with a majority of states and federal law by eliminating the family member exception, for helping a suspected felon avoid arrest by harboring the fugitive or destroying evidence.  Representative Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay) and Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) authored the bill which passed both the Assembly and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 254.

Senate Bill 271 – allows the state special education aid to substitute for special education teachers and paraprofessional staffing services, such as physical and occupational therapy services.  Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) authored the bill which passed both the Senate and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 255.

Senate Bill 286 – holds low performing schools to higher standards in part by requiring charter and choice schools to begin using a student information system (SIS), or similar program, within five years of establishment.  Under this bill, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) must include in its annual report, information about all independent charter schools or parental choice schools, one year after they implement a SIS.  DPI will use the SIS to store information about academic performance and demographics related to the charter and choice schools.  Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) authored the bill which passed the Senate 29-3 and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 256.

Senate Bill 589 – ensures students receive the necessary amount of instruction per academic year and eliminates the requirement that schools have 180 days of instruction per academic year.  Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 257.

Senate Bill 598 – clarifies the licensure process for principals at charter schools.  Senate Bill 598 states that the State Superintendent must grant an initial charter school principal license if the individual has a license in good standing, has completed a minimum of three years of full-time classroom teaching, is not ineligible for licensure due to a criminal background, and the license is valid for five years.  Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and Representative Steve Kestell (R-Elkhart Lake) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by the Assembly 91-0; it is Act 258.

Senate Bill 457 – allows a real estate broker licensed by the Wisconsin Real Estate Examining Board (REEB) to enter into a cooperative agreement with a real estate broker licensed in another state in the sale or leasing property in this state.  Under current law, only a person licensed by the REEB can engage in real estate.  Representative Dean Knudson (R-Hudson) and Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 259.

Assembly Bill 675 – requires hospital employees to refer infants to a physician if they suspect the infant has fetal alcohol syndrome.  Assembly Bill 675 also requires the physician to evaluate the infant for the syndrome if they determine there is a significant risk of fetal alcohol syndrome.  The physician must then report to the agency responsible for investigating cases of child abuse and neglect.  Representative Scott Krug (R-Town of Rome) and Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 260.

Assembly Bill 676 – permits the release of only substantiated determinations regarding child abuse and neglect reports in the following instances: if the determination has not been reversed or modified on appeal;  beginning on January 1, 2015, that determination is a final agency determination that the person has abused or neglected the child or; if a contested case hearing is held on such a determination, is a final administrative or judicial decision that the person has abused or neglected the child.  Representative Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) and Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) authored the bill which was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote and passed the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 261.

Senate Bill 226 – allows for property used in the crime of child enticement to be seized for use at trial, and potentially forfeited.  Senator Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and Representative Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) authored the bill which passed the Senate 33-0 and the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 262.