PRESS RELEASE

Three bills authored by State Sen. Joan Ballweg and passed the Senate clarify government processes and ensures the future health and wellbeing of Wisconsinites.

The first bill makes various updates ensuring Wisconsin is able to maintain specialized emergency response teams.

“In 2017, there was a devastating explosion at Didion Milling Company in Cambria. Without the structural collapse team and their specialized training and equipment, there was a potential to lose many more lives that day,” said Ballweg. ”I authored this legislation to make sure Wisconsin is prepared to adequately respond to future emergencies.”

Updates in this legislation include transitioning the Wisconsin Structural Collapse Team into an Urban Search and Rescue Team, as defined by the National Fire Protection Agency and Emergency Management Accreditation program standards. This allows the team to respond to a wider variety of incidents. Additionally, this bill refines how Wisconsin provides worker’s compensation benefits to local agencies and streamlines the reimbursement process.

This legislation will now be presented to the governor to be signed into law.

Ballweg also authored a bill which authorizes Wisconsin to join the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. Like the Enhanced Nurse Licensure and Physical Therapy Compacts Wisconsin already participates in, this compact allows Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) in good standing to practice in other compact-member states through in-person practice or telehealth.

Finally, the Senate also passed her bill which makes several necessary changes to the Real Estate Condition Report.

To reach Sen. Ballweg with questions or comments please call (608) 266-0751 or email Sen.Ballweg@legis.wi.gov.