PRESS RELEASE

Six bills from State Sen. Joan Ballweg (R-Markeson) were signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers on Dec. 6.

“Getting six individual bills across the legislative finish line is a great accomplishment,” said Ballweg. “I am grateful for the work from supporters for each of these bills. These pieces of legislation will make impacts on the lives of Wisconsin families, children, and individuals seeking higher education and work to prevent suicide in the state.”

·         2023 Act 60, formerly Senate Bill 115, requires students to take one-half credit of a personal financial literacy course in order to be eligible to graduate from high school.

·         2023 Act 68, formerly Senate Bill 248, clarifies what county is considered an individual’s county of residence by a managed care organization for those who are receiving long-term care.

·         2023 Act 79, formerly Senate Bill 369, allows the use of newborn infant safety devices, also called “Baby Boxes” under the state’s existing safe haven law. These boxes allow new mothers who are unable, or unwilling, to care for their newborn the ability to surrender their new baby anonymously. These boxes allow an infant to be surrendered in a safe, temperature controlled box at a fire station, police department or hospital.

·         2023 Act 80, formerly Senate Bill 380, modernizes Wisconsin’s financial aid process for students who are pursuing a degree in higher education. These updates are necessary after the federal government passed the FAFSA simplification act.

·         2023 Act 84, formerly Senate Bill 440, requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to create a uniform cremation permit and requires all 72 counties to use the same form.

·         2023 Act 85, formerly Senate Bill 527, allows local units of government to apply for a grant from DHS to administer suicide prevention programing. This programing is modeled after the work of the Monroe County Mental Health Coalition and the collaborative work of the Adams County Human Services and Sheriff’s Departments.

Each bill goes in effect in accordance to the specific legislation. Ballweg continues to work on advancing legislation before the 2023-24 legislative session concludes next spring.