Gudex And Thiesfeldt Bills Signed Into Law

Of the 55 bills signed Governor Walker signed into law yesterday in Madison, State Senator Rick Gudex and State Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt authored or co-authored eight of them. They range from a bill that improves food safety to one that allows nursing homes to better control costs associated with prescription drugs.  Here is a description of each bill:

Senate Bill 434-improves food safety and streamlines the certification process for food handlers in Wisconsin.  Applicants must complete an approved examination to earn a certificate, valid for five years.  Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) and Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac) authored the bill which passed the Senate and the Assembly on voice votes; it is Act 292.

 Senate Bill 150 – allows local governments to prosecute second and subsequent offenses of marijuana possession, in some cases, if the district attorney declines.  Representative Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac), Senator Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) and Senator Leibham (R-Sheboygan) authored the bill which passed the Senate 24-9 and passed the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 293.

Senate Bill 251 – helps nursing homes better control costs associated with prescription drugs.    The bill gives the nursing home the ability to develop therapeutic interchange procedures, which is the process of changing from one drug to a similar drug, which currently occurs in hospitals.  Physicians or physician assistants must approve the procedure for each patient.  Senator Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) and Representative Mike Endsley (R-Sheboygan) authored the bill which passed the Senate and the Assembly on voice votes; it is Act 294.

Assembly Bill 730 – permits the DNR allow use of state trails after hours, specifically between 11:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.  Additionally, the bill permits both trappers and hunters to enter state park land no earlier than one hour before the opening of hunting hours.  Representative Eric Genrich (D-Green Bay) and Senator Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) authored the bill which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 295.

Senate Bill 497 – allows small businesses to correct minor rule violations without facing stiff penalties from state government, requires agencies to consider written warnings or reduced fines when the business shows a valiant effort to comply with the rule, and the violation does not threaten public safety, health, or welfare.  This bill is part of Governor Walker’s agenda to reform government and remove unnecessary obstacles for small businesses.  Senator Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) and Representative Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) authored the bill which passed the Senate 23-9 and passed the Assembly 95-0; it is Act 296.

Senate Bill 516 – requires local municipalities writing an ordinance regulating use of the airport have a committee hold the public hearing, as opposed to the park commission or park manager.  Senator  Rick Gudex (R- Fond du Lac) and Representative Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh) authored the bill which passed the Senate and the Assembly on voice votes; it is Act 297.

Assembly Bill 589 – streamlines regulations; allows Milwaukee to enter into an agreement with DATCP to issue licenses to retail food establishments at any time during the year, also allows Milwaukee to enter into an agreement with DHS to issue licenses to restaurants or bed and breakfast establishments at any time during the year.  Representative Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) and Senator Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 298.

Assembly Bill 695 – eliminates duplicative training for mobile air conditioner repair technicians, saving 3,500 businesses a minimum of $120 annually. Makes Wisconsin’s law consistent with federal regulations and surrounding states, including Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa. Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R- Fond du Lac) and Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) authored the bill. In the Assembly, it passed by voice vote, and in the Senate, it passed 30-3; it is Act 312.