Milwaukee City Wire

Since the last update, Wisconsin State Representative Rob Brooks has introduced three bills addressing juvenile jurisdiction on federal enclaves, child abuse investigation notifications, and medical assistance accounts. Constituents with questions about these proposals are encouraged to contact his office.

Assembly Bill 251 seeks to establish concurrent jurisdiction for state and local courts over juveniles on federal lands involving civilian family members of service members. Brooks stated that exclusive federal jurisdiction often places juveniles in adult courts, resulting in harsher sentences and lifelong criminal records. The bill was drafted with input from the United States Department of Defense's Wisconsin liaison office.

Assembly Bill 252 would require county and human social service agencies to notify the Department of Defense at the start of investigations into abuse or neglect cases involving military families. Brooks explained that this measure aims to support early intervention by the Military’s Family Advocacy Program, ensuring victims receive timely protection and care. The legislation was developed at the request of the Department of Defense's state liaison office.

Assembly Bill 253 proposes changes to the Medical Assistance Purchase Plan (MAPP), which allows disabled individuals who work to maintain health benefits under Wisconsin’s Medical Assistance Program. The bill would eliminate a fifty percent earnings threshold for independence account deposits, allowing up to $15,000 in gross earnings annually without penalty. It also excludes inheritance funds from asset limits. Brooks said these adjustments would encourage greater workforce participation among people with disabilities.

Brooks' spring legislative survey is underway in District 59, offering constituents an opportunity to share their priorities with him directly.

The Assembly passed several bills this week related to healthcare and workforce development:

- Assembly Bill 8 clarifies that Direct Primary Care (DPC) agreements are not health insurance and outlines requirements for DPC providers.

- Assembly Bill 11 mandates written informed consent before pelvic exams are performed solely for educational purposes on unconscious patients.

- Assembly Bill 23 establishes a Palliative Care Council within the Department of Health Services aimed at improving access and awareness around palliative care services statewide.

- Assembly Bill 43 permits pharmacists, under certain conditions, to prescribe hormonal contraceptives after a patient completes a self-assessment questionnaire and blood pressure screening. Participation by pharmacists is voluntary.

Brooks cited research indicating high public costs associated with unintended pregnancies in Wisconsin compared to national averages. He referenced data showing increased contraceptive access reduces both unintended pregnancies and abortion rates.

Other measures include:

- Assembly Bill 45 enters Wisconsin into an interstate Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling dietitians licensed in member states—such as Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Utah—to practice across state lines more easily.

- Assembly Bill 140 exempts Port Washington’s Tax Incremental District Five from a statutory twelve percent value cap due to its planned data center project; amendments add similar exemptions for Beaver Dam TID Number Ten under specific conditions.

Brooks encourages residents interested in tracking legislative activity or providing feedback on current issues to contact his office or sign up for legislative updates online.

Brooks was elected as a Republican representative for Wisconsin's 59th House district in 2025 following Ty Bodden’s tenure (https://ballotpedia.org/Rob_Brooks).

"I value your input, feedback, and I am humbled and honored to serve as your voice in the Wisconsin State Assembly."

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