Home » Opinion » Olsen authored 16 bills that became law

Olsen authored 16 bills that became law

The following 16 bills authored by state Sen. Luther Olsen, R–Ripon, were signed into law by Gov. Scott Walker last week.

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. Olsen and Rep. Steve Kestell, R–Elkhart Lake, authored the bill.

Senate Bill 226 allows for property used in the crime of child enticement to be seized for use at trial, and potentially forfeited. Olsen and Rep. Rob Swearingen, R-Rhinelander, authored the bill.

Assembly Bill 592 requires non–government agencies to outline that 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. This consumer protection measure was drafted in direct response to home deed scams that were charging homeowners exorbitant fees to obtain inexpensive public records. Rep. Keith Ripp, R–Lodi, and Olsen authored the bill.

Senate Bill 452 supports the growing number of wineries in Wisconsin by allowing minors to tour state wineries without a parent or guardian present. It does not allow minors to sample wine. Olsen and Ripp authored the bill 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. Olsen and Ripp authored the bill.

Assembly Bill 456 requires the Department of Health Services to provide a report to the

Legislature on Jan. 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 stay informed on mental health issues. Rep. Joan Ballweg, R–Markesan, and Olsen authored the bill.

Senate Bill 561 requires juvenile courts to open court records for inspection and copying by authorized representatives engaged in research, monitoring,or evaluation of activities conducted under a federal court improvement grant. It does require 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. Olsen and Ballweg authored the bill.

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. Rep. Garey Bies, R–Sister Bay, and Olsen authored the bill.

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. Bies and Olsen authored the bill.

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. Olsen and Kestell authored the bill.

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. Olsen and Kestell authored the bill.

Senate Bill 598 clarifies the licensure process for principals at charter schools. It 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. Olsen and Kestell authored the bill.

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. Rep. Dean Knudson, R–Hudson, and Olsen authored the bill.

Assembly Bill 675 requires hospital employees to refer infants to a physician if they suspect the infant has fetal alcohol syndrome. It also requires the physician to evaluate the infant 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. Rep. Scott Krug, R–Town of Rome, and Olsen authored the bill.

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; 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. Rep. Scott Krug, R–Nekoosa, and Olsen authored the bill.

Scroll to Top