Shae Sortwell

Republicans Push Bill to Withhold Pay for Suspended Judges

A pointed response to arrest and suspension of Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan.

Bill to Expand Wisconsin’s Nuclear Power Heads to Gov. Evers’ Desk

Another bill passed makes it easier for political candidates to withdraw their name from a ballot.

State Senate Passes Bill That It Says Targets ‘Violent Riots’ With New Felony Penalties

But Sen. Larson says it could be used on protesters.

GOP Lawmakers Seek Funding for More Prosecutors

But only for 3 of 72 counties: Waukesha, Washington and Brown counties.

Rep. Ryan Clancy Applauds Successful Public Effort to Stop Anti-Protest Bill

Bill Makes Protestors Liable for Vandalism By Others

Republicans proposed 'riot' law will chill free speech, critics charge.

Wisconsin Lawmakers Discuss Pro-Nuclear Energy Bills

GOP bills would conduct nuclear siting study, convene nuclear conference in Madison

GOAT Gets Started in State Legislature

Committee that is Wisconsin's version of DOGE seeks proof that state employees are really working.

Assembly Passes Bill Banning Cell Phones in Classrooms

Republicans say ban would improve learning and mental health. Democrats call it an unnecessary attack on local control.

Speaker Vos Announces Assembly Standing Committee Membership

Bill Would Pay Schools To Buy Gun Detection Equipment

Critics raise privacy concerns over systems that use AI and camera feeds.

Representative Shelia Stubbs Statement on Assembly Bill 374 Passage in Assembly

Legislature Approves Reduction in Educator Licensing Requirements

Republican backers say their aim is easing a workforce shortage

Assembly Advances Constitutional Amendment Banning Use of Race in Government Hiring

Supporters criticize DEI initiatives. Opponents say issue is manufactured.

Republicans Fearful of New District Maps

Under one proposed map, incumbent Republicans would have to run against each other.

Assembly Passes Broad Parental Rights Bill, Firearm Tracking Ban

Also bills on reciprocal credentialing and expanding definition in statute against strip search.

Proposals Would Allow Guns In More Churches, More Access To Tasers

Proposals attempt to navigate existing restrictions in state law.

Bill Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession Under 14 Grams

Bipartisan bill creates a standard $100 fine for possession of a half ounce or less.

Legislature Passes $2 Billion Tax Cut. Again

Republicans rejects Evers call for child care coverage and more school funding.

Bipartisan Proposal To Allow Early Counting Of Absentee Ballots Passes Assembly

Proposal intended to end late night results release. Assembly endorses several other election changes.

Bill Would Allow New Bars To Offer Indoor Cigar, Pipe Smoking

City of Milwaukee could support the bill, but raised questions over regulation.

No More Maple Syrup Imposters

In state with $14 million maple syrup industry, bill prevents restaurants from falsely labeling generic syrups.

Wisconsin Schools Not Spending Pandemic Aid On Air Quality Improvements

Wisconsin school districts received more than $1.5 billion in federal funds.

Bill Would Make It Harder For Candidates To Be Kicked Off Ballots

Proposal, which touches on a 2022 Milwaukee school board race, would add clarity to signature process.

Proposal Would Require Rapists To Pay Double Child Support

Republican State Sen. Cory Tomcyzk, a co-sponsor, calls it “a pro-life bill.”

Republican Bill Protects Right to Garden

Prevents local ordinances prohibiting someone from growing food on their property.

Assembly, Senate Could Strip Milwaukee Funding From Revenue Bill

Speaker Vos and Majority Leader LeMahieu threaten to remove sales taxes for city and county.

Republican Bills Would Change Unemployment Insurance, Licensing

"Solutions in search of problems," says Sen. Melissa Agard.

Bipartisan Bill Gives Suicide Prevention Grants to Gun Shops

'We lost 888 Wisconsinites last year to suicide,' says Rep. Jesse James.

Assembly Bills Block Government From Curbing Fossil Fuel Use

Republican party line vote bans actions by state agencies or local governments.

‘Election Integrity’ Bills Don’t Address Main Infraction

Few cases occur in state, usually involving felony probation status, which proposals ignore.

GOP Legislators Vote For Audit of State’s Licensing Agency

They cite backlog in approving licenses. Democrats blame inadequate funding and staff.

Trade Groups Chide Legislature For Professional Licensing Delays

Inadequate staffing in state agency leads to backlog of professional license applications.

Republicans Push Wiretapping Bill

More aggressive intercepting of social media than federal law permits, ACLU charges.

Why Doctors Oppose ‘Medical Freedom’

Republican bill allows rebel practitioners to prescribe ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19.

GOP Lawmakers Push ‘Medical Freedom’ Bills

State legislation protects doctors promoting therapies not approved by FDA for COVID-19 treatment.

Legislature Passes Raft of Law Enforcement Bills

14 bills increase funding, restrict local control; some directly target Milwaukee.

Republicans Push Pro-Gun Bills

Allowing guns to be carried on school grounds, in places of worship and by those as young as 18.

GOP Bill Lowers Minimum Age To Carry Guns

Lowers required age for concealed carry permit from 21 to 18 years old.

Bill Would Make Damaging Historical Property a Felony

Sponsors bring up damage to statues during 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

Wisconsin’s January 6 Collaborators

25 Republicans who sought to overturn a legal election.

Bill Restricts Voting for People With Felony Convictions

GOP sponsored legislation would add new requirements before voting rights are restored.

State bill would erase city’s move to decriminalize marijuana possession, increase minimum penalty to $100

Statement from members of the Common Council: Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Robert J. Bauman, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman Michael J. Murphy, Alderman José G. Pérez, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic, and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Bipartisan Bill Changes Pot Possession Penalties

Lighter penalties for much of the state but tougher for cities like Milwaukee, Madison.

Free Speech Champion Rep. Sortwell Blocks Facebook Comments

Republican turns off Facebook comments on his page after facing claims of child abuse.

GOP Bills Prohibit Social Media Censorship

Legislation allows media outlets, residents to sue for censorship.

Proposal Expands Reasons To Delay Juvenile Trial

New legislation would allow continued detention, without trial, due to "unforeseen emergency."

Rep. Sortwell Targets Social Media Censorship

Three bills combatting online censorship shoot for bipartisan support.

Sen. Jacque’s Wife Asks Public to Get Vaccinated

Five of eight family members have tested positive for COVID-19.

Kenosha Unrest Used to Push New Rioting Laws

Republican bill creates new legal definition of riot, and a new felony charge for rioting.

Wiretapping Bill Raises Concerns

Some legislators, privacy advocates concerned about use of pen register and trap/trace devices.

Legislative Session Much Ado About Nothing

School spending issue gaveled in and out. Failed veto override generates many speeches.

Legislature Passes Absentee Voting Restrictions

And proposal cutting funding to municipalities that reduce police funding.

Legislator Compares Children’s Museum to Nazis

Republican attacks Central Wisconsin Children’s Museum's mask policy, citing the Gestapo.

A Tale of Two Elections

Green Bay city attorney investigation finds no outside interference with November election, despite GOP legislators’ claims.

Assembly Legislators Show Their Priorities

Minutes to pass big expansion of voucher schools, hours debating home schools.

Honoring Limbaugh But Not Black History

Republican legislators back resolution to honor Rush, resist celebrating Black History Month.

GOP State Legislators Asked Pence to Not Certify Election

15 legislators signed the letter. Four of them serve on Assembly elections committee.

Rep. Hintz: Condemns Republican Legislators’ Lies and Dangerous Rhetoric

Calls on Vos to Remove Legislators from Elections Committee

Capitol Christmas Decoration Memorializes COVID-19 Victims

A garland was made with a ring for every person that has died in Wisconsin.

Pandemic Ends Holiday Traditions

It's a special time in Wisconsin’s grand Capitol. But not this year.

Legislators Erect Illegal Christmas Tree

Capitol Police shut down Capitol rotunda and denied permit, but Republican legislators defy them.

Legislative Houses Elect Their Leaders

Democrats call for action on COVID-19 crisis.

Cannabis Reform Gets Bipartisan Support

Appleton reduces fines for possession. Two Republican legislators are leading voices for change.

Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin Congratulates Newly Elected and Re-Elected State Lawmakers

Republicans Flip-Flop on Local Control

First demanded local control of COVID-19 rules, now oppose county restrictions.

A Day to Consider Legalizing Pot

It can actually be a gateway to prosperity and increased opportunity, says state representative.

Some ‘Tougher on Crime’ Bills Passed

Gov. Evers vetoed most, but signed a few.

State Assembly Pushing For Constitutional Convention

State GOP is pushing the legislature to join others around the country in an attempt to ratify controversial amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Bipartisan Water Quality Bills Pass

Though, they do not make it through the sharply divide legislature without some disagreement.

GOP Lawmakers Push “Tougher on Crime” Legislation

Package of bills draws major criticism and concern from committee, citizens.

Hundreds Rally for Criminal Justice Reform

ACLU organized lobbying day calls for an end to policies that contribute to mass incarceration.

Rep. Bowen Introduces New Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Employer Flexibility in Hiring Practices

Bill Would Limit Liability for Employers Who Opt to Not Drug Test for THC and Other Cannabinoids

Leah unveils 100+ Wisconsin endorsements

Elected officials, grassroots activists and business owners unite behind Leah