MADISON – State Representative Amanda Nedweski (R–Pleasant Prairie) issued the following statement after the Assembly’s unanimous passage of Gail’s Law, legislation that expands access to life-saving breast cancer screenings and reduces out-of-pocket costs for Wisconsin women:
“Today, Wisconsin joined more than 30 states—across the political spectrum—in passing critical legislation that lowers costs and expands access to life-saving breast cancer screenings,” Nedweski said. “Breast cancer touches every family. Too many husbands have lost their wives, too many parents have buried daughters far too soon, and too many children have watched their mothers endure grueling treatment. This bill is an investment in early detection—and in our moms, wives, grandmas, and daughters.”
Senate Bill 264, known as Gail’s Law, closes a costly insurance coverage gap by ensuring women with dense breast tissue who need supplemental screenings are not burdened with additional out-of-pocket expenses. While standard mammograms are covered, they are often less effective for women with dense breast tissue, who may require follow-up imaging. Those additional screenings can cost more than $1,000, creating a financial barrier that delays care and detection.
“Early detection saves lives,” Nedweski said. “When breast cancer is caught early, survival rates rise and treatment costs drop. At a time of rising healthcare costs, Gail’s Law prioritizes affordability when families need it most.”
The legislation is named in honor of Gail Zeamer, whose battle with breast cancer and commitment to early detection inspired advocates across Wisconsin. Rep. Nedweski thanked Gail’s husband, Steve Zeamer, and the Zeamer family for transforming personal loss into lasting impact.
“I want to thank Steve and the entire Zeamer family for sharing Gail’s story and continuing her fight,” Nedweski said. “While I never had the privilege of meeting Gail, her strength lives on through her family’s determination. I have no doubt she was with us today, proud of the legacy they continue to carry forward.”
The bill passed on a vote of 96-0. It now heads to Governor Evers’s desk, where it will be signed into law.
Rep. Nedweski represents the 32nd Assembly District, which includes the Town and Village of Bloomfield, Village of Bristol, Town of Brighton, Village of Genoa City, portions of Kenosha and Lake Geneva, Village of Paddock Lake, Town of Paris, Village of Pleasant Prairie, Town of Randall, Village of Salem Lakes, Village of Twin Lakes, and the Town of Wheatland.
