MADISON… Several pieces of legislation authored by Sen. André Jacque (New Franken) passed committee on Wednesday, including tougher penalties for traffickers of carfentanil- a drug 100 times more potent than fentanyl, support for military families in educating their children, and protection of second amendment rights.
Bills authored by Sen. Jacque clearing committee votes on Wednesday include:
Increased Penalties for Carfentanil Distribution (Assembly Bill 717) – One of the most dangerous drugs now on the street is carfentanil, a synthetic opioid similar to fentanyl that is supposed to be used exclusively for veterinary purposes as a tranquilizer for large animals such as elephants that is frequently being mixed with other illicit drugs, often without the knowledge of the person ingesting it. Carfentanil is 100 times more potent than fentanyl, and even someone exposed to trace amounts of the substance can experience disastrous health effects. AB 717, authored in partnership with Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk (Hubertus), would increase the penalties for those who traffick carfentanil, with enhancers based on the total weight of any mixture containing the drug. The legislation was requested by prosecutors and narcotics officers, led by Manitowoc County District Attorney Jacalyn LaBre.
“Not only does carfentanil present a significant danger for those who knowingly or unknowingly take the drug, but law enforcement and first responders must also confront serious health risks from even accidental trace exposure,” said Jacque.
AB 717 now moves to the full Assembly for a vote.
Open Enrollment for Military Members (Assembly Bill 122) – In consultation with and at the request of the Department of Defense state liaison office, this bi-partisan legislation was introduced to remove obstacles that military families in Wisconsin face when placing their children in school. Rep. Duke Tucker (Grantsburg) is the lead author in the Assembly.
“Wisconsin is home to over 15,000 children of active duty, National Guard and Reserve members, many of whom must frequently move between posts as a result of their military service,” said Jacque. “This bill will grant military parents increased flexibility to access quality education for their children by extending the open enrollment deadlines under current law.”
AB 122 extends the current 30 day application deadline to 90 days after orders are issued to a military parent, and clarifies that the policy applies to military orders from any guard or reserve unit from any state. The bill passed the Assembly Committee on Education today 12-0, and now moves to the full Assembly for consideration. The companion legislation, SB 134, unanimously passed the Senate last April.
Assembly Joint Resolution 112 passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee on a vote of 5-3, and will now be taken up by the full Assembly. AJR 112 will require that in any decision related to the Second Amendment, the courts must use “strict scrutiny,” which is the highest standard for judicial review. This constitutional change has already been enacted in Alabama, Louisiana, Missouri, and most recently in Iowa.
“Wisconsin residents purchase and own firearms for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, hunting and collecting, and this amendment will ensure that their inalienable rights are recognized and respected,” said Jacque.
A constitutional amendment must pass both chambers of the legislature for two consecutive sessions before being sent to voters statewide for their approval. Rep. Chanz Green (Grand View) is the lead author in the Assembly.
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
