MADISON – State Representative Benjamin Franklin (R–De Pere) is pleased to announce the passage of several important pieces of legislation that he co-authored or co-sponsored on the Assembly floor yesterday.
Assembly Bill 912/Senate Bill 884, co-authored by Representative Franklin, updates the rules governing the admissibility of audiovisual recordings of children’s testimony in court. The legislation increases the eligible age from 16 to 18 and makes the determining factor the age of the child at the time the recording was made, rather than their age at the time of trial. This change ensures that child victims are not retraumatized by being forced to testify years later due to procedural delays, while still preserving due process. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk
“I want to thank David Lasee, the Brown County District Attorney, and Willow Tree Child Advocacy Center for bringing this legislation to my office,” Franklin said. “From day one, I have been focused on supporting legislation that better protects our children, and this bill aligns squarely with that goal. It allows us to obtain the most accurate information possible from a child while minimizing trauma by not forcing them to relive a painful event years later simply because a case was delayed too long and the recording became inadmissible.”
Assembly Bill 913, another bill authored by Franklin, establishes tax fairness for Wisconsin National Guard and Reserve members by exempting income earned for inactive duty service performed in Wisconsin from the state income tax. The bill recognizes the service of military members who serve their state and country while living and working here at home.
“As a veteran, I am always looking for ways to support those who have served and continue to serve,” Franklin said. “AB 913 is a simple measure focused on fairness and respect for service. Our Guard and Reserve members step up for Wisconsin and should not be taxed differently simply because of the type of duty they perform.”
Assembly Bills 97/Senate Bill 23 and Assembly Bill 263/Senate Bill 264, both co-sponsored by Representative Franklin, focus on improving women’s health outcomes across the state.
“AB 97 extends postpartum Medicaid coverage from two months to one year, bringing the timeline of coverage in line with that of the newborn and providing vital support during a very vulnerable time for new mothers,” Franklin said. “AB 263 expands coverage for diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental screenings for individuals at increased risk of breast cancer. Both bills are commonsense, nonpartisan solutions, and I am proud to have been a vocal advocate for them throughout this session.”
