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Rep. Kerkman’s Legislation Signed into Law
Each session literally a couple thousand bills are drafted for legislators. I must make the decision as to which pieces of legislation I want to
author, or co-sponsor (meaning add my name in support of the legislation). I would like to highlight some of the bills that I authored throughout the past eight years.
Final Rights
People often share their wishes for funeral arrangements and disposition of their remains (burial, cremation,
etc.) with family members or friends. However, their final wishes were not legally binding. I authored legislation that will allow people to make these decisions for
themselves and ensure that their wishes will be carried out through a legal document. ACT gives people peace of mind in know that their end of life decisions will be
honored. 2007-08 Assembly Bill 305 http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2007/data/AB-305.pdf
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
At the request of a local family, the Hekenberger’s, who tragically lost their parents to carbon monoxide poisoning while the couple vacationed at a northern Wisconsin resort,
Senator Wirch and I introduced legislation to require the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in hotels, apartments, dormitories and certain other residential buildings. ACT
2007-08 Senate Bill 289 http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2007/data/SB-289.pdf
Police Dog Exemption from Quarantine Rules
At the urging of Officer Eric Klinkhammer of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, I introduced legislation that would provide an exception from the quarantine rules for police
dogs. Currently, any dog that bites is required to be quarantined for 10 days. Although they are still required to receive three vet checks within 10 days following a bite,
enactment of ACT will ensure these dogs – a valuable asset to police departments and the communities they serve – will not be taken out of service. 2007-08 Assembly Bill
52 http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2007/data/AB-52.pdf
Ending the Tax on Social Security Benefits
I worked with Senator Neal Kedzie to create a three-year phase out of the tax on Social Security benefits. Governor Doyle replaced this phase out by delaying the tax cut by a year
and inserting it into his budget. This inclusion in the budget means that seniors will see the implementation of the tax cut in 2008. 2005-06 Assembly Bill 402
- http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/AB-402.pdf
Streamlining Wisconsin Tax Code
Streamlines state tax regulation with new federal tax changes to include: extending a
provision that allows military personnel serving in combat zones to file late without penalty, and clarifies that a qualified retirement fund for federal income tax purposes is a
qualified retirement fund for state income tax purposes. Signed by the Governor, became Wisconsin Act 49. 2005-06 Assembly Bill 482
http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/AB-482.pdf
Residency Requirements for Municipal Clerks
I work with retired Twin Lakes Village Clerk, Dorothy Sandona on legislation to allow clerks and their deputies to register votes on Election Day, regardless of whether the clerk or
their deputy physically resides in that district. Signed by the Governor, became Wisconsin Act 27. 2005-06 Assembly Bill 61 http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/AB-61.pdf
Information on Shaken Baby Syndrome
As a mother of two young children I understand the challenges parents are facing. I worked with Senator Julie Lassa, to provide new parents and youth with education resources on
Shaken Baby Syndrome. Signed by the Governor, became Wisconsin Act 165. 2005-06 Senate Bill 221 http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/SB-221.pdf
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