Cindi Duchow, Wisconsin State Representative for 97th District | https://www.facebook.com
Cindi Duchow, Wisconsin State Representative for 97th District | https://www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "the procedure for adding federal newborn screening recommendations to the state-required newborn screenings, granting rule-making authority, and providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to evaluate disorders listed in the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) for inclusion in the state's newborn screening program. Effective January 1, 2025, the department must assess each new disorder added to the RUSP within 18 months to decide if it should be included in state screenings. For disorders already on the RUSP by January 1, 2025, which are not tested in Wisconsin, the department has 18 months from the bill's effective date to determine if they should be added. If a disorder is deemed necessary for testing but lacks a promulgated rule, it must undergo annual reviews of medical literature and departmental capacity. The bill also permits emergency rule-making without the typical necessity requirement, allowing emergency rules to remain until permanent rules are adopted or expire. Testing for any disorder added to state screenings must begin within six months of rule publication.
The bill was co-authored by Senator John Jagler (Republican-13th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), Representative Jenna Jacobson (Democrat-50th District), Representative Daniel Knodl (Republican-24th District), Representative David Murphy (Republican-56th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), Senator Dan Feyen (Republican-20th District), and Senator Jesse L. James (Republican-23rd District), along nine other co-sponsors.
Cindi Duchow has co-authored or authored another 37 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Duchow graduated from the University of Wisconsin.
Duchow, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 97th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Scott Allen.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB206 | 04/23/2025 | The procedure for adding federal newborn screening recommendations to the state-required newborn screenings, granting rule-making authority, and providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures. (FE) |
| AB148 | 03/17/2025 | Interpreter action by telephone or live audiovisual means in civil or criminal proceedings |
| AB139 | 03/17/2025 | A tax credit for relocating to this state due to Hurricane Helene or the Los Angeles wildfires. (FE) |
| AB71 | 02/24/2025 | School district operating referenda |
| AB51 | 02/20/2025 | Participation in interscholastic athletics and application of the public records and open meetings laws to interscholastic athletic associations |
| AB34 | 02/17/2025 | Court-issued criminal complaints in officer-involved deaths |
| AB8 | 02/06/2025 | Agreements for direct primary care |
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