March 3, 2020
Contact: 
State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) 608-266-5830
Six Darling Bills Now Law
Legislation Targets Opioid Addiction, Healthcare, Education
Madison - Six more bills authored by State Senator Alberta Darling are now law. The bills continue the state's fight against opioid addiction, improve educational opportunities for veterans and children, and get more qualified workers into family-supporting jobs.

Wisconsin Act 119: Part of the HOPE Agenda, this bill expands access to medication-assisted treatment in our correctional facilities.

Wisconsin Act 120: Also part of the HOPE Agenda, increases access to safe and reliable recovery housing.

"These bills continue the state's successful HOPE Agenda and continue our fight against opioid addiction," Darling said, "Both bills will help addicts with their recovery."

Wisconsin Act 154: Requires the Departments of Health Services and Employee Trust Funds to create a Diabetes Action Plan for Wisconsin. The plan will recommend ways to reduce the impact of diabetes in our state.

"Nearly 30% of adults in our state have diabetes and don't know it," Darling said, "This bill develops a plan to combat the seventh leading cause of death in the country."

Wisconsin Act 123: Creates a council to review and issue certificates for ex-offenders who are not likely to pose a risk to public safety. The certificate will help people who have paid their debt to society re-enter the workforce and give employers protections for hiring them.

"Too often inmates learn new skills in prison, but aren't able to use them after they served their time," Darling said, "My bill helps make sure talented workers can re-enter the workforce."

Wisconsin Act 149: Allows veterans to use the Wisconsin GI Bill for private colleges.

Our veterans bravely served this nation and bring leadership and value to our communities," Darling said, "This bill gives vets more options to continue their education here and find a job in Wisconsin after they complete their degree."

Wisconsin Act 170: Students who start school without basic skills are more likely to drop out and never graduate from college. My bill creates a pilot program to create an online early learning program to help kids better transition into kindergarten.

"This new law will help make sure students are ready for school and won't fall behind," Darling said, "With online help before they enter schools, children will have a better chance at success."

Senator Darling represents portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties.
 
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