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Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Sen. Jacque authors Wisconsin Senate bill on parental rights disclaimers

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Andre Jacque, Wisconsin State Senator for 1st District | Official website

Andre Jacque, Wisconsin State Senator for 1st District | Official website

The new bill authored by State Sen. Jacque seeks to establish a streamlined process for parents to legally disclaim parental rights for children under one year old, aiming to clarify and simplify this legal action, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "a disclaimer of parental rights and payments allowed in connection with an adoption".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill establishes a process for a mother, father, or alleged or presumed father to legally disclaim parental rights in relation to a child under one year old, who is not an Indian child, without appearing in court. This process includes filing a notarized affidavit that meets certain criteria and acknowledges the understanding of the implications of terminating parental rights. The affidavit can be executed by the father pre-birth and by either parent post-birth, allowing for revocation under specified conditions, but becomes irrevocable after certain time frames unless obtained through fraud or duress. Additionally, it allows licensed out-of-state private child placing agencies to receive payments for adoption services, ensuring compliance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act when applicable. Legal and counseling services must be offered to minors disclaiming parental rights at the expense of the agency facilitating the adoption.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Dave Maxey (Republican-83rd District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Scott Allen (Republican-82nd District), Representative David Armstrong (Republican-67th District), and Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), along five other co-sponsors.

André Jacque has authored or co-authored another 39 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Jacque graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 2003 with a BS.

Jacque, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2019 to represent the state's 1st Senate district, replacing previous state senator Caleb Frostman.

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.

Bills Introduced by André Jacque in Wisconsin Senate During 2025 Regular Session

Bill NumberDate IntroducedShort Description
SB7902/26/2025A disclaimer of parental rights and payments allowed in connection with an adoption
SB7802/26/2025The distribution and labeling of fertilizers and soil or plant additives produced from manure. (FE)
SB7702/26/2025Entering certain places with intent to commit battery and providing a penalty
SB6302/21/2025Ratification of the Driver License Compact. (FE)
SB5902/21/2025Tuition and fee remission for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System or a technical college. (FE)
SB5802/21/2025Referendum questions for certain referenda that affect property taxes. (FE)
SB5702/21/2025County sheriff assistance with certain federal immigration functions. (FE)
SB5202/21/2025Copies of and inspection or disclosure of information contained in certain vital records. (FE)
SB3702/12/2025Local regulation of vegetable gardens
SB3602/12/2025An income tax exemption for cash tips paid to an employee. (FE)
SB3502/12/2025Law enforcement and firefighter annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System who are rehired by a participating employer. (FE)
SB3302/12/2025Representations depicting nudity and providing a penalty
SB2002/05/2025Allowing certain married persons to claim the earned income tax credit when filing a separate return. (FE)
SB1902/05/2025Fee waivers for state park vehicle admission receipts to pupils with Every Kid Outdoors passes. (FE)
SB1502/05/2025Increased penalties for crimes against adults at risk; restraining orders for adults at risk; freezing assets of a defendant charged with financial exploitation of an adult at risk; sexual assault of an adult at risk; and providing a penalty
SB1402/03/2025Pelvic exams on unconscious patients and creating an administrative rule related to hospital requirements for pelvic exams on unconscious patients
SB801/24/2025Repair and replacement of implements of husbandry under warranty
SB701/24/2025Prohibiting a foreign adversary from acquiring agricultural or forestry land in this state
SB601/24/2025Impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses
SB201/24/2025Expanding veterans benefits to individuals who served in Laos in support of the United States during the Vietnam War

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