Green Bay Reporter

A new bill authored by State Rep. Joel Kitchens in the Wisconsin Assembly seeks to update provisions governing access to vital records, aiming to modernize eligibility criteria for inspection and copying, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "copies of and inspection or disclosure of information contained in certain vital records. (FE)".

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

In essence, this bill amends certain provisions of Wisconsin's vital records law to change the distinguishing date for the inspection, disclosure, or issuance of vital records. Previously, some records had restrictions based on whether the event occurred before or after October 1, 1907. The bill updates this to a rolling 100-year criterion, allowing broader access to records if they pertain to events occurring at least 100 years prior to the date of a request or issuance of a copy. This means the eligibility for access to and copying of such records will automatically adjust over time. The bill specifies that certain uncertified copies should be marked as unsuitable for identity purposes and requires requests to be in writing, accompanied by the appropriate fee, as stipulated under state law.

The bill was co-authored by Senator André Jacque (Republican-1st District), Representative Joe Sheehan (Democrat-26th District), and Representative Chuck Wichgers (Republican-84th District).

Joel Kitchens has authored or co-authored another 13 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Kitches graduated from Ohio State University in 1979 with a BS.

Kitchens, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2015 to represent the state's 1st Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Garey Bies.

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
AB90	02/28/2025	Copies of and inspection or disclosure of information contained in certain vital records. (FE)
AB79	02/28/2025	Prosecuting or adjudicating delinquent a person under the age of 18 for committing an act of prostitution
AB43	02/17/2025	Permitting pharmacists to prescribe certain contraceptives, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. (FE)
AB2	02/03/2025	Requiring school boards to adopt policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time