Green Bay Reporter

The new bill authored by State Sen. André Jacque seeks to expand administrative access to vital records for federally recognized tribal governments and their employees in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "authorization for tribal governments to copy certified copies of vital records for administrative use".

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

In essence, this bill amends state statutes to allow tribal governments of federally recognized American Indian tribes or bands in Wisconsin, and their employees, to copy certified copies of vital records for administrative purposes without facing penalties. Previously, this capability was limited to entities such as financial institutions, state agencies, county departments, and similar organizations. Copies of vital records made under this provision must be marked "For Administrative Use" to ensure compliance. The effective date of the bill is not specified in the provided text.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Vincent Miresse (Democrat-71st District) and Senator Tim Carpenter (Democrat-3rd District). It was sponsored by Representative Alex R. Joers (Democrat-81st District) and Representative Shelia Stubbs (Democrat-78th District).

André Jacque has authored or co-authored another 50 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.

Bill Number	Date Introduced	Short Description
SB86	03/06/2025	Authorization for tribal governments to copy certified copies of vital records for administrative use
SB85	03/06/2025	Pupils wearing traditional tribal regalia at a graduation ceremony or school-sponsored event
SB80	02/26/2025	Statutory recognition of specialized treatment court and commercial court dockets
SB79	02/26/2025	A disclaimer of parental rights and payments allowed in connection with an adoption
SB78	02/26/2025	The distribution and labeling of fertilizers and soil or plant additives produced from manure. (FE)
SB77	02/26/2025	Entering certain places with intent to commit battery and providing a penalty
SB63	02/21/2025	Ratification of the Driver License Compact. (FE)
SB59	02/21/2025	Tuition and fee remission for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System or a technical college. (FE)
SB58	02/21/2025	Referendum questions for certain referenda that affect property taxes. (FE)
SB57	02/21/2025	County sheriff assistance with certain federal immigration functions. (FE)
SB52	02/21/2025	Copies of and inspection or disclosure of information contained in certain vital records. (FE)
SB37	02/12/2025	Local regulation of vegetable gardens
SB36	02/12/2025	An income tax exemption for cash tips paid to an employee. (FE)
SB35	02/12/2025	Law enforcement and firefighter annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System who are rehired by a participating employer. (FE)
SB33	02/12/2025	Representations depicting nudity and providing a penalty
SB20	02/05/2025	Allowing certain married persons to claim the earned income tax credit when filing a separate return. (FE)
SB19	02/05/2025	Fee waivers for state park vehicle admission receipts to pupils with Every Kid Outdoors passes. (FE)
SB15	02/05/2025	Increased 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
SB14	02/03/2025	Pelvic exams on unconscious patients and creating an administrative rule related to hospital requirements for pelvic exams on unconscious patients
SB8	01/24/2025	Repair and replacement of implements of husbandry under warranty
SB7	01/24/2025	Prohibiting a foreign adversary from acquiring agricultural or forestry land in this state
SB6	01/24/2025	Impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses
SB2	01/24/2025	Expanding veterans benefits to individuals who served in Laos in support of the United States during the Vietnam War