Rep. Brooks authors Wisconsin Assembly bill on dietitian licensure compact

Robert Brooks, Wisconsin State Representative for 59th District | Official website

By S. M. Jameson

Feb 18, 2025

A new bill authored by State Rep. Robert Brooks in the Wisconsin Assembly seeks to facilitate interstate practice for dietitians through a licensure compact, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "ratification of the Dietitian Licensure Compact. (FE)".

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

In essence, this bill ratifies Wisconsin's entry into the Dietitian Licensure Compact, facilitating interstate practice for dietitians via a compact privilege. Key components include the establishment of the Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission, with powers to levy assessments and promulgate rules, and the creation of a coordinated data system for tracking licensure and disciplinary actions. Dietitians may practice in other member states if they hold an unencumbered license in their home state and meet specific requirements. The compact provides for resolving disputes and enforcing compliance, including the ability for member states to issue enforceable subpoenas and take adverse actions. It becomes effective after enactment in seven states, allowing amendments only with consensus from all member states. States can withdraw, but withdrawal becomes effective 180 days post-enactment, ensuring continued recognition of compact privileges during this period.

The bill was co-authored by Senator Patrick Testin (Republican-24th District), Representative Mike Bare (Democrat-80th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), Representative Cindi Duchow (Republican-97th District), Representative Rick Gundrum (Republican-58th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Tim Carpenter (Democrat-3rd District), Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), and Senator Dan Feyen (Republican-20th District), along 23 other co-sponsors.

Robert Brooks has co-authored or authored another six bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Brooks, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 59th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Ty Bodden.

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 Robert Brooks in Wisconsin Assembly During 2025 Regular Session