Robert Brooks, Wisconsin State Representative for 59th District | Official website
Robert Brooks, Wisconsin State Representative for 59th District | Official website
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "redeterminations of eligibility for the Medical Assistance program and database confirmation for public assistance program eligibility. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill introduces changes to the eligibility processes for the Medical Assistance program in Wisconsin. It mandates the Department of Health Services (DHS) to verify each recipient's eligibility every six months, prohibits automatic renewals, and restricts the use of prefilled forms with previously provided information other than names and addresses. Recipients who fail to report changes affecting their eligibility within ten days will lose benefits for six months. DHS is instructed to enter data-sharing agreements with various agencies to confirm application data using external databases, ensuring comprehensive verification. Additionally, DHS must complete redeterminations for all recipients' eligibility by Jan. 1, 2026, and direct ineligible individuals to alternative health coverage options. If federal approval is needed for any part of the bill, DHS must request it, or the specific measures won't be enforced.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Rob Stafsholt (Republican-10th District), Representative Scott Allen (Republican-82nd District), Representative Cindi Duchow (Republican-97th District), Representative Daniel Knodl (Republican-24th District), and Representative Rob Kreibich (Republican-28th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Chris Kapenga (Republican-33rd District) and Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District).
Robert Brooks has co-authored or authored another 25 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.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB163 | 04/08/2025 | Redeterminations of eligibility for the Medical Assistance program and database confirmation for public assistance program eligibility. (FE) |
| AB140 | 03/17/2025 | Limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Port Washington. (FE) |
| AB51 | 02/20/2025 | Participation in interscholastic athletics and application of the public records and open meetings laws to interscholastic athletic associations |
| AB45 | 02/17/2025 | Ratification of the Dietitian Licensure Compact. (FE) |
| AB8 | 02/06/2025 | Agreements for direct primary care |
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