Two bills from an eastern Wisconsin state senator have cleared the Wisconsin Senate.
The first bill, co-authored by State Senator Andre Jacque of De Pere, who represents northern Manitowoc County, establishes a tax-exempt savings account to help cover the cost of services that help those with physical and cognitive challenges live a full and independent life.
Jacque says Wisconsin is one of four states that don’t have an Achieving a Better Life Experience or ABLE account program.
Legislation was passed to create it in 2016, but the state chose not to establish its program.
ABLE programs allow people with a disability before age 26 to have a tax-exempt savings account to cover certain expenses, including education, transportation, housing, and employment.
The second bill strengthens the legal safeguards for adults at risk.
It would allow prosecutors to request that a court freeze or seize assets from defendants who have been charged with a financial exploitation crime when the victim is an adult at risk, allow court hearings for adults at risk seeking certain orders, and increase the penalty for forcible sexual misconduct.
Jacque says adults with disabilities are seven times more likely to become victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Both bills have cleared the Wisconsin Assembly and could be signed by Governor Tony Evers to become law.
