Madison Reporter

Governor Signs Two Kitchens' Bills with Local Ties

Two bills developed by people from the Door and Kewaunee County Area and authored by Representative Joel Kitchens have been signed into law, aiding law enforcement in finding missing individuals sooner and providing support for first responders dealing with trauma.

Representative Joel Kitchens expressed his gratitude towards the local community for their contributions to the bills, stating, “The best ideas don’t come from Madison. I’m grateful to represent people who come to me with ideas that should become law. Both bills came from local folks who want to make our great state even better. I believe these bills do just that.”

One of the bills, the Kelsey Smith Act, was initially proposed by Conor Waterstreet, a Sturgeon Bay High School student, as part of the Door County delegation to the YMCA’s Youth in Government program. Representative Kitchens highlighted the impact of the Kelsey Smith Act, which requires wireless providers to disclose device location information to law enforcement without a warrant, stating, “This bill will save lives right here in Wisconsin.” He provided examples of how the legislation has already made a difference in other states by aiding in the rescue of kidnapped individuals and preventing tragedies.

Additionally, Chief Deputy Pat McCarty of the Door County Sheriff’s Department approached Representative Kitchens regarding the importance of confidential peer support programs for first responders. Kitchens emphasized the significance of such programs in helping these professionals cope with the emotional stress of their jobs, stating, “This law will make sure there is confidential help from others who understand because they have also answered those calls.”

Representative Kitchens, who represents Door, Kewaunee, and parts of Brown County, has been instrumental in championing these bills that have now become law to benefit the local community and first responders in Wisconsin.