Patrick Marley

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MADISON – To crack down on Wisconsin’s opiate problem, the Assembly passed bills Tuesday that would expand treatment, hire special agents and establish a charter school for teens with drug addictions.

The measures enjoyed bipartisan support, much as they did last week when they passed the Legislature’s budget committee unanimously. Nonetheless, partisan passions flared Tuesday as lawmakers discussed the legislation.

Democrats said Republicans who control the Legislature should accept more federal funding under the Affordable Care Act so they could treat more people battling addiction. Republicans rejected that effort and criticized Democrats for using their campaign arm to raise money off of the issue.

"Using this discussion as an opportunity to raise funds sinks to a new level," said Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette), who has led the effort to address the opiate epidemic.

Despite the sharp words, the bills received strong bipartisan backing.

Special Session Assembly Bill 1, passed on a voice vote without dissent, would protect school employees and volunteers, as well as residence hall directors, from civil lawsuits if they administered Narcan or other drugs that halt the effects of opioid overdoses. To qualify for immunity from liability, they would have to be trained on how to use the medication and would have to call 911 as soon as possible when using it.

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The bills addressing opiates were taken up as part of a special session that Gov. Scott Walker called in January. The measures, which next go to the Senate, address:

In the regular session, the Assembly on Tuesday voted 96-0 to name cheese the state’s official dairy product with Assembly Bill 73. The bill now goes to the Senate.

Also Tuesday, the leader of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community urged lawmakers to protect Native American burial mounds and ceremony sites in the annual State of the Tribes address.

"Excavation leads to desecration," said Shannon Holsey, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee.

Republicans who control the Legislature have considered bills in recent years that would make it easier to disturb potential burial sites, but have been unable to pass them.