John Spiros, Wisconsin State Representative for 86th District | www.facebook.com
John Spiros, Wisconsin State Representative for 86th District | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "establishment of a Palliative Care Council. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill establishes a Palliative Care Council within the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, comprising medical and clinical professionals, as well as patients or their family members experienced in palliative care. The council is tasked with advising the department on evaluating palliative care programs, assessing their economic and quality of life effectiveness alongside curative treatment, and reviewing reimbursement mechanisms. It is barred from advising on physician-assisted suicide or any act to end life, except the withdrawal of care per advance directives. The bill mandates the department, with council consultation, to develop a statewide information and education program on palliative care for the public and healthcare providers, with resources made available online. The council is required to submit regular reports to the legislature on palliative care access and its impact on healthcare systems and families. The bill ensures comprehensive information dissemination and continuous assessment of palliative care services.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Jesse L. James (Republican-23rd District), Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), Representative Mike Bare (Democrat-80th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), and Representative Joan Fitzgerald (Democrat-46th 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 with 21 other co-sponsors.
John Spiros has co-authored or authored another three bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Spiros graduated from Metropolitan Community College in 1985.
Spiros, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2013 to represent the state's 86th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Jerry Petrowski.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| AB23 | 02/07/2025 | Establishment of a Palliative Care Council. (FE) |
| AB10 | 02/06/2025 | A sales and use tax exemption for the sale of gun safes. (FE) |
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