Deborah Andraca, Wisconsin State Representative of 23rd District | Official Website
Deborah Andraca, Wisconsin State Representative of 23rd District | Official Website
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "prohibiting hotels, inns, and motels from discriminating against dog handlers who are accompanied by search and rescue dogs".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill prohibits hotels, inns, and motels from discriminating against dog handlers accompanied by search and rescue dogs. It mandates these establishments to allow full and equal access to such handlers, provided the dog is identified with a harness or cape and is leashed. The bill bans charging higher rates or denying service based on the presence of a search and rescue dog. It does allow the establishment to verify the dog’s status and exclude the dog if it fundamentally alters the nature of the accommodation or jeopardizes safety. Handlers are liable for sanitation and damages caused by the dog. Policies must ensure that handlers are not separated from their dogs and are treated equally with other patrons.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Jesse L. James (Republican-23rd District), Representative Jeffrey Mursau (Republican-36th District), Representative Jerry L. O'Connor (Republican-60th District), Representative Jim Piwowarczyk (Republican-98th District), and Representative Angela Stroud (Democrat-73rd District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Van H. Wanggaard (Republican-21st District).
Deb Andraca has co-authored or authored another 23 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Andraca graduated from Syracuse University in 1992 with a BA.
Andraca, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2021 to represent the state's 23rd Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Jim Ott.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| AB238 | 05/02/2025 | Prohibiting hotels, inns, and motels from discriminating against dog handlers who are accompanied by search and rescue dogs |
| AB224 | 04/23/2025 | The form of referendum questions |
| AB72 | 02/24/2025 | Ratification of the Driver License Compact. (FE) |
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