MADISON – Wednesday, the Assembly Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs held a public hearing on a series of bills to update the Wisconsin National Guard's sexual misconduct procedures. Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) served as a member of the Legislative Council Study Committee where these bills originated. Senator Agard released the following statement:

“Military members deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and in the unfortunate circumstance when an assault occurs, they must know they are supported and that procedures are in place to hold the assailant accountable.

“The bills heard in the Assembly today are a step in the right direction to provide clarity to Wisconsin National Guard's sexual misconduct procedures. I am hopeful these bills will become law in a bipartisan manner and that we continue this focus on preventing misconduct and supporting survivors of sexual assault– we must send a clear message that our government recognizes, believes, and always stands with survivors.”

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Senator Melissa Agard was elected by her colleagues to serve as Senate Democratic Leader in November of 2022. Senator Agard represents the 16th Senate District, encompassing Sun Prairie, Cottage Grove, Monona, Fitchburg, McFarland, and parts of Madison.