SB 1062 creates a new program to help residents in unserved broadband areas pay for connecting to existing broadband infrastructure. It allocates $1.75 million for 2025-26 and $3.5 million for 2026-27 to provide financial assistance grants of up to $4,000 per household. Applicants must participate in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, and priority is given to primary residences. The program is funded through the universal service fund and administered by the Public Service Commission.
SB 1079 establishes income-based limits on out-of-pocket costs for families using Wisconsin Shares child care subsidies. It prevents families from paying more than 7% of their gross income in copayments and exempts those with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty line from any copayment. The bill also increases annual funding for the program by $22.93 million for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to cover these changes. These provisions directly affect low-income families receiving child care assistance under Wisconsin Shares.
SB 1078 designates "manoomin" (Ojibwe for wild rice) as Wisconsin's state native grain. The bill adds this designation to Wisconsin statutes and requires the Wisconsin Blue Book to list "native grain" among other state symbols like the state song and tree. This is a symbolic, non-regulatory change that recognizes wild rice's cultural significance to Native American communities in Wisconsin.
AJR 142 is a Wisconsin legislative resolution celebrating Scouting America's 115th anniversary. It expresses the legislature's support for Scouting America's values and community contributions, including its emphasis on character development and volunteerism, but does not create new laws or funding. The resolution encourages Wisconsin citizens and organizations to recognize Scouting America's role in youth development and community service. It is purely symbolic, with no policy changes or direct effects on individuals or programs.
This bill creates clear rules for rent reductions when rental properties have health or safety hazards, requiring the state agency to establish a standardized schedule for how much rent can be reduced based on specific issues. It also strengthens tenant protections by making it illegal for landlords to retaliate - such as by raising rent, cutting services, or threatening eviction - after a tenant legally requests repairs or rent abatement within the past year. The law specifies that landlords cannot use these actions to punish tenants for exercising rights under the new rules. These changes apply to all residential rental properties in the state.
SB 1075 establishes rules for University of Wisconsin System student athletes' name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, allowing them to earn compensation for use of their identity while prohibiting agreements tied to athletic performance or endorsements of tobacco, alcohol, gambling, or illegal activities. It requires student athletes to disclose third-party NIL agreements and clarifies that such compensation does not make them employees or create grants. The bill also allocates $14.6 million annually for maintenance of UW-Madison athletic facilities, plus $200,000 each for the Klotsche Center (UW-Milwaukee) and Green Bay soccer complex. These funding provisions are separate from the NIL framework and are funded through specific appropriations.
SB 1043 requires state legislators to annually verify their residency in their elected district through sworn statements and proof of address, with updates needed within 10 days of moving. It mandates that legislators file these documents with legislative offices at the start of each session and annually while in office. Failure to comply triggers an investigation and potential quo warranto legal action to vacate the seat, initiated by the attorney general or a district elector. The bill also requires all residency records to remain confidential under state privacy laws.
AB 1084 expands dental coverage for pregnant individuals enrolled in Wisconsin's Medical Assistance program (Medicaid). The bill requires that pregnant recipients referred for dental care must be seen by a dentist or dental therapist within 30 days of referral. It defines "dental therapist" as a licensed professional under existing law and ensures referrals for basic dental services include this option. This directly affects pregnant Medical Assistance recipients who need dental care, guaranteeing timely access to covered services.
SB 1054 creates a Medical Assistance coordination working group to improve statewide program coordination and recipient experience. The working group, requiring specific members including department staff, resource centers, tribal bodies, legislators, healthcare providers, and a recipient, must convene by June 1, 2026. It will study the program's coordination and recipient experience following changes from P.L. 119-21, then submit a report to the department and legislature within seven months. The bill directly affects Medical Assistance recipients and the agencies managing the program, focusing on process improvement rather than altering benefits or eligibility.
SB 1047 adjusts payment rates for medication-based opioid treatment services to match Medicare rates starting in 2027, directly affecting opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and their patients. It eliminates a requirement for OTPs to document enrollment details and mandates specific staffing rules, including having a nurse present during dosing and maintaining a 1 counselor-to-55-patient ratio. The bill also updates admission criteria, requiring documented failed detox attempts for minors seeking maintenance treatment and clarifying initial dose limits for new patients. These changes aim to standardize care and payment while ensuring program compliance with federal and state regulations.
AB 1063 requires state legislators to prove they live in the district they represent by filing sworn statements with proof of residency (like utility bills) at the start of each session and annually. If a legislator moves, they must update this within 10 days. Failure to comply triggers an investigation and potential legal action to remove them from office if residency is disputed. The bill also protects submitted residency records as confidential information. It directly affects all elected state legislators and aims to enforce existing residency requirements for legislative officeholders.
AB 1055 creates a grant program to fund crime victim protective services, including temporary housing, for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors' offices. It allocates $2,572,900 for the 2025-26 fiscal year (with $2,574,100 for 2026-27) from the Justice Department's budget. The Department of Justice will administer the program, developing grant criteria without needing formal rulemaking, and will add one full-time staff position to manage it. This bill directly affects agencies providing support to individuals who have been victims of crime.
