SB 1031 creates a state-funded undergraduate grant program for students attending private nonprofit colleges in the state. It directly affects in-state students enrolled full-time at qualifying institutions who meet specific criteria: completing the FAFSA, not qualifying for federal Pell Grants, and having an adjusted gross income under $60,000. The program allocates $2.5 million annually to cover up to 10 semesters of full-time enrollment per student, with grants awarded by the Higher Educational Aids Board. This policy establishes a new financial aid mechanism targeting low-to-moderate income students at private nonprofit colleges, distinct from federal aid programs.
AB 1079 creates a state-funded grant program to help Wisconsin residents attend private nonprofit colleges. It provides up to $2.5 million annually for eligible students enrolled full-time at accredited private colleges in Wisconsin, with income limits under $60,000 and requiring FAFSA completion without a federal Pell Grant. Grants cover up to 10 semesters of undergraduate study, funded through the state budget. The program targets students who don’t qualify for federal aid but meet residency and financial criteria.
AB 1087 creates a special enrollment period for pregnancy, requiring health benefit plans and self-insured health plans to allow pregnant individuals and their eligible family members to enroll at any time during pregnancy. Coverage must begin no later than the first day of the calendar month following medical verification of pregnancy, with individuals able to choose an earlier start date. The bill mandates that insurers provide clear notice of this special enrollment option during initial enrollment. This policy directly affects pregnant people seeking health coverage and the health plans that must implement this new enrollment window.
SB 990 requires child welfare departments to manage state and federal benefits (like SNAP or Social Security) for children in foster care or similar out-of-home placements by keeping funds in protected accounts that avoid disqualifying the child from other programs. Departments must provide regular financial reports to the child, their attorney, and parents/guardians, and return any leftover funds when the child exits care. The bill prohibits using these benefits to cover the costs of the child's care. This directly affects children in foster care and the agencies managing their benefits.
SB 1049 requires commercial trampoline parks to obtain an annual license and maintain $1 million in liability insurance. It mandates safety standards including first aid/CPR-certified staff on-site with an AED, proper signage, injury reporting systems, and compliance with industry guidelines for equipment, staff training, and participant behavior. The bill exempts schools operating incidental playgrounds, training facilities (like gymnastics studios) with specific revenue or ratio requirements, and inflatable equipment used exclusively for exercise. These requirements directly affect trampoline park operators, while participants must follow posted safety rules regarding conduct and health conditions.
AB 1058 limits landlords' ability to screen tenants using credit information. It prohibits landlords from requiring prospective tenants to grant access to their credit scores or credit reports, and mandates that landlords inform tenants of this right to decline. If a tenant declines, landlords must provide an alternative method to assess their ability to pay rent. The bill also caps tenant screening fees at $25 for credit reports and requires landlords to disclose charges before requesting reports. This directly affects renters seeking housing and landlords conducting tenant screenings in the state.
AB 1088 requires Wisconsin hospitals to schedule a free postpartum home visit within 14 days for new mothers who request it, covering physical recovery, breastfeeding support, and mental health screening. The visit must be provided by trained doulas, midwives, or other licensed health providers. Insurance plans - including government-run health programs - must cover this service without deductibles, copays, or other patient costs. The bill directly affects new mothers, hospitals, and health insurers across Wisconsin.
AB 1052 prohibits labor unions from providing nonnegotiated benefits (like health insurance or retirement plans) to employees who do not pay union dues or fees. It directly affects nonunion employees who might otherwise receive such benefits from their union, excluding them from these perks if the benefits weren't part of collective bargaining agreements. The bill creates a new statute requiring unions to restrict these nonnegotiated benefits to members who pay dues. This policy change aims to align benefit access with union membership status for noncollectively bargained perks.
AB 1051 creates a voluntary registration program for commercial deicer applicators who remove snow/ice on privately owned properties for hire (e.g., contractors hired by homeowners or businesses). To register, applicators must complete department-approved training on water-quality protective methods, pass an exam, and maintain records of deicer use, weather conditions, and treatment dates for three years. Registered applicators gain limited liability protection if they follow approved methods and provide proof of registration in legal disputes, though this protection doesn’t apply for reckless conduct or failure to use approved methods. The program requires annual reporting to the department on deicer types and amounts used, with registration valid for five years and subject to revocation for noncompliance.
AB 1045 defines "wake-enhanced boating" as intentionally creating a large wake for activities like wakeboarding using devices such as ballast tanks. It sets state minimum restrictions: wake-enhanced boating must occur at least 500 feet from shore and in water at least 20 feet deep, while standard water sports (e.g., tubing) remain unaffected. Local governments can impose stricter rules - such as banning the activity in specific areas or requiring greater distances - and the bill provides legal protection for them when enforcing these rules in good faith. This directly affects boaters engaging in wake-enhanced activities and local authorities managing waterway regulations.
SB 1024 establishes statewide minimum safety requirements for wake-enhanced boating (activities like wakesurfing or wakeboarding that intentionally create large wakes). It requires such boating to occur at least 500 feet from shore in water depths of at least 20 feet, while explicitly allowing local governments to adopt stricter rules (e.g., area bans, deeper depth requirements, or time restrictions). The bill also provides legal protection for local officials who enforce these stricter local regulations, shielding them from lawsuits when acting in good faith. This directly affects boaters engaging in wake-enhanced activities and local governments managing waterway regulations.
SB 1057 limits landlords' ability to use credit reports when screening tenants. It caps fees for credit checks at $25 (with prior notice) and requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of the report. Crucially, it prohibits landlords from demanding access to a tenant's credit score or report, instead mandating that landlords offer an alternative screening method if a tenant declines to share this information. The bill directly affects landlords and prospective tenants in housing applications, shifting the process to prioritize tenant choice while maintaining screening options.
