SB 817 creates a state program to provide electronic payment processing equipment and services (including SNAP/food stamp processing) to farmers' markets and farmers selling directly to consumers. It allocates $367,500 biennially for this purpose and increases the healthy food incentive program appropriation by $1 million annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The bill requires payment processors to handle both SNAP transactions and local purchasing incentives funded by third parties. It directly affects farmers' markets, vendors, and SNAP participants by improving access to electronic payments. The program is administered by the Department of Health Services with new staffing support.
AB 736 requires state correctional facilities and county jails to provide free, nontoxic menstrual products to all inmates with active menstrual cycles. It mandates facilities to offer at least three verified brands each of tampons (with plastic applicator), pads, and reusable menstrual cups from a published list of nontoxic products. The bill defines "nontoxic" as free from harmful chemicals and requires facilities to sanitize reusable cups as needed. This directly affects incarcerated people who menstruate, ensuring access to essential hygiene products without cost. The law applies to all state prisons, county jails, and houses of correction in the state.
AB 886 creates a $2 million pilot program to fund grants for local governments and nonprofits that provide non-medication, non-talk therapy mental health treatments for children. The program allocates up to $50,000 per grant to expand access to research-based alternatives, such as art or play therapy, for children in need. Grants are limited to a two-year duration from the program's effective date, with applications open to cities, towns, counties, or qualifying nonprofits. The bill directly affects community organizations serving children by providing targeted funding for specific treatment approaches.
SB 826 allows healthcare providers to vaccinate minors aged 16 or older without parental consent if the minor requests it. The bill requires providers to obtain the minor’s consent before billing insurance or other third parties for the vaccination. If the minor declines third-party billing, they are responsible for payment directly to the provider, following existing fee guidelines. This applies specifically to medically appropriate vaccines and affects minors aged 16+, healthcare providers, and third-party payers. The bill does not change parental rights for minors under 16.
This bill creates a new regulatory category for pharmacies operating without a pharmacist physically present ("remote dispensing sites" or "remotely supervised pharmacies"). It allows the pharmacy board to establish specific rules for these sites, potentially exempting them from standard pharmacy requirements that apply to traditional locations. The law clarifies that such sites will not be classified as community or institutional pharmacies under existing rules. These changes streamline oversight for remote pharmacy operations while maintaining separate regulatory treatment.
SB 837 creates a new state grant program providing $1.6 million annually to counties and tribes for mental health treatment alternatives to prosecution and incarceration. It directly affects low-to-medium risk individuals with mental illness who interact with the criminal justice system, excluding violent offenders as defined by law. Key provisions require grantees to establish programs using restorative justice principles, integrate mental health services, and meet evidence-based treatment standards while tracking outcomes like reduced jail populations and recidivism. Grantees must submit annual reports on program impact to the Department of Justice and an oversight committee, with data shared monthly for state evaluation. The bill mandates collaboration between courts, prosecutors, public defenders, and health agencies to coordinate care and services.
AB 931 updates Wisconsin's healthcare statutes by changing the term "advanced practice nurse prescriber" to "advanced practice registered nurse" in multiple sections, aligning with current professional standards. It provides a $50,000 grant to HealthNet of Rock County, Inc., a local health organization. The bill also clarifies that local health boards may employ public health nurses to lead generalized public health nursing programs. These changes affect advanced practice nurses, local health departments, and organizations like HealthNet by standardizing terminology and funding. The bill takes effect September 1, 2026.
AB 969 creates a formal drug donation program to redistribute unused medications to eligible patients. It defines key terms like "donor" (including pharmacies, hospitals, and individuals), "eligible patient" (indigent, uninsured, or underinsured individuals), and "recipient" (medical facilities or pharmacies that can receive donations). The bill allows donors to contribute drugs to participating facilities, with recipients permitted to charge a handling fee covering actual costs (e.g., storage, shipping), while prohibiting donations of certain FDA-regulated drugs requiring patient enrollment. This program aims to provide access to medications for underserved patients through a structured, safe, and cost-transparent system.
SB 844 creates a $2.5 million biennial grant program to help healthcare facilities recruit and retain providers who conduct forensic exams for sexual assault, domestic abuse, or strangulation cases. It requires facilities to establish new positions or programs for these exams and guarantees reimbursement to providers regardless of whether victims cooperate with law enforcement. The bill modifies reimbursement rules to cover all exam costs (including STI prevention treatments) up to a $3,000 maximum per exam, adjusted annually for inflation. This directly affects healthcare facilities providing these services in counties needing additional exam providers.
AB 946 creates a two-year pilot program to provide behavioral health support to high school students in Wisconsin. It allocates $1.5 million annually for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years to give at least 50,000 high school students access to a digital tool offering online mental health resources, peer support, and private sessions with licensed professionals. The tool must be accessible via mobile/web, support English/Spanish, include professional profiles for user choice, and follow a population health model. The program is administered by the Department of Public Instruction and requires contracting with educational service agencies, with the related funding provision set to expire on July 1, 2028.
