AB 573 clarifies which costs related to sexual assault forensic examinations are covered under compensation programs for victims. It specifically defines "examination costs" to include evidence-gathering procedures, STI testing/prevention, HIV prophylaxis (medication to prevent HIV exposure), and STI treatment medications provided during the exam. The bill explicitly excludes administrative fees, attorney costs, and other non-medical expenses from coverage. Additionally, it requires applicants to submit only medical records directly related to the covered services, such as examinations, treatments, or preventive medications, and prohibits submitting unrelated documentation. This bill adjusts eligibility criteria for compensation without creating new benefits or funding.
Assembly Bill 11 mandates that hospitals must obtain written informed consent from a patient before a pelvic examination is performed solely for educational purposes while the patient is under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious. This bill creates a new statute requiring hospitals to ensure this consent is secured. Additionally, it directs hospitals to establish and maintain written policies and procedures that enforce this requirement for educational pelvic exams on unconscious patients.
SB 589 establishes a statutory right for individuals to obtain contraception and for health care providers to offer it, directly affecting patients, providers, and local governments. It prohibits state or local governments from restricting access to FDA-approved contraceptives (like pills, condoms, or IUDs) through laws, regulations, or policies that single out contraception or impede access. The bill allows individuals or providers to sue if a policy violates these rights, and courts can block such policies and award attorney fees to winning parties. It explicitly does not change health insurance coverage requirements or override existing constitutional protections.
Senate Bill 223 aims to expand anti-discrimination protections within the state. It proposes to add "gender identity," "gender expression," and "sexual orientation" to the list of characteristics protected by state law. The bill amends numerous statutes to prohibit discrimination based on these categories across various sectors, including employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and insurance coverage. It also extends these protections to areas such as the National Guard, jury duty, and adoption processes.
AB 339 creates a state-funded program to reimburse school districts and charter schools for comprehensive mental health services provided to students during school and after-school hours, starting in the 2025-26 school year. Eligible services include mental health literacy programs, parent training, community partnerships, mental health navigators, and telehealth setup costs, while excluding direct treatment services, insurance deductibles, and regular school operating expenses. The program allocates $83.8 million for each of the next two fiscal years, with reimbursement capped at either $100,000 per school or $100 per enrolled student. This funding aims to expand accessible mental health support within schools without requiring new taxes or fees.
AB 226 prohibits public school districts and independent charter schools from serving free or reduced-price school meals containing five specific ingredients: brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, azodicarbonamide, and red dye 3. The law applies to meals under federal programs like the National School Lunch Program and takes effect July 1, 2027. It does not restrict private vendors from serving these ingredients at school events or on school premises. The bill directly affects schools serving subsidized meals to eligible students.
AB 173 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by requiring them to disclose formulary details and drug costs to health plans and patients before enrollment. It prohibits PBMs or insurers from penalizing patients for choosing specific pharmacies within a network or charging different fees for the same pharmacy services. The bill also mandates advance written notice (at least 90 days) to patients when drugs are removed from formularies or moved to higher-cost tiers, including exception request procedures. These changes directly affect PBMs, health insurance plans, and patients covered by those plans, aiming to increase transparency and choice in prescription drug coverage.
SB 245 establishes a two-year pilot program for school-centered mental health services at two selected schools (one rural, one urban) to support at-risk students and families. The bill requires participating schools to offer existing behavioral health resources and allow surveys/data sharing, while mandating providers to deliver year-round therapy, family coaching, classroom observations, and community resource connections. Funding from the Department of Health Services covers full-time therapist and family coach positions at these schools, with providers required to report on improvements in students' mental health symptoms, social needs, and academic/social-emotional growth. The pilot aims to evaluate how integrated school-based mental health services impact student well-being and academic outcomes before potential expansion.
SB 140 creates a provisional certification pathway for social workers who haven’t passed the national licensing exam. It allows individuals to obtain a temporary certificate (valid for 36 months) after applying, paying fees, and passing a state law exam, enabling them to practice under supervision while completing required training. The bill requires 37.5 hours of supervised practice (including 25 hours of in-person one-on-one supervision) within the first 2,000 hours of practice, with no renewal option for provisional status. This directly affects new social work professionals seeking licensure after failing the national exam, streamlining their transition to full certification upon completing supervision. The bill modifies existing statutes to establish these provisional requirements and their conversion to permanent credentials.
AB 499 requires health insurance plans and self-insured health plans to provide equal coverage for nonopioid pain treatments compared to opioids. Specifically, plans must cover at least two nonopioid prescription medications (not controlled substances) and three non-drug pain management options, without imposing stricter prior authorization or step therapy rules on nonopioid treatments than on opioids. The law prohibits designating nonopioid drugs as "nonpreferred" if opioids are listed and mandates annual public disclosure of pain management coverage details to enrollees and providers. This directly affects all health plans covering prescription drugs in Wisconsin, aiming to expand access to nonopioid pain management alternatives.
