Healthcare

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Aug 11, 2025

SB 31: Relating to: state agency status for certain physician assistants and advanced practice nurses who provide services without compensation for local health departments or school districts. (FE)

SB 31 establishes "state agency status" for physician assistants and advanced practice nurses who volunteer services without compensation for local health departments or school districts. Specifically, these healthcare providers become state agents for liability protection under certain statutes (like 165.25, 893.82, and 895.46) when providing medically supervised services under written protocols. The bill defines key terms like "advanced practice nurse prescriber" and clarifies that non-employee volunteers must act without pay to qualify. This change directly affects volunteer healthcare providers in public health and school settings, ensuring they are legally protected as representatives of the Department of Health Services during their service.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGrants liability protection for volunteer healthcare providers, enabling expanded access to services in public health settings without compensation barriers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Public Health

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 107: Relating to: declaring November as Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month in Wisconsin.

AJR 107 is a symbolic joint resolution designating November 2025 as "Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month" in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin veterans by raising public awareness of their elevated mental health challenges and suicide rates, citing that 134 veterans died by suicide in Wisconsin in 2023 (15% of all adult suicides despite veterans comprising only 5% of the adult population). The resolution does not create new programs or funding but aims to highlight existing resources like the Wisconsin Veterans Crisis Line and honor veterans' service. It was introduced by multiple legislators and cosponsored by numerous senators, reflecting legislative recognition of veteran mental health as a priority.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareSymbolic resolution raises awareness of veteran mental health challenges, promoting recognition of healthcare needs without funding or program changes.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill designates November 2025 as Veteran Mental Health Awareness Month, citing veteran suicide statistics to raise public awareness of mental health challenges, directly supporting veterans' well-being through recognition and education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

Track

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 260: Relating to: certification of surgical technologists.

SB 260 establishes certification requirements for surgical technologists working in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. It mandates that individuals performing surgical technology tasks must either complete an accredited educational program and hold national certification, have been employed before December 31, 2027, or meet specific military or federal service criteria. The law includes a 24-month grace period for those completing education but not yet certified, and excludes cardiac radiology, dental auxiliaries, and optometry from these rules. The bill takes effect January 1, 2028, directly affecting healthcare facilities and surgical technologists seeking employment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes certification standards for surgical technologists, enhancing patient safety and service quality in healthcare settings.85% confidence

Track

passed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 564: Relating to: allowing chiropractors to perform school employee health examinations.

AB 564 updates Wisconsin law to allow chiropractors to perform health examinations required for school employees (like teachers and staff). The bill amends statute 118.25(1)(a) by explicitly adding "chiropractor" to the list of licensed professionals authorized to conduct these exams, alongside physicians, naturopathic doctors, and physician assistants. This change directly affects school employees needing these exams and chiropractors who can now legally provide them. The law does not alter exam requirements or costs but expands who may perform the exams. The bill was introduced in October 2025 and referred to the Health Committee for review.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands healthcare access by allowing chiropractors to perform required health exams for school employees, increasing provider options for health services.90% confidence

Track

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 575: Relating to: sexual assault forensic examination compensation.

SB 575 clarifies which medical costs related to sexual assault forensic exams are covered by state compensation. It defines "examination costs" to include medical tests, HIV prevention medication (prophylaxis), and STI treatment provided during the exam process if related to the assault. The bill explicitly excludes administrative fees, attorney costs, or unrelated medical expenses from coverage. This directly affects sexual assault victims seeking reimbursement for specific, exam-related medical care under the state's compensation program.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill ensures sexual assault victims receive compensation for forensic exam-related medical costs (HIV prophylaxis, STI treatment), directly supporting victim care within criminal justice system.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies state compensation for assault-related medical costs including HIV prophylaxis and STI treatment, expanding healthcare coverage for victims.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 260: Relating to: a pilot school-centered mental health program. (FE)

AB 260 establishes a two-year pilot program providing school-centered mental health services to at-risk students and families in two schools per year (one rural, one urban/suburban). The program requires schools to already offer some behavioral health resources and agree to surveys/data sharing. It funds full-time therapists and family coaches to deliver year-round, evidence-based services - including in-school therapy, family coaching on mental health support, and connections to community health resources - while measuring impacts on students' mental health symptoms, academic performance, and basic needs like housing or food. A report on outcomes must be submitted to the legislature after the pilot ends.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationFunds school-centered mental health services for at-risk students, enhancing student support programs within K-12 education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds school-based mental health services for at-risk students, expanding access to evidence-based care through therapists and family coaches.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Mental Health

Track

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 370: Relating to: property tax exemption for health education and fitness charitable organization. (FE)

SB 370 would create a property tax exemption for nonprofit health education and fitness organizations that meet specific criteria. To qualify, an organization must be IRS 501(c)(3) exempt (with IRS confirmation by March 2009), operate only one facility for community health/fitness services, offer financial assistance to all community members, and provide free services to households with a deployed U.S. military member. The exemption applies to all property used for these purposes and takes effect for tax assessments starting January 1, 2026. This bill directly affects qualifying nonprofits serving community health needs and military families through tax relief on their facilities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates property tax exemption for qualifying nonprofits, providing tax relief to support community health services and expand access to fitness programs.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides property tax exemption for health nonprofits, reducing operational costs and increasing access to community health services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Property Tax Tax Incentives

Track

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 33: Relating to: declaration of the Economic Justice Bill of Rights.

Assembly Joint Resolution 33 (AJR 33) declares an "Economic Justice Bill of Rights" for the people of Wisconsin. This resolution aims to renew the state's progressive tradition and address historical disparities for various communities. It outlines ten specific rights, including the right to a job paying a living wage, adequately funded public education, affordable healthcare, a clean environment, and safe, affordable housing. The resolution also includes rights to a union, equitable access to capital, and a fair justice system, regardless of a person's background or status.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly declares 'adequately funded public education' as a core right, directly advancing school funding support.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExplicitly includes 'clean environment' as a core right in the Economic Justice Bill of Rights, directly advancing environmental protection as a fundamental entitlement.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly declares 'affordable healthcare' as a right, directly advancing access and cost reduction goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingDeclares 'safe, affordable housing' as a specific right, directly aligning with tenant protections and affordable housing initiatives per the resolution's stated goals.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExplicitly declares right to living wage and union rights, directly advancing labor protections and workers' economic security per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Collective Bargaining Minimum Wage

Track

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 404: Relating to: the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 404 establishes and funds the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program, which provides direct support services to veterans in need. The bill appropriates state funds to cover outreach, counseling, and recovery resources for veterans facing challenges like homelessness, mental health issues, or unemployment. It directly affects veterans seeking these services and the state agencies or community organizations delivering them. The program’s implementation is contingent on the approved budget allocation, with no policy changes beyond the funding mechanism. As a fiscal bill, it focuses on resource allocation rather than new legal requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates state funds for veterans' program, directly funding essential services through budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds counseling and recovery resources for veterans' mental health issues, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare topic.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAddresses veteran homelessness through state-funded outreach and recovery services, directly supporting housing stability for vulnerable populations.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAddresses veteran unemployment through state-funded outreach and recovery services, directly aiding employment recovery for a specific workforce group.65% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransFunds Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program for homelessness, mental health, and unemployment support services95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Mental Health Substance Abuse Homelessness Unemployment Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

Track

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 307: Relating to: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline grants. (FE)

SB 307 creates a new state grant program to fund crisis intervention services for people contacting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline from within the state. The bill directs the state department to award grants to organizations providing crisis care coordination to individuals who call or text 988. These grants specifically support services for callers who are residents of the state, regardless of where they physically are when contacting the national hotline. The law defines "national crisis hotline" as 988 or its successor under federal law, ensuring state funding aligns with the existing national system.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates state grants for 988 crisis services, directly funding mental health support infrastructure for callers within the state.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

Track