Rep. Christine Sinicki

Maddy summaryAB 661 requires the Department of Safety and Professional Services to audit fire sprinkler systems in specific residential buildings - defined as apartment buildings, rowhouses, townhouses, or condos with 8+ attached units and at least one unit 2+ stories above ground (excluding Chapter 50 licensed facilities). The audit must determine if automatic fire sprinklers are installed, with a report due to the governor and legislature by September 30, 2026. The bill appropriates $75,000 for two project positions to fund the audit over two fiscal years. This directly affects owners and managers of the specified buildings, as the audit verifies existing sprinkler compliance but does not mandate new installations.

Maddy summaryAB 577 increases annual funding for Wisconsin's birth defect prevention and monitoring system from $95,000 to $500,000, plus adds 3.3 full-time staff positions for the Department of Health Services to maintain the system. The bill allocates an additional $405,000 for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to support this program. It directly affects the Department of Health Services, which will use the funds to operate the birth defect surveillance system. The bill makes concrete changes to existing funding levels without altering program requirements or eligibility.

Maddy summaryAB 655 requires courts to order drivers convicted of two or more reckless speeding violations (exceeding speed limits by 20+ mph) within five years to install a speed limiter on their vehicles. The law applies specifically to "Class D" vehicles and mandates that the device prevent operation above a set speed, with financial hardship exceptions for low-income individuals. Courts must order the speed limiter installation, maintenance, and removal costs (capped at 50% for qualifying low-income drivers), and violations of this order carry fines up to $600 or imprisonment. The bill creates a state program using existing ignition interlock infrastructure to manage provider rules, reporting, and enforcement under sections 343.347 and 347.414.

Maddy summaryAB 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.

Maddy summaryAB 570 redirects remaining scholarship funds to public school districts when students switch schools. If a student withdraws from a private school under a parental choice program, the Special Needs Scholarship Program, or an independent charter school during a school year and enrolls in a public school district, the state department must pay the unused scholarship amount to that district instead of the original school. This applies to all specified programs and covers the remainder of the school year's funding. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026. It directly affects students transferring programs, public school districts receiving funds, and the state's scholarship payment process.

Maddy summaryAB 548 creates a new special vehicle registration plate category for Wisconsin veterans awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. The bill establishes a $15 fee for issuing or reissuing these plates, with excess funds deposited into the veterans trust fund. It adds this category to Wisconsin's existing system of special plates, which require specific design elements like identifying words, symbols, or colors as outlined in state statutes. This is a procedural change that expands plate options for a specific veteran group without altering existing plate designs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryAB 635 requires the state environmental department to notify county health departments, tribal health departments, and county land conservation departments within 7 business days whenever groundwater protection standards or PFAS standards are exceeded. The bill creates a formal notification system to alert affected local governments and adjacent counties that might face negative impacts, with notices available for public review under state law. This law directly affects local health and land management agencies in counties where water contamination breaches are confirmed, ensuring timely public awareness of groundwater safety issues.

Maddy summaryAB 656 eliminates a legal exception that previously protected spouses from prosecution for sex crimes against child spouses. It amends statutes 948.09 (sexual intercourse with a child age 16+) and 948.093 (underage sexual activity) to remove the provision stating these laws "do not apply if the child is the defendant’s spouse." This change directly affects individuals in marriages where one spouse was a minor at the time of marriage, making spousal relationships no longer a defense for sex crimes against children. The bill also updates marriage-related provisions, including allowing minors under 18 to file for divorce (767.185) and clarifying consent requirements for minors seeking marriage licenses.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally designates October 2025 and October 2026 as "Cybersecurity Awareness Month" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or programs but makes an official state proclamation to highlight the importance of cybersecurity education. The resolution cites rising online threats like phishing scams and identity theft as reasons to promote public awareness. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by encouraging broader attention to online safety practices during those months.

Maddy summaryAB 97 extends health coverage under Wisconsin's Medicaid program (Medical Assistance) for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women who qualify for the program. The bill changes eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family incomes above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if their income is spent on medical care or health insurance premiums. This policy update aims to provide longer-term health coverage for new mothers during a critical postpartum period.