Rep. Joe Sheehan

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the state's indoor smoking ban to explicitly include electronic delivery devices like vapes and e-cigarettes, as well as marijuana use. It defines "smoking" to cover inhaling or exhaling vaporized substances and requires that activated electronic devices be treated the same as traditional smoking in indoor spaces. The legislation applies to businesses and public venues that currently prohibit smoking, extending those restrictions to vaping and marijuana consumption. By clarifying these definitions, the bill ensures existing indoor smoking rules cover modern inhalation methods without requiring new enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally declares February 2026 as Black History Month in Wisconsin. It directly affects state government officials and the public by establishing an official recognition of the month. The resolution includes historical context about African American contributions to the state and specifically honors eight individuals for their achievements in civil rights, public service, education, and community leadership. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative proclamation to acknowledge and celebrate the heritage and contributions of people of African descent.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes the Wisconsin additional child and dependent care tax credit refundable, meaning families who owe no state income tax can still receive the credit as a cash payment. It applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2023, and before January 1, 2026, allowing claimants to receive up to 100% of their federal child and dependent care tax credit. If the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's state tax liability, the unused portion is paid directly by the state through the Department of Revenue. The legislation also includes an appropriation to fund these payments and updates related tax credit listings in state statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state minimum wage schedule that gradually increases from $15 per hour in 2026 to $20 per hour by 2030, with slightly lower rates for small employers defined as those with 50 or fewer employees. It also sets specific minimum wage rates for tipped employees, which increase more slowly over the same period. Beginning in 2031, the state department of labor gains authority to adjust the minimum wage annually based on changes in the consumer price index. The bill also grants the department power to create rules for special categories of workers, including agricultural employees, students, and those with disabilities, while exempting certain types of casual employment from minimum wage requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates the U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team for winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. It specifically recognizes the team's achievements and highlights the contributions of Wisconsin athletes and staff who were part of the squad. The resolution expresses appreciation from the Wisconsin State Legislature to the players, coaches, and support staff for their success. As a ceremonial measure, the bill does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor the team's accomplishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded mentorship program to support beginning music, art, and performing arts teachers in Wisconsin. It appropriates $50,000 for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years to contract with a nonprofit organization to pair experienced mentors with new teachers. The program provides classroom guidance, resources, conference support, and materials to help new teachers succeed and prepare students for performances. The nonprofit must match the state funding and provide quarterly reports on program activities and expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $1 million annual grant program to help school districts install or upgrade emergency notification systems that are accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The funding, allocated for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years, is intended to cover the costs of making emergency alert systems compatible with needs of students who cannot hear traditional alarms. Under the legislation, the Department of Public Instruction can award grants to eligible school districts, but the amount awarded cannot exceed what the district actually spent on the installation or upgrade. The bill creates new statutory provisions in the Wisconsin statutes to authorize and regulate this specific grant program.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression in Wisconsin public schools and private schools that receive state funding through parental choice or scholarship programs. It requires these schools to adopt written policies for handling discrimination complaints and mandates that schools admitting only one sex must still allow students whose gender identity aligns with that sex. The legislation also adds gender identity and gender expression to the list of protected characteristics for hiring teachers and administrative staff, while allowing religious schools to decline instruction in religions other than their own. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties of up to $1,000 for officials who intentionally discriminate against students or staff in violation of these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires school districts in Wisconsin to ensure teachers have at least 45 minutes of daily self-directed preparation time, equivalent to one full class period. The provision applies to teachers covered by collective bargaining agreements or contracts, taking effect when those agreements expire or are modified. The legislation amends existing state statutes to mandate this preparation time as part of teachers' daily schedules.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits vaping on all public and private school property, including classrooms, playgrounds, and athletic facilities. It defines electronic smoking devices broadly to include e-cigarettes, vape pens, and similar products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. The law applies to students, staff, and visitors on school grounds and allows schools or local governments to adopt even stricter rules if they choose.