Rep. Jodi Emerson

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits unfair pricing on food and beverages sold at publicly funded stadiums in the state. It directly affects stadium owners, operators, and concessionaires who sell items to fans at these venues. The law defines a stadium as a large facility with at least 3,000 seats that receives public financial support, while excluding schools and tribal schools from the restriction. Under the new rules, concessionaires cannot charge more than the retail cost of food or drinks plus a 20 percent markup. Selling items at higher prices would be classified as an unfair trade practice.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new section in state statutes to regulate how online services collect and use personal data from minors under 18 years old. It applies to businesses that operate online services in the state, earn most of their revenue from those services, and are likely to be accessed by minors. The law requires covered businesses to implement age-appropriate design features, restrict the collection of sensitive data like biometric and genetic information from minors, and prevent compulsive use patterns that disrupt a minor's daily activities. The bill also grants the state rule-making authority to establish specific standards for how these protections should be implemented and enforced.

Maddy summaryThis bill would authorize Wisconsin to join an interstate compact that implements a national popular vote system for electing the president and vice president, but it only takes effect once enough states have joined to control a majority of electoral votes. Under the agreement, member states would still hold traditional statewide elections, but they would award all their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most total votes nationwide rather than the winner of their individual state. The bill also includes provisions for handling ties, certifying results, and allowing states to withdraw from the compact with certain restrictions. This legislation does not change the current Electoral College system itself but creates a legal framework for states to participate in an alternative election method if sufficient states agree to join the compact.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require election officials to exclude candidates from federal ballots if there is conclusive evidence that the candidate is ineligible under the U.S. Constitution to hold the office. It directly affects election administrators and candidates for president, vice president, and other national offices by mandating that they verify constitutional eligibility before allowing names on ballots. The law specifies that ineligibility must be clear through candidate admission or other conclusive proof, and it prevents presidential electors from voting for candidates who are constitutionally ineligible. The bill creates new statutory sections to codify these requirements in state election laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities in the state to send notices to customers whenever they request rate changes from the public service commission. The notices must explain how proposed or approved rate changes would affect average residential and commercial bills, and inform customers where to find copies of the rate case application and request detailed explanations. Utilities must deliver these notices through their existing billing methods and on their websites, with the content updating after the commission issues its final decision. The law applies starting with rate case applications filed after the bill takes effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of the Public Intervenor within the state insurance commissioner's office to help individuals with insurance claims, policies, and appeals for medical procedures and medications. It establishes rules requiring insurers to process disability insurance claims within reasonable timeframes, provide detailed explanations for claim denials, and disclose when artificial intelligence is used in claim decisions. The office can levy assessments on insurers based on their premium volume to fund its operations and conduct audits of claims denial practices. Additionally, the bill prohibits specific insurer practices such as using vague policy terms, stalling claim reviews, or allowing non-physician personnel to determine medical necessity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans, including those for government employees and public schools, to cover prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces when deemed medically necessary by a licensed healthcare provider. The law defines prostheses as devices that replace missing limbs and custom orthotic braces as personalized devices that correct or support musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring coverage includes materials, instruction, and repairs under specific circumstances. Coverage must match or exceed federal standards and apply to replacement or repair when medically needed due to changes in the patient's condition or when repair costs exceed 60 percent of replacement costs. The bill also mandates that plans maintain access to at least two in-network providers in the state and requires written explanations for any coverage denials based on medical necessity.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts how Wisconsin calculates and distributes state funding for special education costs and general school aid. It modifies the reimbursement rate for special education expenses, allowing the state to distribute up to 100 percent of eligible costs rather than a lower fixed percentage. The legislation also increases the general school aid appropriation for the 2026-27 fiscal year by approximately $446 million to support public school districts. These changes directly affect school districts and the state Department of Public Instruction by altering how funds are allocated and calculated for educational programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Wisconsin statutes to allow hospitals, fire stations, emergency medical services stations, and law enforcement agencies to install newborn infant safety devices for surrendering babies. The law defines these devices as wall-mounted units with separate exterior and interior access points and requires them to be monitored 24 hours a day with surveillance cameras. It also permits parents unable to reach a designated surrender location to call 911 for assistance in relinquishing custody of their newborn. The bill establishes specific operational requirements for facilities that choose to use these devices, including regular physical checks and alarm system testing.