Sen. André Jacque

Maddy summarySB 929 allows Wisconsin residents who are members of the National Guard or U.S. military Reserves to exclude certain military pay from their state income tax. Specifically, it creates a new tax subtraction for basic pay received under federal law (37 USC 204(a)(2)) and inactive-duty training compensation (37 USC 206/206a), provided this income isn't already excluded under other rules. The policy applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, directly benefiting eligible service members by reducing their state tax liability. This is a concrete tax policy change, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 6) is a ceremonial honor recognizing the life and legacy of Bob Uecker, the longtime Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster and entertainer. It formally acknowledges his 54-year broadcasting career with the Brewers, his acting roles (including *Mr. Belvedere* and *Major League*), philanthropy, and contributions to baseball and Wisconsin culture. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Wisconsin Legislature’s tribute to Uecker’s "extraordinary contributions" through a symbolic resolution passed on March 20, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 799 modifies parental access to minors' health records. It requires parents to obtain written consent from minors aged 14 or older before accessing their health records, unless the minor is developmentally disabled (where consent isn't required). The bill also restricts access for parents who caused child protection cases (e.g., abuse/neglect), denying them access to health records if their child was placed under child protection services due to their actions. This applies specifically to health records covered under statutes related to patient care and treatment.

Maddy summarySB 146 prohibits individuals convicted of a violent felony from legally changing their name. It amends existing law to clarify that the prohibition applies specifically to violent crimes classified as felonies, not all violent offenses. This directly affects people with violent felony convictions who seek to change their legal name. The bill establishes a clear legal barrier to name changes for this group, with penalties for violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent foreign governments or entities hostile to the U.S. from purchasing agricultural or forestry land within the state. It directly affects potential foreign buyers and landowners by prohibiting such acquisitions of farmland or forest land. The key provision bans transactions involving designated "foreign adversaries" and applies to all agricultural or forestry land, including leases or long-term agreements. The bill is currently under review by the Agriculture and Revenue Committee following a public hearing.

Maddy summarySB 610 increases the maximum prison sentence for distributing methamphetamine or similar drugs near homeless shelters. If someone distributes these drugs within 1,000 feet of a homeless shelter - knowing or reasonably aware the shelter is nearby - their maximum prison term rises by 5 years. The bill specifically targets violations of drug distribution laws (Section 961.65) occurring in these proximity circumstances. This policy change directly affects individuals convicted of such drug distribution offenses near shelters, without altering existing penalties for other drug offenses.

Maddy summarySB 417 establishes rules for allowing essential visitors and clergy to visit residents in long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) and hospitals during communicable disease outbreaks. It requires facilities to permit at least one designated essential visitor (such as a family member or legal guardian) or clergy member in specific compassionate situations, including end-of-life care, grief support, or when a health professional determines the visitor’s presence benefits the patient. Facilities may deny visitation only if the visitor refuses safety protocols, poses a contagion risk, or the patient declines the visit. The bill also creates a process for residents to file complaints if facilities violate these rules and provides liability protection for facilities following the policy.

Maddy summarySB 36 creates a state income tax exemption for cash tips received by employees, directly benefiting service industry workers (like servers or bartenders) who report cash tips to their employers. The bill allows taxpayers to subtract up to $25,000 in qualified tips from their taxable income each year, provided the tips are reported via federal tax forms (like those used for IRS Form 1099-NEC). This exemption phases out for higher earners: single filers see reductions when their modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000, while joint filers face reductions above $300,000. To claim the exemption, filers must include their Social Security number and, for married couples, file a joint return.

Maddy summarySB 525 streamlines the process for sign owners to remove vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs along highways. It creates a permit system allowing sign owners to trim or remove vegetation within a 500-foot "viewing window" around a sign, defined as the area where the sign must be visible. The bill requires permit applicants to describe proposed work, mandates 15-day advance notice and photo documentation for existing sign owners, and specifies that vegetation removal must include stump removal and proper disposal. This directly affects sign owners and highway departments managing rights-of-way, with new rules for permits, documentation, and compensation for removing trees in designated "living snow fences."

Maddy summarySB 884 modifies Wisconsin law to allow audiovisual recordings of children's statements to be admitted as evidence in court for children aged 12 to 18 (previously 12 to 16). The bill requires courts to consider specific factors - such as the child's maturity and whether the recording was made appropriately - before admitting such evidence. It directly affects child witnesses in legal cases, particularly in matters like abuse or neglect where their statements might be recorded. The key change raises the upper age limit for this evidence rule from 16 to 18 years old. The bill does not alter the requirement that recordings must be made before the child's 18th birthday.