Sen. André Jacque

Maddy summarySB 153 expands a grant program for counties and tribes to create treatment and diversion programs for individuals with substance use disorders or mental illness who are charged with or convicted of crimes related to these conditions. The bill requires programs to use evidence-based practices, integrate mental health services, include case management, and collaborate with courts, prosecutors, and treatment providers. It also modifies sentencing rules to exempt participants in approved programs from losing good time in jail. This bill directly affects individuals facing charges related to substance use or mental health, as well as local governments and service providers.

Maddy summarySB 447 requires schools, child care centers, and nursery schools to include clear written information about immunization waiver options in enrollment materials. Specifically, it mandates that these institutions inform families in writing about their right to seek waivers for health, religious, or personal conviction reasons when notifying them of immunization requirements. The bill also requires schools to provide a simple procedure for submitting waiver requests alongside required health forms during enrollment. This directly affects schools and childcare providers by changing their enrollment documentation, and it impacts parents or guardians who may seek waivers for their children.

Maddy summarySB 3 requires local governments to approve certain wind and solar energy projects before the Public Service Commission can review them. This directly affects renewable energy developers seeking to build projects and local municipalities responsible for granting permits. The bill creates a new step where community-level approval must be secured prior to state-level review by the Public Service Commission. This changes the current process by adding a mandatory local consent requirement before state agencies can act on these projects.

Maddy summarySB 206 makes certain terms in Wisconsin residential rental agreements void and unenforceable if they violate specific protections. It directly affects tenants and landlords by prohibiting clauses that allow retaliation for contacting services (e.g., law enforcement or health services), termination due to a tenant being a crime victim, or termination without required notice for crimes on property. Tenants can choose to void their entire lease or sever only the prohibited clause, with remedies including a periodic tenancy (renewable month-to-month) and double damages for financial losses caused by prohibited terms. The bill specifically targets provisions under sections 704.44(1m) to (10) of Wisconsin statutes, creating clear legal pathways for tenants to challenge unfair lease terms.

Maddy summarySB 388 simplifies access to original birth records for adoptees and birth parents affected by pre-1982 adoptions. It allows anyone 18+ adopted before February 1, 1982, or whose birth parents consented to adoption before that date to request their unaltered birth record and birth parent information from the state registrar. The bill creates a clear process where adoptees can receive an uncertified copy of their impounded birth record upon request, with the state registrar providing birth parent details unless the parent has revoked consent or is deceased. This applies only to records filed before 1982, with no fees for the uncertified copy (as clarified in Section 9).

Maddy summarySJR 90 is a symbolic resolution that declares January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Wisconsin. It aims to increase public awareness about human trafficking, which the resolution describes as modern-day slavery targeting vulnerable groups like youth (with an average victim age of 12-15), people with disabilities, and those disconnected from support networks. The resolution emphasizes statewide recognition of trafficking in all 72 counties and encourages education to identify victims and support prevention efforts. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal statement of the state's commitment to addressing human trafficking.

Maddy summarySB 156 requires specific first responders - including emergency medical personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and conservation wardens - to complete training on recognizing severe allergic reactions, safely storing and administering epinephrine delivery systems, and following up after use. The bill mandates that all covered first responders must have an epinephrine system available during duty hours. It also directs the department to compile and maintain a list of approved training organizations and may distribute epinephrine systems using existing funds. This law directly affects over a dozen public safety roles by standardizing emergency allergy response protocols.

Maddy summarySJR 82 is a symbolic resolution designating August and October 2025 as "Agent Orange Awareness Months" in Wisconsin. It aims to raise public awareness about the health impacts of Agent Orange exposure on Vietnam War veterans and their families, including conditions like cancer and birth defects. The resolution does not create new laws, benefits, or funding, but formally recognizes the ongoing effects of this chemical on veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJR 83) is a symbolic resolution recognizing November 10, 2025, as the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior. It commemorates the loss of all 29 crew members in the 1975 storm and acknowledges the impact on families, particularly noting eight Wisconsin residents among the crew. As a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill), it has no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or regulations. The resolution serves solely to honor the tragedy and the maritime industry's ongoing service.

Maddy summarySJR 99 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 14, 2025, as "First Responders Appreciation Day" in Wisconsin. It honors all professional and volunteer police, fire, and emergency medical services personnel (including Wisconsin's over 4,800 career firefighters, 20,600 volunteer firefighters, 14,700 law enforcement officers, and 17,426 EMS personnel) for their daily service and risks. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it merely declares a day of recognition through legislative proclamation. It does not create new requirements, funding, or changes to laws affecting first responders.