Sen. André Jacque

Maddy summarySJR 88 is a symbolic resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, following his assassination. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's gratitude for his dedication to "faith, liberty, and truth," his work inspiring young Americans, and his commitment to family. The resolution commends his legacy as a "beacon of conviction and courage" and joins in prayer for his family and the nation. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding policy changes or direct impact on constituents.

Maddy summarySB 454 creates a new income tax subtraction for Wisconsin taxpayers who earn qualified overtime compensation, directly affecting workers receiving overtime pay that meets federal tax definitions. It allows individuals to subtract up to $12,500 (or $25,000 for joint filers) of qualifying overtime income from their taxable income each year. The benefit phases out for higher earners: for single filers, the subtraction decreases by $100 for every $1,000 their modified federal adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000, and for joint filers, the threshold is $300,000. The bill specifies that "qualified overtime" excludes tips and aligns with federal definitions under the Internal Revenue Code.

Maddy summarySB 131 defines "driving miles" as the actual road distance required to travel between locations, replacing vague distance measurements in family law. It updates multiple statutes to require this specific calculation when determining if a parent relocating more than 100 miles with a child needs court approval or notice. The bill directly affects parents seeking to move with a child beyond 100 driving miles of the other parent, clarifying the distance standard for relocation requirements under existing custody and placement laws.

Maddy summarySB 77 amends Wisconsin statute 943.10(1m) to criminalize intentionally entering a place without consent when intending to commit theft or specific battery-related offenses (under statutes 940.19 or 940.195). It classifies this as a Class F felony, directly affecting individuals who enter premises unlawfully with such criminal intent. The key provision raises the penalty for these specific acts by defining them as a felony rather than a lesser offense. This change applies to locations like homes, businesses, or vehicles where entry occurs without permission for the purpose of committing theft or battery. The bill focuses solely on the legal penalty structure, not broader policy impacts.

Maddy summarySJR 86 is a ceremonial resolution that commemorates the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary on October 13, 2025, marking the date the Continental Congress authorized the first naval vessels in 1775. The resolution recognizes the Navy's historical service and legacy, with specific acknowledgment of Wisconsin's naval contributions, including shipbuilding history and vessels named after the state. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or groups - it is purely symbolic. The Wisconsin Legislature formally resolves to celebrate this milestone.

Maddy summarySB 273 allows commercial motor vehicles to use federally approved camera monitor systems instead of traditional mirrors, as permitted under federal regulations. The bill directly affects commercial trucking operators and drivers by providing an alternative to standard mirror requirements (49 CFR 393.80(a)). It requires camera systems to be exempted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or approved under federal safety standards. This change modifies state law to align with federal approval processes for such technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates eligibility criteria for highways seeking agricultural road improvement grants. It adds a new requirement that an engineering analysis by a licensed professional must confirm a highway cannot safely handle heavy agricultural traffic. Previously, eligibility was based on structural deficiencies or posted weight restrictions. The change directly affects farmers and rural communities relying on specific highways for transporting equipment and crops.

Maddy summarySB 554 bans municipalities from using physical drop boxes or other receptacles for receiving absentee ballots in any election, requiring all absentee ballots to be submitted by mail instead. This bill directly affects local election offices and voters who currently use drop boxes to return absentee ballots. The key provision, added to statute 6.87 (4) (b) 1m., prohibits the use of any physical drop box for voted absentee ballots. It applies to all elections and would eliminate an existing voting method in affected jurisdictions. The bill was introduced on October 17, 2025, and referred to committee.

Maddy summarySB 207 creates two revolving loan programs: one for hazard mitigation and another specifically for Great Lakes erosion control. The bill establishes a $5 million funding pool from the environmental fund, using repayments of principal and interest from existing loans to provide new loans for eligible projects. This program directly affects communities facing coastal erosion or natural hazards by offering low-cost financing for infrastructure improvements. The revolving nature means funds are recycled as loans are repaid, creating a sustainable funding source without requiring new annual appropriations.

Maddy summarySB 411 amends Wisconsin's property tax credit for veterans and surviving spouses, requiring those with disability ratings below 100% to claim credit only up to their disability percentage or on the first $350,000 of property value. It also increases funding for the veterans housing and recovery program by $900,000 in 2025-26 and $1.05 million in 2026-27. Additionally, the bill appropriates $180,000 annually from 2025-27 for the University of Wisconsin's Missing-in-Action Recovery Project, mandating detailed annual reports on mission outcomes and expenditures. These changes directly affect eligible veterans, surviving spouses, and the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.