Sen. André Jacque

Maddy summarySB 313 requires child welfare agencies to provide out-of-home care providers (like foster parents or group homes) with a redacted copy of a child’s permanency plan and any written comments *before* a permanency review or hearing. The bill mandates that agencies remove confidential information - such as details protected by state law (e.g., 48.396, 48.57) or federal privacy rules - before sharing the plan. This ensures providers receive advance notice of the plan’s content without exposing sensitive details. The law applies to all permanency reviews or hearings starting 30 days after its effective date. It does not change the content of permanency plans but improves transparency for care providers involved in the process.

Maddy summarySJR 49 designates May 14, 2025, and 2026, as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin to honor veterans who served alongside U.S. forces in the Vietnam War. The resolution recognizes the historical contributions of Hmong-Lao fighters recruited by the U.S. during the war, their post-war displacement, and their resettlement in Wisconsin communities. It formally acknowledges their service through legislative recognition, building on existing state law (2021 Wisconsin Act 31) that already designates May 14 for this purpose. This commemorative resolution directly affects Hmong-Lao veterans and their families in Wisconsin, with no new policy requirements or funding impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that the right to keep and bear arms is an inalienable, fundamental individual right protected under the state constitution. It would require that any restrictions on this right face "strict scrutiny" (a very high legal standard), meaning laws limiting gun ownership would need strong justification. As a proposed constitutional amendment, it does not change current laws but would require voter approval in the next general election after a three-month public notice period. The amendment directly affects all residents by altering the constitutional framework governing gun rights.

Maddy summarySB 258 modifies statutes to allow certified licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to certify physical disabilities for permit applications, expanding the list of eligible professionals alongside physicians and other healthcare providers. Specifically, it amends sections 29.193 to permit APRNs to prepare and sign medical reports verifying physical disabilities for applicants seeking permits, replacing "licensed physician" with a broader list that includes APRNs in these contexts. The bill also makes technical changes to other statutes related to APRNs' practice authority but does not alter core scope-of-practice rules. This directly affects applicants for disability permits who may now use APRNs for required medical certifications. The bill focuses on administrative updates rather than new policy mandates.

Maddy summarySJR 63 is a symbolic resolution that officially designates June as "Dairy Month" in Wisconsin. It recognizes the state's long history with dairy, from early 19th-century farmers to modern contributions, including the industry's $45.6 billion annual economic impact and over 6,000 dairy farms. The resolution has no new requirements or funding - it simply honors dairy farmers' role in Wisconsin's heritage and identity through a formal proclamation. It directly affects the state's dairy industry and its cultural recognition, but does not create new laws or policies. This is a ceremonial gesture, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summarySJR 51 is a ceremonial resolution declaring May as Eye Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws but formally designates the month to highlight the importance of eye health. The resolution encourages all Wisconsin residents to prioritize eye care through regular exams and protective measures like wearing sunglasses, while urging public and private organizations to support related education and resources. This resolution directly affects Wisconsin residents and community entities by promoting awareness of preventable vision conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Maddy summarySB 252 amends eligibility rules for state benefit programs by excluding up to $40,000 in inherited assets when calculating an individual's total assets. It directly affects people applying for or receiving state benefits (like Medicaid or food assistance) who inherit assets, allowing them to retain more inheritance without losing eligibility. The bill modifies existing rules to clarify that inherited assets up to $40,000 will not count toward asset limits, while requiring individuals to deposit earned income into designated accounts. This is a procedural adjustment to benefit eligibility criteria, not a new program.

Maddy summarySB 505 allows resident disabled veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating to hunt deer of either sex during any open firearm deer hunting season in the state. To qualify, veterans must provide proof of their veteran status (per 38 U.S.C. § 101) and receive disability compensation at the required rating level (under 38 U.S.C. §§ 1114, 1134, or 38 C.F.R. § 4.16). The bill amends hunting regulations to remove restrictions on deer sex during firearm seasons for this specific group. It directly affects disabled veterans meeting these documented criteria, expanding their hunting opportunities under existing seasons.

Maddy summarySB 410 allocates $450,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 from the Department of Health Services' budget to fund statewide falls prevention awareness and initiatives. The grant will be awarded to the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging to support programs reducing falls among older adults. This bill increases the department's appropriation by $450,000 each year to cover these specific grants. The funding supports education and community outreach efforts, not new regulations or direct services for individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits drone operation over correctional facilities (prisons and jails) without specific authorization from facility leadership. It imposes a $5,000 fine for unauthorized flights and creates a Class H felony charge for using weaponized drones (equipped with tasers, firearms, or explosives) that threaten public safety. Law enforcement officers are authorized to detect, disable, or destroy such drones using lawful methods (like jamming or physical capture) if they reasonably believe immediate action is needed to prevent harm. The law also requires officers to seize drone-recorded footage during violations and shields them from liability for damaging intercepted drones.