Sen. André Jacque

Maddy summarySB 335 ratifies the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, enabling cosmetologists, aestheticians, and manicurists to practice across participating states using a single multistate license. The bill adds new provisions allowing licensed professionals from states that joined the compact to work in this state without obtaining a separate state license, provided they hold a valid multistate license. It defines key terms like "multistate license" and updates licensing requirements to include this new pathway, while maintaining existing single-state license rules. This directly affects licensed beauty industry professionals seeking to work in multiple states without reapplying for licenses in each jurisdiction.

Maddy summarySB 269 establishes a state-funded loan program for graduate students pursuing school psychology careers at Wisconsin universities. Eligible students (in-state residents enrolled full-time in school psychology programs with a 3.0+ GPA) can receive up to $10,000 annually ($30,000 total) with 5% interest. Borrowers earn 25% loan forgiveness each year they work full-time as school psychologists in public or private schools located in rural counties or urbanized areas. All loan repayments and interest flow into the state general fund.

Maddy summarySB 253 clarifies that the state retains concurrent jurisdiction over juveniles aged 10 or older for delinquency or protection cases, even when offenses occur on federal lands within the state. The bill requires the governor to accept federal offers to transfer jurisdiction over such juveniles back to the state. Key provisions include creating new statutes (1.03(4) and 1.031(2)) to formalize this state jurisdiction and mandate documentation of any transferred cases. This directly affects juveniles aged 10+ who commit offenses on federal enclaves, ensuring state courts maintain authority unless federal authorities proactively transfer jurisdiction.

Maddy summarySB 130 removes the exception for "obscene material" from existing laws governing online distribution of certain content. It directly affects online platforms, content distributors, and users sharing material that meets the bill's definition. The key mechanism establishes civil penalties of $100-$10,000 per violation, allowing state departments to investigate violations and seek fines or injunctions to address non-compliance. The bill focuses on enforcement of existing online content standards without changing the core definition of prohibited material. (Note: This summary is based solely on the provided text; the bill's specific definition of "certain material" is not detailed in the context.)

Maddy summarySB 92 increases penalties for repeat theft offenses by creating new sentencing provisions. It allows prosecutors to charge and convict individuals with a Class I felony for certain misdemeanors if they have prior convictions for specific theft crimes under sections 943.20(3)(a)-(cm) or 943.50(4)(a)-(c). Similarly, it elevates felony charges to a higher classification when prior theft convictions exist. The bill applies to offenses committed on its effective date but permits counting prior convictions toward sentencing. It directly affects repeat offenders of specified theft offenses by imposing harsher penalties.

Maddy summarySB 406 requires healthcare providers performing induced abortions to report the sex of the fetus (if determinable by visual inspection) and whether a fetal anomaly existed, including its nature. This bill directly affects abortion providers in Wisconsin who must submit this data to the state health department. The reporting requirements integrate with an existing fetal anomaly registry that tracks diagnoses of birth defects in infants and children. The bill amends statutes to mandate these specific data points for inclusion in the state's registry system and related reports.

Maddy summarySB 15 modifies penalty rules for crimes against vulnerable adults by distinguishing between "elder persons" (typically age 60+) and "adults at risk" (vulnerable due to disability or other factors). For elder victims, it eliminates the defense that a defendant didn’t know the victim’s age, automatically applying enhanced penalties. For "adults at risk," penalties only increase if the defendant actually knew the victim’s vulnerable status. The bill applies to crimes like assault, financial exploitation, and sexual assault, changing how courts assess penalties based on victim classification. It does not create new penalties but adjusts existing sentencing rules for these specific victim categories.

Maddy summarySJR 95 is a symbolic resolution designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes the issue through a state-wide designation. The resolution aims to honor victims, support survivors, and acknowledge service providers working to address domestic violence. This designation applies to the entire state of Wisconsin and is intended to raise public awareness during October.

Maddy summarySB 224 (2026 Legislature) improves communication rights for sexual assault victims who provide forensic evidence kits. The bill requires law enforcement to test kits within a specified timeline and provide victims with clear information about kit status, DNA testing results, and destruction dates upon request. It also mandates that victims be notified of any changes to their case status, including if it's closed or reopened. These provisions directly affect sexual assault victims who submit kits during forensic examinations, ensuring they receive timely updates about their case. The bill focuses on transparency and victim notification without altering legal penalties or funding.

Maddy summarySB 607 modifies Wisconsin's firearm laws by expanding exemptions for law enforcement officers and adjusting hunting restrictions. It repeals existing limits on concealed carry licenses and creates new exemptions allowing peace officers to carry firearms in vehicles or aircraft while on duty. The bill also reduces the hunting restriction distance near schools and hospitals from 1,700 to 1,200 feet. These changes directly affect law enforcement personnel and hunters, while maintaining existing prohibitions for general firearm use in vehicles and near roadways.