Sen. André Jacque

Maddy summarySB 1067 makes it a Class H felony to knowingly share a law enforcement officer's personally identifying information online with the intent to intimidate, harass, obstruct an investigation, or disrupt their duties. It directly affects all defined officers, including police, tribal officers, correctional staff, juvenile detention officers, and federal agents operating in the state. The law prohibits posting or disclosing personal details (like home addresses or phone numbers) on public internet sites or forums when done to harm officers or interfere with their work. This policy change specifically targets online sharing meant to threaten or disrupt law enforcement, with penalties for those who commit such acts.

Maddy summarySB 994 prohibits the public affairs network from charging fees for accessing live or archived state government proceedings when the network receives state funding for its operations. This applies directly to the state's public affairs network (which broadcasts government meetings) and the public seeking access to those recordings. The bill modifies existing rules to ensure fee-free access regardless of whether state funds are used, removing a prior condition that required explicit state funding for the fee ban. The key provision guarantees public access to government proceedings without cost under state-funded operations.

Maddy summarySB 1019 creates a voluntary registration program for commercial deicer applicators (businesses that apply deicers for hire on private property, excluding government employees). To register, applicators must complete department-approved training, pass an exam, and maintain records of deicer types, amounts, and weather conditions used for three years. Registered applicators gain limited liability protection if they follow approved methods and provide proof of registration in legal disputes, but this protection doesn’t apply for reckless conduct or failure to use approved methods. The bill requires annual reporting of deicer usage to the department and allows registration revocation for non-compliance.

Maddy summarySB 990 requires child welfare departments to manage state and federal benefits (like SNAP or Social Security) for children in foster care or similar out-of-home placements by keeping funds in protected accounts that avoid disqualifying the child from other programs. Departments must provide regular financial reports to the child, their attorney, and parents/guardians, and return any leftover funds when the child exits care. The bill prohibits using these benefits to cover the costs of the child's care. This directly affects children in foster care and the agencies managing their benefits.

Maddy summarySB 1024 establishes statewide minimum safety requirements for wake-enhanced boating (activities like wakesurfing or wakeboarding that intentionally create large wakes). It requires such boating to occur at least 500 feet from shore in water depths of at least 20 feet, while explicitly allowing local governments to adopt stricter rules (e.g., area bans, deeper depth requirements, or time restrictions). The bill also provides legal protection for local officials who enforce these stricter local regulations, shielding them from lawsuits when acting in good faith. This directly affects boaters engaging in wake-enhanced activities and local governments managing waterway regulations.

Maddy summarySB 956 authorizes three new staff positions within the Department of Justice to strengthen Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) enforcement. It adds 2.0 full-time criminal analyst positions, 1.0 outreach specialist position, and 1.0 digital evidence examiner position. These roles will be funded using existing appropriations designated under section 20.455(2)(a). The bill directly affects the Department of Justice's staffing capacity for ICAC investigations and victim support.

Maddy summarySB 953 defines sexual extortion involving child victims as a violation under existing statute 942.095. It specifically applies when the victim is a child, as defined in statute 948.01(1), clarifying that such cases fall under this legal category. The bill creates a new statutory reference (165.505(1)(bg)3.) to ensure these offenses are properly categorized under current law. This procedural change directly affects law enforcement and prosecutors handling internet crimes against children.

Maddy summarySB 933 requires social media platforms serving users in this state to display a clear mental health warning each time a user accesses the platform. The warning must note potential negative mental health effects and provide access to crisis resources like the 988 suicide hotline. Platforms cannot hide the warning, make it less visible, or disable it except under specified conditions. Violations could result in fines up to $5,000 per incident or lawsuits by affected users seeking damages or injunctions.

Maddy summarySB 937 requires app stores to verify the age category of users (e.g., child, teen, adult) when accounts are created and implement age verification methods. For minors (under 18), it mandates linking their accounts to a parent account and obtaining parental consent before purchases, app downloads, or in-app transactions. App stores must also notify parents of significant app changes (like updated content descriptions or new in-app purchases) and provide clear disclosures about data collection. This bill directly affects app stores, developers (who must provide age ratings and content descriptions), and parents of minors using mobile apps.

Maddy summarySB 938 requires distributors (like businesses selling explicit content for profit) and digital platforms to display clear warning labels before users access explicit content. For print materials, labels must appear prominently on covers in bold 20-point Arial text. For digital content, labels must occupy two-thirds of the screen, stay visible for 10 seconds, and include specific language stating the content is "not intended for minors." Violations incur fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses, with a 50% surcharge added to each fine, collected and deposited into the state general fund. The bill directly affects businesses distributing explicit content in Wisconsin, mandating these warnings to protect minors and provide clear consumer notice.