Sen. André Jacque

Maddy summarySJR 114 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing December 25 as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals, groups, or policies; it is purely symbolic. The resolution states the Wisconsin Legislature's acknowledgment of Christmas as a sacred day honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, referencing biblical accounts of his birth in Bethlehem. This is a non-binding recognition, not a legislative action with practical consequences.

Maddy summarySB 765 prohibits health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from requiring step therapy protocols for certain cancer treatments. Specifically, it bans forcing patients to try less expensive drugs first before covering FDA-approved medications for metastatic cancer or related side effects (like severe treatment complications) that worsen health if untreated. The law applies only when the drug is consistent with medical best practices and supported by evidence-based research. This directly affects patients with advanced cancer and their insurers, ensuring faster access to prescribed treatments without unnecessary prior authorization hurdles.

Maddy summarySB 759 sets a new maximum annual interest rate of 36% for most consumer loans made by licensed lenders in the state, replacing the previous 18% limit. It directly affects licensed lenders (including those operating as "special purpose vehicles" or structuring loans to avoid regulation) by requiring them to report detailed data on loans above 18% APR, including refinancing, repossessions, and defaults. The bill also adds anti-evasion provisions to prevent lenders from disguising loans as other transactions (e.g., property sales) to bypass the rate cap. Lenders must submit annual reports to the Department of Financial Institutions, with aggregated data shared with the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 760 modifies Wisconsin's payday loan regulations to increase borrower protections. It requires lenders to verify a borrower's ability to repay before issuing a loan (Section 7) and caps total debt from all lenders at $1,500 or 35% of monthly income (Section 14). The bill prohibits loans maturing in under 90 days (Section 16g) and mandates clear disclosures about payment plans and interest costs (Section 5). These changes directly affect payday lenders and borrowers by restructuring loan terms, limiting debt accumulation, and requiring transparency in financing terms.

Maddy summarySB 786 requires food businesses, including home-canned food sellers, to clearly label major food allergens (like milk, eggs, nuts, or soy) in ingredient lists. It mandates that food workers complete department-approved training on allergen awareness, covering topics like allergy symptoms, cross-contact prevention, and communication with customers. The bill grants the Department of Agriculture rule-making authority to establish standards for allergen labeling, food handling, and training requirements. These changes apply to new applications for food safety certificates starting on the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 789 creates a new grant program providing up to $5 million annually for nonprofit religious organizations to improve security. It directly affects religious groups facing or at risk of bias-motivated attacks, prioritizing those targeted due to their religion. Grants cover physical security upgrades (like fencing or surveillance), staff training, or emergency planning, with a $500,000 limit per organization or $500,000 per member for umbrella groups. The program is funded through a new appropriation in the state budget and administered by the Department of Military Affairs.

Maddy summarySB 20 allows married individuals who live apart from their spouse due to domestic abuse (as defined by state law) to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) when filing a separate state tax return. It provides a state tax credit equal to 4%, 11%, or 34% of the federal EITC amount - depending on whether the filer has one, two, or three or more qualifying children living with them. The bill applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024, and modifies existing tax code to permit this credit for eligible individuals who cannot file jointly. This policy change directly supports domestic abuse survivors facing financial barriers while filing separately.

Maddy summarySJR 3 is a non-binding resolution that proclaims January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose legal obligations. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, defined as exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion, and aligns with statewide efforts to combat this issue. The proclamation is intended for general public education and community engagement, not specific policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 117 requires public and participating private schools to designate all athletic teams based solely on the sex assigned at birth (as recorded on a birth certificate), labeling them as "males" or "females." It prohibits students designated as male from participating on female-designated teams or using female-designated facilities like locker rooms. The bill allows female-identified students to sue schools for violations of these rules and creates legal protections against retaliation for reporting such violations. This directly affects school athletic programs and students participating in sports, particularly those whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth.

Maddy summarySB 116 requires University of Wisconsin and technical college athletic programs to designate intercollegiate or club sports teams as "male" or "female" based solely on the sex assigned at birth (per birth certificate). It prohibits students assigned male at birth from participating on women's teams or using women's locker rooms. The bill allows female students to sue institutions for violations denying participation or causing harm, and permits institutions to sue organizations penalizing them for compliance. This law applies to all affected athletic teams starting in the first semester after its effective date.