Sen. Steve Nass

Maddy summarySJR 55 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025. It symbolically honors the Army's history of service, sacrifice, and dedication since its founding in 1775, with specific emphasis on Wisconsin's connections - including over 10,000 Army personnel stationed in the state, 100,000 veterans, and Fort McCoy's $1.4 billion economic impact. The resolution has no binding policy changes or financial obligations; it serves only as a formal statement of appreciation from the Wisconsin Legislature. It does not directly affect any individuals or programs, as ceremonial resolutions like this typically express support without altering laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 262 requires referral agencies that connect prospective residents to assisted living facilities to disclose key financial details, including fixed referral fees paid by facilities, business relationships, and their website listing practices. It prohibits agencies from charging fees based on a resident's value or percentage of services and mandates written resident confirmation before charging facilities. Residents can terminate agency services at any time, including stopping the use of their personal information. Violations carry a $1,000 penalty per offense, directly affecting referral agencies, assisted living facilities, and prospective residents.

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 250 prohibits abandoning boats on state waters or adjacent land without the owner's consent. It defines abandonment as leaving a boat unattended over 7 days without intent to return, or neglecting a boat that becomes a navigation, safety, or environmental hazard. Boat owners must remove abandoned vessels within 30 days of a written notice from authorities, or face immediate removal and liability for costs. Violators risk fines up to $10,000, up to 9 months in jail, or mandatory completion of a boating safety course. The bill directly affects boat owners and state agencies responsible for enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 558 creates two new grant programs to assist individuals and businesses affected by state-declared disasters. It authorizes the Department of Military Affairs to award grants of up to $25,000 per household for individuals (covering home repairs, temporary housing, and damaged property) and up to $50,000 per business (covering property repairs, payroll, and operating costs) following a governor’s disaster emergency declaration after January 1, 2025. The bill requires applicants to submit receipts and sign affidavits to prevent duplicate funding from insurance or federal aid, and explicitly prohibits grants if federal assistance is already available for the same disaster. This legislation directly affects residents and businesses in areas impacted by declared state emergencies, providing supplemental support after federal aid is exhausted.

Maddy summarySB 381 requires the Wisconsin Supreme Court to form a panel under existing law before temporarily suspending a judge without pay in cases involving alleged judicial misconduct or permanent disability. This new procedural step mandates a hearing to determine "probable cause" for the suspension before it can be imposed. The bill directly affects sitting judges facing misconduct allegations or disability proceedings by adding a formal review process prior to suspension. It amends statute 757.95 to create a specific requirement for this panel hearing, streamlining the suspension process while adding a safeguard. The bill passed committee amendments in November 2025 and is now available for scheduling.

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.

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 summarySJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect religious gatherings during emergencies. It would amend the state constitution to prohibit state or local governments from closing places of worship or banning gatherings there during a declared state of emergency, including public health crises. This directly affects religious organizations and government entities with emergency authority. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2026 election, with the ballot question asking if the constitution should be changed to prevent closures of places of worship during emergencies. It is a proposed constitutional change, not a law.