Sen. Steve Nass

Maddy summarySB 237 creates a sales and use tax exemption for physical equipment used to train, manage, or care for search and rescue dogs. It directly affects state and nationally recognized search and rescue agencies that use trained dogs to locate missing persons or disaster victims. The bill exempts the purchase price of such equipment from state sales and use taxes. This change simplifies cost management for agencies relying on canine units in emergency response. The bill is procedural and focuses solely on tax policy, not broader operational changes.

Maddy summarySB 650 defines "transnational repression" as actions by foreign agents targeting individuals (like activists or journalists) to silence them due to political views. It creates three key provisions: (1) requires Wisconsin's Department of Justice to develop law enforcement training, public awareness campaigns, and a reporting portal for transnational repression cases; (2) increases penalties for crimes committed as transnational repression (e.g., raising a Class B felony to a Class A felony); and (3) criminalizes enforcing foreign laws without federal or state approval, punishable as a Class E felony with a minimum 3-year prison term. The bill directly affects foreign government agents, law enforcement, and individuals targeted by transnational repression. It focuses on prevention, awareness, and stricter penalties for specific foreign interference tactics.

Maddy summarySB 400 restricts state and local government employees from using official electronic devices to access social media, apps, or AI tools owned by entities based in designated "foreign countries of concern" (as defined by federal regulations). It directly affects state agencies and local governmental units (like cities, school districts, and special districts) by prohibiting non-law enforcement personnel from downloading or using these foreign-owned technologies on government-owned devices. The bill allows for limited exceptions through written waivers granted by the secretary of administration for specific work purposes. This is a policy change focused on limiting government use of foreign-owned digital tools, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summarySB 553 clarifies that certain medical procedures performed to save a pregnant woman's life do not count as "abortion" under state law. The bill creates specific definitions for terms like "anembryonic pregnancy," "ectopic pregnancy," and "molar pregnancy," and explicitly states that abortion does not include procedures like emergency cesarean sections, removal of a dead fetus, or treatment for these specific conditions when doctors make reasonable efforts to preserve both the mother's and unborn child's life. This directly affects healthcare providers who perform these emergency procedures and pregnant patients facing medical crises. The law updates multiple statutes to ensure these scenarios are excluded from the legal definition of abortion.

Maddy summarySB 647 targets individuals who fraudulently claim unclaimed property belonging to others. It imposes civil penalties (equal to the property value) and criminal penalties (a Class I felony) for filing claims without consent to deprive owners. The bill also requires the state administrator to post penalty details online for 12 months and allows partial penalty waivers. This directly affects people who submit false claims for unclaimed funds or assets held by the state. The law updates existing statutes to clarify penalties for fraudulent claims under Section 177.12045.

Maddy summarySB 426 simplifies registration for trailers transporting manufactured housing units. It allows transporters (businesses or individuals moving these units) to use a single annual registration plate on all their trailers instead of registering each trailer separately. The plate must be displayed on the trailer and is valid for one calendar year, with a fee based on the combined weight of the unit and trailer. This directly affects companies that transport manufactured homes, modular housing, or portable buildings used for living. The bill amends existing statute to establish this streamlined registration process.

Maddy summarySB 373 limits health insurance plans' use of prior authorization for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and chiropractic care. It prohibits requiring prior approval for the first 12 visits per condition (or 90 days for chronic pain management at up to twice weekly visits) and mandates equivalent copays to primary care. Insurance plans must explain coverage denials in plain language and decide on reauthorizations within 3 business days (or approval is automatic). This directly affects health insurance plans and patients seeking these specific therapies in the state.

Maddy summarySB 672 prohibits health insurance plans (including Medical Assistance) from covering organ transplants or related care if the organ was transplanted in, originates from, or was procured in a country designated by the department as participating in forced organ harvesting. The bill defines forced organ harvesting as the removal of organs through coercion, deception, or abuse of power. It exempts life-saving post-transplant care for individuals who already received a prohibited transplant. The department will designate qualifying countries, and the law applies to all disability insurance, self-insured health plans, and Medical Assistance programs. (SB 672, Section 1)

Maddy summarySB 671 creates a new criminal offense for grooming a child for sexual activity and establishes penalties for this conduct. The bill amends multiple statutes to define "grooming" as a serious crime, specifically adding it to lists of offenses that bar individuals from certain homes (like relatives' homes or unlicensed childcare settings) if they have prior convictions or plea agreements related to child sexual abuse. It updates definitions of "serious crimes" for entities serving minors, ensuring that grooming violations trigger mandatory reporting and registration requirements under laws like 948.072. This directly affects children at risk of exploitation, individuals convicted of grooming-related offenses, and organizations that provide services to minors.

Maddy summarySB 97 requires public school boards, private school governing bodies, and charter school operators to notify parents or guardians when a report alleges sexual misconduct by a school staff member (as defined in Wisconsin law). Schools must provide this notification in person, by phone, or voicemail within specific timeframes - by 5 p.m. same day if reported before school ends, or by noon the next day otherwise. The law applies only to allegations involving staff members, not parents or guardians, and excludes reports received by unqualified school personnel. This bill directly affects parents of students in Wisconsin public, private, and charter schools by mandating timely communication about potential safety concerns involving school staff.