Sen. Steve Nass

Maddy summarySB 537 prohibits the sale, installation, or distribution of nonfunctional airbags (deployed, faulty, or misleading replacements) and counterfeit airbags (unauthorized imitations of original parts). It defines these terms clearly and applies to dealers, mechanics, and sellers who must ensure airbags meet safety standards. Violations carry fines up to $5,000 or up to one year in jail, with felony charges for repeat offenses or cases causing injury or death. The law includes limited exemptions for police vehicles, dealers without knowledge of issues, and insurance-related vehicle transfers.

Maddy summarySB 673 requires all Wisconsin school boards to adopt written policies by July 1, 2026, governing appropriate communication between school employees and volunteers (acting in their official capacity) and students. The policies must cover both in-school and outside-school communications, specify standards for content and communication methods, and outline consequences for violations. This applies to all public school districts and students attending home-based private educational programs. The bill does not define "appropriate" communication but mandates school boards establish their own clear standards and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 6, 2026, as "Ronald Reagan Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; instead, it formally recognizes the 114th anniversary of Ronald Reagan's birth through a symbolic observance. The resolution urges Wisconsin citizens to acknowledge the day, citing Reagan's historical roles as California governor and U.S. president, his economic policies, and his Cold War diplomacy. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect on residents or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 339) establishes a weight limit for utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) in the state, though the specific weight limit value is not provided in the available text. It sets an effective date of January 6, 2026 (or March 1, 2026, if published after January 7, 2026). The bill directly affects UTV owners, manufacturers, and local authorities responsible for enforcement. The context provided does not specify the exact weight limit, who is exempt, or the enforcement mechanisms, so a detailed summary of the policy changes cannot be completed. The bill passed the legislature on October 14, 2025, and was cosponsored by Representative Tranel.

Maddy summarySB 5 amends Wisconsin statutes to improve background check procedures for certain jobs involving vulnerable populations. It requires agencies (like child welfare or healthcare providers) to verify the final disposition of any serious crime charge - specifically including battery or threat offenses under sections 940.20 and 940.202 - when background checks show a potential conviction within the last five years. If records are incomplete, agencies must contact courts to obtain criminal complaint and conviction details. This affects background checks for roles in childcare, healthcare, and other regulated fields, ensuring more accurate criminal history assessments. The bill does not create new penalties but refines verification processes for existing offenses.

Maddy summarySB 11 allows representatives from specific federally chartered youth organizations (like Scouts, 4-H, or YMCA chapters) to provide information about their programs to students on public school property during the 2026-27 school year. The bill requires school governing bodies (like school boards) to schedule at least one non-instructional time slot at the start of each school term for these organizations to share how their activities support students' education and civic engagement. It applies only to organizations listed in Title 36 of the U.S. Code with educational purposes, not all outside groups. The law does not require schools to permit these visits but establishes a formal process for requests. This policy change directly affects Wisconsin public schools and the designated youth organizations.

Maddy summarySB 423 modifies Wisconsin's statute governing time limits for prosecuting individuals who hide a corpse. It creates a new provision (939.74 (2) (ap)) allowing criminal charges under s. 940.11 (2) to be filed within 6 years of when the corpse was discovered or identified, whichever occurs later. This change applies retroactively to cases where the original time limit had not yet expired as of the law's effective date. The bill directly affects prosecutors and defendants in homicide-related cases involving concealed remains, extending the window for legal action.

Maddy summarySB 172 prohibits filing or recording contracts for services or materials that do not improve real estate, such as non-physical services (e.g., consulting) or materials not attached to property. It directly affects contractors, property owners, and businesses that submit such contracts for official recording. The bill establishes penalties for violating this prohibition, though specific penalty amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This law aims to prevent the official recording of agreements that do not enhance property value through physical improvements. The bill was enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 32 after receiving gubernatorial approval in August 2025.

Maddy summarySB 182 provides tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and practitioners enrolled in technical college emergency medical services (EMS) programs. It requires technical colleges offering EMS programs to prioritize grant funds for expanding student enrollment access - either through direct program expansion or by contracting with districts for expansion services. The bill also updates program terminology throughout (replacing "course" with "program") to clarify educational standards. This directly affects EMS students, technical colleges, and the state's EMS workforce development system.

Maddy summarySB 43 allows certified advanced practice nurse prescribers (nurses with prescribing authority under state law) to officially certify the time, place, and date of a patient's death for legal death records. This change directly affects these nurses when they are directly involved in a patient's end-of-life care. The bill amends Wisconsin statutes to add "advanced practice nurse prescriber" to the list of qualified professionals permitted to pronounce death, alongside physicians and coroners, provided they follow medical standards. It became law as 2025 Wisconsin Act 19 after receiving the Governor's approval on August 11, 2025.