Maddy summarySJR 14 is a joint resolution from the Wisconsin State Legislature that honors the life and public service of the late Representative David O. Martin. The resolution extends condolences to his family and friends.
Maddy summarySJR 13 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Patrick Fuller, former Wisconsin Assembly Chief Clerk, who passed away in January 2025. It recognizes his 25-year U.S. military career (including service in the Marines and Army, with combat deployments) and his 20-year tenure managing Assembly operations across multiple legislative sessions. The resolution, introduced by numerous legislators, formally expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and extends tribute to his public service. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions.
Maddy summarySB 194 clarifies when public records requesters can recover attorney fees after suing a government agency. It applies directly to individuals or groups who file court cases seeking records and later get the records released. The bill adds that requesters "prevail" if a court orders the release or if the agency voluntarily shares the record *after* a lawsuit is filed, and the court finds the lawsuit was a key reason for the release. This change makes it easier for requesters to get fee awards without waiting for a full court ruling, streamlining the process under the state's public records law.
Maddy summarySB 167 allows licensed teachers to carry concealed firearms on school grounds under specific conditions. It requires schools (public, charter, private, or tribal) to adopt written policies permitting this, and exempts licensed teachers from firearm possession restrictions in school areas if their school has such a policy. The bill also adjusts concealed carry license fees: new licenses cost up to $37 (covering issuance costs), and renewals cost up to $12. These changes apply to applications submitted on the bill's effective date. The law directly affects licensed teachers, school districts, and the Department of Justice (which sets fees).
Maddy summarySB 280 redirects $172 million in interest earned from coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds to the general fund. It directly affects the state's budget by moving existing interest funds that would otherwise remain in the department of administration's appropriation. The bill's key mechanism is a fiscal adjustment under section 20.906(1), lapsing these funds to the general fund upon the bill's effective date. This is a procedural budget reallocation, not a new policy or program.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 58 modifies the information provided on ballots for certain referenda that affect property taxes. It requires these ballot questions to include a good faith estimate of the dollar amount difference a median-valued, single-family residence would experience if the referendum passes, along with the property value used for the estimate. For bond referenda, the bill also mandates the inclusion of the estimated interest rate, total interest accruing, and any fees for bond defeasance. These changes affect voters and local political subdivisions by providing more detailed financial impact information for property tax-related ballot measures.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 81 modifies the process for school district operating referenda in Wisconsin. It requires school board resolutions for referenda to clearly specify if proposed excess revenue is for recurring or nonrecurring purposes, and the exact amount for each. The bill also mandates that the referendum ballot itself must state if any approved excess revenue is for a nonrecurring purpose and its corresponding amount. A key change is that only excess revenue approved for recurring purposes will be included in the base for determining future revenue limits, while nonrecurring excess revenue will not be added to this base. This affects how school districts manage their budgets and how voters are informed about these proposals.
Maddy summarySB 57 reclassifies certain actions by county sheriffs who assist federal immigration authorities as a felony instead of a misdemeanor. It directly affects county sheriffs who provide support for federal immigration enforcement activities. The key provision changes the legal penalty for sheriffs participating in specific immigration-related functions, increasing the potential punishment. This bill modifies existing law to impose stricter criminal penalties for sheriffs engaging in these activities.
Maddy summarySB 303 creates a grant program to fund technical colleges in developing detailed digital maps of their campus buildings for law enforcement use. These maps must include specific location details like room numbers, floors, and building layouts to help first responders during emergencies, and must work with existing public safety technology without requiring additional software purchases. The Office of School Safety will administer the grants, accepting applications from technical college leaders working with local law enforcement. The bill also requires an annual report tracking grant funding and how the maps are used.
Maddy summarySB 137 requires pharmacists to dispense lawfully prescribed contraceptives and other drugs without delay, unless specific exceptions apply. It defines "absolute contraindication" (a condition making a drug unsafe) and lists valid refusal reasons, such as prescription errors, drug incompatibility, or fraud. If a pharmacist refuses for religious or moral reasons, they must immediately transfer the prescription to another pharmacy without delay. The bill also prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from penalizing pharmacists for dispensing drugs for off-label uses under a valid prescription.
