Sen. Mary Felzkowski

Maddy summarySB 667 creates a state grant program to support school districts that enter into whole grade sharing agreements (where two or more districts share facilities for specific grade levels, such as both using the same 5th-grade building). Eligible school boards receive $500 per enrolled student in each shared grade level for four consecutive school years, starting in 2026-27. The bill requires participating school boards to report how they use the funds annually, and the state education department must report grant details to the legislature. This policy directly affects school districts forming such agreements, providing them with ongoing funding tied to student enrollment in shared grade levels.

Maddy summarySB 668 creates a new state aid program for school districts formed by consolidation after July 1, 2026. It provides supplemental aid to districts that would otherwise face higher property tax rates after merging, calculated by comparing pre-consolidation tax rates of the original districts to the merged district's projected rate. Eligible districts receive full aid in the first year after consolidation, then 80% the next year, 60% the following year, and 40% the year after that. The state funds this aid from annual appropriations, with payments prorated if funding falls short.

Maddy summarySB 674 allows Wisconsin taxpayers to subtract theft losses from their state income tax if those losses are already deductible under federal tax law (specifically Internal Revenue Code Section 165(c)(2) or (3)). It directly affects individuals who experienced theft-related financial losses, such as stolen property or funds, that qualify for federal deduction. The bill creates a new state tax provision (71.05(6)(b)57) to align with federal rules, while preventing double benefits by prohibiting state tax deductions for losses already covered by this new subtraction. This change ensures Wisconsin taxpayers can claim state tax relief for theft losses that meet federal criteria, without overlapping with existing federal deductions.

Maddy summarySB 534 creates an Office of Medical Cannabis Regulation within the Department of Health Services to oversee medical cannabis programs. It defines "medical cannabis product" consistently across statutes and prohibits courts from considering lawful medical cannabis use or registry status when making child custody decisions, except in cases where a child accesses the products. The bill also amends provisions related to prescription drug monitoring and clarifies that local ordinances cannot prosecute for marijuana possession under specific conditions. These changes primarily affect patients using medical cannabis, courts handling custody cases, and state agencies managing cannabis and drug monitoring programs.

Maddy summarySB 23 extends Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days (one year) after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. The bill modifies eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family income above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if medical expenses for family members are covered, extending this eligibility to all family members. The bill requires federal approval for the 365-day extension to take effect.

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 164 requires potato growers in Wisconsin to use certified seed potatoes (meeting state agricultural standards) when planting 5 or more acres of potatoes in a calendar year. The bill allows the state department to waive this requirement for specific potato varieties if certified seed is unavailable and disease risk is low, with conditions on where the waiver applies. Violations - such as planting uncertified seed or failing to comply with removal orders - carry penalties of up to $5,000 plus $5,000 per acre, with potential waivers if growers remove affected potatoes within 72 hours. The law directly affects commercial potato growers and aims to prevent disease spread through regulated seed use.

Maddy summarySB 358 allows Wisconsin coroner or medical examiner offices to temporarily increase fees for two specific services: signing death certificates and issuing cremation permits. The bill permits a one-time fee increase of up to $100 above the April 17, 2015, rate for each service, without needing to account for inflation changes. This adjustment applies only to boards transitioning to physician medical examiner services under intergovernmental agreements. The policy directly affects public users paying these fees and the offices administering them.

Maddy summarySB 98 creates a legal process for nonprofit healthcare cooperatives to convert into service insurance corporations. The bill requires cooperatives to submit a detailed conversion plan - including reasons, terms, new name, and governance - to the insurance commissioner for approval, which can be denied if the plan violates law, lacks financial stability, or harms members or the public. After commissioner approval, the cooperative must seek member approval and file conversion documents with the Department of Financial Institutions. Upon completion, the new corporation inherits all assets and obligations of the original cooperative, which ceases to exist, while retaining the cooperative’s original incorporation date. This applies specifically to cooperatives organized to operate nonprofit healthcare plans.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally notifies Wisconsin's Assembly and Governor that Timothy La Sage has been elected Senate Sergeant at Arms for the 2025-2026 legislative term, as required by the Wisconsin Constitution. It directs the Senate chief clerk to immediately transmit copies of the resolution to both the Assembly and Governor upon adoption. The bill is procedural, confirming an internal election result without changing laws or affecting public policy.