Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require all qualified voters to present valid photographic identification to cast a ballot in any election. This identification must be issued by the state, federal government, a federally recognized American Indian tribe, or a college or university. The bill allows the legislature to specify acceptable forms of identification and establish exceptions to this requirement. Voters unable to present valid ID on election day would be permitted to cast a provisional ballot, which would only be counted if they present valid identification at a later time. If agreed to by the legislature on this second consideration, the proposed amendment will be submitted to the people for ratification.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 3 formally declares Cyrus Anderson as the elected chief clerk of the 2025-2026 Senate. It also directs the chief clerk to notify the Assembly and the Governor of this election.
Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (SR 1) organizing Wisconsin's 2025-2026 Senate. It formally lists the Senate's leadership roles, including President Mary J. Felzkowski, President pro tempore Patrick Testin, and party leaders like Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu. The resolution requires the Senate to notify the Wisconsin Assembly and Governor that the Senate is officially organized for the new term. It was adopted on January 6, 2025, with 21 votes in favor and 12 against.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to help Wisconsin municipalities and community water systems address perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. It allows public utilities to use up to half of their water or sewer service funds to pay for pretreatment or source reduction measures if these costs are lower than upgrading treatment facilities at the endpoint. Additionally, the bill creates a specific grant fund for testing PFAS levels in municipal water and wastewater systems, ensuring that funding is available to every eligible applicant without requiring them to provide matching funds. The legislation also includes provisions to prioritize projects that address the most serious health risks and assist small or disadvantaged applicants when ranking projects for assistance.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wisconsin statutes to require the state Department of Natural Resources to establish a specific goal for the statewide wolf population. The law applies to wolves that are not currently listed as endangered at the federal or state level. Under this provision, the department must create a management plan that sets a target number for the wolf population and may limit the number of hunters and trappers allowed to take wolves to meet that goal. The bill was passed by the Senate but ultimately failed to become law after the Governor's veto was not overridden by the legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows circuit judges to issue criminal complaints when a district attorney refuses to do so, specifically in cases where the accused claims self-defense. Under the new rules, a judge can only proceed with a hearing if there is new evidence suggesting the person did not act in self-defense, as the law currently protects individuals who defend themselves or others. If the judge determines a crime was committed despite the self-defense claim, they can subpoena witnesses and review police reports to decide whether to file charges. The district attorney must provide all relevant investigation records and explain their reasons for refusing to issue charges if the judge requests them.
Maddy summaryThis bill primarily updates Wisconsin statutes to expand the scope of medical professionals who can perform specific administrative and clinical tasks. It allows licensed chiropractors, podiatrists, and physician assistants to review applications for permits related to physical and visual disabilities, tasks previously reserved for physicians. Additionally, the legislation grants advanced practice registered nurses the authority to issue prescriptions under existing laws and clarifies the definition of a health care provider to include these expanded roles. The bill also modifies procedures for emergency rule-making, extending time limits and creating exemptions for certain rule changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill would have allowed owners of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles in Wisconsin to install vertical light bars, known as whip lights, that display any color or pattern. The legislation specifically permitted these lights to show any color in a fixed display or sequence, but it prohibited them from flashing red or blue. If passed, the law would have created a new legal category for these devices while maintaining a ban on red and blue flashing lights to prevent confusion with emergency vehicles. Although the bill was enacted by the legislature, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill aimed to update and consolidate state laws governing the employment of minors, specifically targeting those under 16 years of age. The legislation sought to repeal numerous outdated statutes and replace them with streamlined rules that require employers to maintain detailed daily records of each minor's work hours, name, and address. Additionally, the bill proposed stricter penalties for illegally employing minors, including increased fines for work-related injuries and establishing that a minor's presence in a workplace without a permit serves as prima facie evidence of unlawful employment. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposed changes to Wisconsin's aquatic plant management laws, specifically creating a permit exemption for treating invasive plants in private ponds smaller than five acres. Under the plan, a certified commercial applicator could use EPA-approved chemicals on these small ponds without a permit if they followed label instructions and notified all neighboring property owners. Additionally, the bill would have allowed permits for larger ponds over five acres to remain valid for at least five years and established a fee structure for managing aquatic plants on privately owned water bodies. Although the legislation included provisions for using certain biological agents to improve water quality, the Governor vetoed the bill, and it did not become law.