Maddy summarySB 233 prohibits offering or giving anything of value (like money or items worth over $1, or $5 for specific petitions) to influence someone to sign or avoid signing certain political petitions during election periods. It directly affects individuals circulating or signing petitions related to candidate nominations, recall efforts, referendums, or propositions during defined election windows (e.g., spring, general, or special elections). Key provisions define "election period" and specifically ban inducements for petitions supporting or opposing candidates, referendums, or recall efforts. The bill creates new statutory language (12.11(1m)(a) 5-6) to clarify these restrictions and applies to nomination papers and recall petitions. It aims to prevent financial incentives from influencing petition participation in elections.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 251 requires specific health insurance plans - including those offered by state/local governments - to cover asthma prescription drugs and related medical supplies (like inhalers) without deductibles. It caps patient out-of-pocket costs at $25 per month for asthma medications and $50 per month for related supplies, preventing higher costs as treatment needs increase. This applies to limited service health organizations, preferred provider plans, and defined network plans covering asthma treatment. The bill takes effect for new policy years starting after its enactment, ensuring consistent affordability for covered asthma care.
Maddy summarySJR 74 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin. It formally declares this date to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, referencing the historical event when Union troops announced freedom to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The resolution highlights Wisconsin's longstanding Juneteenth celebration tradition, dating to Milwaukee's first observance in 1971, and acknowledges Juneteenth's national significance as a federal holiday since 2021. This resolution has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition and does not create new laws or funding.
Maddy summarySB 320 creates $2 million in annual state funding for grants to school boards to provide LGBTQIA+ rights training for school counselors and social workers. The bill requires the Department of Public Instruction to award these grants for training programs developed or approved by the department. It directly affects school counselors, social workers, and school boards across the state, with the training focusing on supporting LGBTQIA+ students. The legislation specifies that "LGBTQIA+" includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other nonheterosexual or noncisgender identities.
Maddy summarySB 322 creates a new Child Care Quality Improvement Program within the Department of Children and Families. It provides $221 million in annual funding (for 2025-26) to make monthly payments and per-child payments to certified child care providers, licensed child care centers, and school-based child care programs. The bill establishes rules for eligibility, payment amounts, and how funds must be used, while repealing outdated sections of law related to child care funding. The program is funded through specific appropriations in the state budget, with rules to be developed by the Department of Children and Families.
Maddy summarySJR 72 is a non-binding resolution that officially designates June 2025 as "Immigrant Heritage Month" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic proclamation to honor the contributions of immigrants to Wisconsin's history, economy, and communities. The resolution highlights that immigrants contribute significantly to Wisconsin's workforce, economy (including $1.2 billion in annual state/local taxes), and key sectors like agriculture and technology. This designation applies statewide and aims to foster unity and recognition of immigrant contributions, without altering legal status or creating new programs.
Maddy summarySB 353 creates a procedure for Wisconsin to pause state payments to the federal government if federal aid to the state is withheld under a presidential executive order or court order. The state secretary must calculate the lost federal aid, report it to the governor and legislature within 60 days, and then withhold up to that amount from upcoming state payments to the federal government over the next year. Payments to the federal government are restored once the withheld federal aid is fully returned. This bill directly affects state financial transactions with the federal government and applies when federal aid is blocked through specific legal or executive actions.
Maddy summarySB 355 creates a new legal pathway for individuals whose constitutional rights (under U.S. or state law) were violated by government actors acting "under color of law" (e.g., police, officials). It allows affected people to sue for damages, injunctions, or other relief against the violating party, including government entities. The bill specifically requires courts to award reasonable attorney fees to winning plaintiffs and sets a 6-year deadline to file such lawsuits. This directly affects anyone facing rights violations by government officials, providing a clear legal remedy where none existed previously under the cited statutes.
Maddy summarySB 354 authorizes the state to place liens on federal properties within the state if federal aid is unlawfully withheld under a presidential executive order or court order violation. The bill requires the state secretary to calculate the withheld aid amount, identify eligible federal properties, and request the attorney general to secure liens up to that value. It mandates a 60-day report to the legislature detailing the aid loss and property locations. The liens would automatically release once the withheld federal aid is restored.
Maddy summarySB 346 creates a state grant program to help prospective school social workers cover education costs for licensure. It specifically targets individuals from racial minority groups (including Black Americans, American Indians, Hispanic individuals, Asian/Pacific Islander individuals, or multiracial people) who are either school employees or enrolled in relevant graduate programs. The bill appropriates $5 million annually for 2025-26 and 2026-27 to fund these grants, with the Department of Public Instruction administering the program and establishing necessary rules. This directly affects eligible prospective school social workers seeking licensure, not current professionals or other school staff.