Maddy summarySB 258 modifies statutes to allow certified licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to certify physical disabilities for permit applications, expanding the list of eligible professionals alongside physicians and other healthcare providers. Specifically, it amends sections 29.193 to permit APRNs to prepare and sign medical reports verifying physical disabilities for applicants seeking permits, replacing "licensed physician" with a broader list that includes APRNs in these contexts. The bill also makes technical changes to other statutes related to APRNs' practice authority but does not alter core scope-of-practice rules. This directly affects applicants for disability permits who may now use APRNs for required medical certifications. The bill focuses on administrative updates rather than new policy mandates.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySJR 63 is a symbolic resolution that officially designates June as "Dairy Month" in Wisconsin. It recognizes the state's long history with dairy, from early 19th-century farmers to modern contributions, including the industry's $45.6 billion annual economic impact and over 6,000 dairy farms. The resolution has no new requirements or funding - it simply honors dairy farmers' role in Wisconsin's heritage and identity through a formal proclamation. It directly affects the state's dairy industry and its cultural recognition, but does not create new laws or policies. This is a ceremonial gesture, not a substantive legislative change.
Maddy summarySB 70 allows minors aged 14 or older who are unaccompanied youth (without adult supervision) to consent to essential health services without parental permission, provided they are verified as such by specific professionals like school counselors or shelter staff. The bill defines "medically necessary care" as services that prevent, diagnose, or treat illness or injury while meeting standard medical criteria, excluding experimental or duplicative treatments. Healthcare providers who follow this process are protected from liability for providing such care, though existing mandatory reporting laws and other consent rights (e.g., under Chapter 51) remain unchanged. This directly affects vulnerable minors in school, shelters, or transitional living programs who lack parental oversight.
Maddy summarySB 505 allows resident disabled veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating to hunt deer of either sex during any open firearm deer hunting season in the state. To qualify, veterans must provide proof of their veteran status (per 38 U.S.C. § 101) and receive disability compensation at the required rating level (under 38 U.S.C. §§ 1114, 1134, or 38 C.F.R. § 4.16). The bill amends hunting regulations to remove restrictions on deer sex during firearm seasons for this specific group. It directly affects disabled veterans meeting these documented criteria, expanding their hunting opportunities under existing seasons.
Maddy summarySB 386 regulates virtual currency kiosks in the state, requiring operators to obtain a license and directly affecting both kiosk businesses and customers using these services. Key provisions include mandatory fraud warnings displayed physically and electronically before every transaction, strict identity verification (requiring government ID copies, photos, and personal details for each customer), and daily transaction limits of $1,000 in traditional money. The bill also caps fees at $5 or 3% of the transaction amount and mandates refunds for customers fraudulently induced into transactions within 30 days. These rules aim to enhance consumer protection while establishing clear operational standards for kiosk operators.
Maddy summarySB 490 amends Wisconsin's prevailing wage laws to establish a statewide standard for construction projects funded by public entities. It creates new privacy protections (Section 1), prohibiting authorities from sharing employee names or personally identifiable information without consent on projects subject to prevailing wage rules. The bill also defines key terms like "prevailing wage rate" (Section 6), clarifies that local governments cannot impose stricter wage requirements than the state standard (Section 8), and specifies which projects qualify for prevailing wage coverage (Sections 2-9). These changes directly affect contractors bidding on public works projects and local governments administering construction contracts.
Maddy summarySB 617 designates November 11 (Veterans Day) as an official state holiday when offices of Wisconsin state government must close. It adds November 11 to the list of required closing days in state statute (230.35(4)(a)5m) and amends existing provisions to include Veterans Day as a paid holiday for state employees. The bill specifies that all state employees (except limited-term hires) will receive 9-10 paid holidays annually, with Veterans Day now counting toward that total. This change takes effect January 1 following publication, aligning Wisconsin state government operations with Veterans Day observance.
Maddy summarySB 604 requires teachers and administrators in private schools participating in Wisconsin’s parental choice programs (like voucher programs) and the Special Needs Scholarship Program to hold state-issued teaching licenses starting July 1, 2027. It creates a 5-year temporary waiver for current staff with at least five years of experience who don’t yet meet licensing requirements, valid until July 1, 2032. The bill exempts teachers of rabbinical studies from the license requirement. It amends existing laws to enforce these standards while granting the state education department rule-making authority to implement the changes.
Maddy summarySB 547 eliminates specific abortion-related regulations in Wisconsin statutes. It repeals requirements for parental consent for minors seeking abortions (repealing 253.10), mandatory ultrasounds (repealing 441.07), and certain medical certification rules (repealing 457.26 and 940.15). The bill also amends provisions related to medical emergency definitions and updates references to "induced abortion" in other laws. These changes directly affect healthcare providers by removing reporting burdens and minors seeking abortion services by eliminating parental consent and ultrasound mandates. The bill takes effect March 1, 2026, after repeal of the referenced statutes.
Maddy summarySB 410 allocates $450,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 from the Department of Health Services' budget to fund statewide falls prevention awareness and initiatives. The grant will be awarded to the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging to support programs reducing falls among older adults. This bill increases the department's appropriation by $450,000 each year to cover these specific grants. The funding supports education and community outreach efforts, not new regulations or direct services for individuals.