Maddy summarySB 309 grants legal immunity to 911 call centers and dispatchers who transfer callers to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It specifically protects them from civil lawsuits related to those transfers, unless the harm resulted from gross negligence or willful misconduct by the dispatcher or center. The bill defines the "national crisis hotline" as the federally managed 988 number (or its successor). This law directly affects public safety answering points in Wisconsin by limiting their liability when connecting individuals in crisis to the 988 service.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 264 requires health insurance plans and the Medical Assistance program to cover specific breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. It defines two key types of screenings: "diagnostic breast examinations" (used to evaluate symptoms or abnormalities, like mammograms) and "supplemental breast screening examinations" (for high-risk individuals without symptoms, using MRI or ultrasound). The bill prohibits cost-sharing (such as copays) for all diagnostic screenings and for the first supplemental screening per year, while allowing limited cost-sharing for additional supplemental screenings in the same year. This directly affects individuals with health insurance or Medical Assistance who require these screenings, particularly those at higher risk for breast cancer.
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 summarySB 466 raises the age threshold for issuing a Missing Child Alert from under 10 to under 12 years. It directly affects minors aged 10 or 11 who go missing and are deemed unable to return home without assistance due to a disability or condition. The bill amends statute 175.51(1m)(a)2 to change the age requirement from "not attained the age of 10 years" to "not attained the age of 12 years." This adjustment ensures children in this age group qualify for alerts when their safety is at risk. The change applies to alerts issued when a minor's location is unknown and other alert criteria aren't met.
Maddy summarySJR 34 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Wisconsin's child support program on its 50th anniversary, specifically commemorating January 4, 2025 - the date President Ford signed the 1975 federal law establishing the program. It recognizes the program's role in serving 341,000 children and collecting $841 million in support during fiscal year 2023, while highlighting its anti-poverty impact and collaboration between county, state, and tribal agencies. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it solely expresses legislative commendation for program staff and the program's national leadership in child support collection. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct policy changes or new obligations for affected parties.
Maddy summarySJR 71 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jerry Apps for his lifelong contributions to Wisconsin's heritage. It recognizes his work as a 4-H advocate, University of Wisconsin professor, author of over 50 books on Wisconsin history and rural life (including *Wisconsin Agriculture: A History*), and recipient of awards like the 4-H Hall of Fame induction. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's appreciation for his efforts in preserving agricultural heritage and inspiring residents through writing, documentaries, and community education. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals to obtain written permission from patients before performing pelvic exams for educational purposes on patients who are unconscious (e.g., under anesthesia). It directly affects hospitals, medical staff, and patients undergoing such exams during medical training. The key provision mandates that hospitals create written policies ensuring patients provide explicit, prior consent for these specific exams. The law, now Wisconsin Act 22, applies to all facilities conducting such educational procedures on unconscious individuals.
Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 23 proclaims the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week in Wisconsin. This resolution recognizes the significant contributions of school nutrition professionals to the health and well-being of students across the state.