Sen. Mark Spreitzer

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a clause to the state constitution that explicitly prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime where the person has been duly convicted. The amendment would modify the existing constitutional language to clarify that the exception for criminal punishment remains in place. If approved by voters, it would codify a long-standing legal principle into the state's fundamental law. The measure is currently in the legislative process and has not yet been adopted.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to require that all stationery and printing contracts for state use be awarded to the lowest bidder operating within the state, unless federal law or international agreements prohibit it. It allows the legislature to set a maximum price for these contracts and prohibits any state legislators or officers from having a financial interest in such agreements. The measure would be submitted to voters at the next general election after a three-month public notice period.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes reporting requirements for political committees that make mass communications, such as distributing 500 or more identical pieces of material, sending 500 or more identical emails, making 500 or more identical phone calls, or disseminating messages during the 60 days before an election. It requires political action committees, independent expenditure committees, political parties, and legislative campaign committees to file registration statements and detailed expenditure reports when they spend money on these mass communications. The bill defines specific thresholds and timing for when committees must register and report, ensuring transparency around spending on large-scale communications that appeal to voters to support or oppose candidates.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits when health insurance companies can demand repayment for claims they have already paid. It applies to disability insurance policies and various health care plans, including those offered by the state, counties, and other organizations. Under the bill, insurers can only request repayment within 12 months of making the initial payment, or 18 months if the claim involved coordination with other programs like Medicare or state medical assistance. The only exception is when the original claim was based on fraudulent information. The bill would take effect for policy years beginning on the date it is enacted, with special rules for plans covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits law enforcement agencies from using autonomous devices equipped with weapons. It defines an autonomous device as one that can operate without active human control and uses the existing legal definition of a dangerous weapon. The law enforcement restriction is the main policy change, while the definitions clarify what types of technology and weapons are covered. The bill was introduced in March 2026 but failed to pass the Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal penalties and civil remedies for intentionally disrupting access to reproductive health service facilities or places of religious worship. It prohibits actions such as using force or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere with individuals seeking or providing reproductive health services, as well as damaging property at these locations. Violations are classified as a Class A misdemeanor for first offenses and a Class I felony for repeat offenses. The legislation also allows affected individuals and entities to file civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, damages, and attorney fees, while permitting prosecutors to seek civil forfeitures ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Wisconsin to provide reasonable break time and a private, shielded space for breastfeeding employees to express breast milk for children under one year of age. The law mandates access to electrical outlets, running water, and refrigeration for milk storage, while allowing unpaid break time unless the employee remains partially on duty. Employers with fewer than 50 employees may claim an undue hardship exemption if compliance would cause significant difficulty or expense. The bill also prohibits discrimination or retaliation against employees who take these breaks and establishes a complaint process through the state department for enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Wisconsin's property tax deferral loan program to increase the maximum loan amount from $3,525 to $5,000 annually. It also establishes an annual adjustment mechanism that ties the loan limit to changes in the consumer price index, ensuring the amount keeps pace with inflation. The legislation applies these changes to loans where applications are filed after the bill's effective date. Additionally, the bill allows the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority to use up to 5 percent of allocated funds for marketing the program. Eligible participants must still meet existing income requirements, earning no more than $20,000 or 80 percent of the area median income.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state minimum wage that increases annually from 2026 through 2034, with lower rates for small employers defined as those with 50 or fewer employees. It allows local governments to enact their own minimum wage ordinances and grants the state department authority to set wages for specific job categories like agricultural workers, camp counselors, and tipped employees. The law also gives the department power to exempt certain workers, such as casual domestic helpers and student workers, from minimum wage requirements. Starting in 2031, the minimum wage will be adjusted each year based on changes in the consumer price index to account for inflation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals in Wisconsin to offer free postpartum home visits to new mothers and their infants upon request, provided the birth occurred within the last 14 days. The visits can be conducted by trained doulas, licensed midwives, nurse-midwives, or other licensed healthcare providers and must be scheduled within 14 days of the request. Additionally, the bill mandates that state and local disability insurance plans and self-insured health plans covering maternity services must include coverage for these visits without any cost-sharing requirements. The bill also establishes definitions for postpartum home visits and specifies that hospitals cannot charge patients directly for these services.