Sen. Mark Spreitzer

Maddy summarySB 978 requires online services likely accessed by minors (like social media or games) to design features that protect young users. It prohibits features causing "compulsive use" (e.g., endless scrolling) and restricts collecting sensitive data like biometrics or genetic information without clear consent. Businesses must set default privacy settings to the most protective level for minors and cannot use algorithmic recommendations to target them in ways that disrupt daily activities. The law also gives state agencies authority to create rules for identifying minors and enforcing these requirements, applying to businesses generating most revenue from online services in the state.

Maddy summarySJR 128 is a symbolic resolution honoring Wisconsin's Polish community for its 180-year presence in the state and its contributions to Wisconsin's cultural and social strength. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any individuals or groups. The resolution specifically recognizes historical milestones, including Polish immigrants arriving in 1845, contributions to Wisconsin's development, and connections to Polish-American historical figures. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding legal effect or practical impact beyond formal recognition.

Maddy summarySB 922 requires polling places to display a clear "Voter Bill of Rights" listing specific rights (like secret ballots, language assistance, and provisional voting) at all locations. It mandates election officials to coordinate with language advocacy groups to ensure polling places serve voters speaking non-English languages and have at least one bilingual official present. The bill also creates new legal pathways for voters to sue if their rights are violated, including seeking injunctive relief or attorney fees if they win. These provisions directly affect all voters, particularly language minority communities and those facing potential voting barriers.

Maddy summarySB 987 amends the definition of "drug" within the state's drug repository program. It clarifies that "drug" includes: (1) drugs defined under existing law (s. 450.01(10)), (2) nonprescription drug products as defined in s. 450.01(13m), and (3) prescription drugs. This technical amendment updates the program's terminology to ensure all relevant drug types are explicitly covered under the repository system. The bill does not create new requirements or affect specific groups directly - it solely refines the statutory definition for administrative clarity.

Maddy summarySB 985 amends a statute to define "veteran at risk" for the veterans at risk alert system. The bill specifies that a "veteran at risk" includes veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, or military reservists known to have a physical or mental health condition related to their military service, based on reports. This definition change directly affects how the alert system identifies individuals eligible for support. The bill is purely definitional and does not create new programs or alter system operations.

Maddy summarySB 1032 would create a sales and use tax exemption for over-the-counter drugs. The bill defines qualifying drugs as those with specific labeling, including a drug facts panel or a list of active ingredients. This exemption would remove sales tax from the purchase of these medications, directly affecting consumers buying common drugs like pain relievers or cold medicine and retailers selling them. The policy change applies only to drugs meeting the defined labeling requirements, not to prescription medications or other products.

Maddy summarySB 1035 creates a new statute (19.45(8m)) prohibiting former state legislators from working as lobbyists for 12 months after leaving office. This directly affects individuals who served in the legislature, preventing them from immediately transitioning to lobbying roles. The bill establishes a clear 12-month cooling-off period, defined by existing law (s. 13.62(11)), to limit potential conflicts of interest. It does not apply to other government employees or lobbyists with different backgrounds.

Maddy summarySJR 125 is a commemorative resolution honoring George Meyer, a former Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) secretary and conservation leader, for his decades of service protecting waterways, advancing tribal treaty rights, and expanding state land conservation. It was adopted by the Wisconsin Legislature to recognize his legacy following his death in 2025, citing his work on wetland regulations, mercury emissions rules, and land acquisitions during his DNR tenure (1993-2001). The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally expresses legislative gratitude for his contributions to Wisconsin's environmental stewardship.

Maddy summarySB 932 defines artificial intelligence and explicitly states it does not have legal personhood in Wisconsin. The bill creates a new statute section that clarifies AI systems are not considered persons, cannot own property, hold titles, or serve in corporate leadership roles. It also specifies that any assets or interests generated by AI belong to the developer, manufacturer, or owner rather than the AI itself. This legislation aims to prevent AI from being granted rights or legal status similar to humans or other entities.

Maddy summarySB 944 adjusts how property tax limits are calculated for cities and towns (political subdivisions) that redevelop parking lots into new commercial, residential, or mixed-use buildings. Specifically, it adds 1.5 times the value increase from qualifying parking lot redevelopment to the annual development percentage used in tax levy calculations. Qualifying redevelopment requires at least 40% of the parcel area to have been paved parking in the prior year. This change applies to all political subdivisions with qualifying projects but specifically includes tax increment districts in Evansville and Stevens Point, plus new districts after 2024. The bill aims to account for redevelopment value in tax levy limits without increasing the overall tax burden.