Sen. Mark Spreitzer

Maddy summarySB 1055 increases funding for home-delivered meal programs by $250,000 for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. This bill directly affects existing home-delivered meal services, primarily supporting seniors and vulnerable individuals who rely on these programs. The key provision amends the state budget to add the specified funds to the department of health services' appropriation under Section 46.80(5)(a). The funding boost aims to expand meal availability without creating new programs or changing eligibility rules.

Maddy summarySB 1040 creates a new priority category in the state's broadband grant program for projects installing fiber optic lines directly to farms. It defines "farm" using existing agricultural land classifications (Wis. Adm. Code § Tax 18.05) and specifies that such projects will be prioritized under statute 196.504 (2)(c)1.i. This bill directly affects farm owners seeking broadband infrastructure funding by changing how grant applications are evaluated. The bill does not create new funding but alters the selection criteria for existing broadband expansion grants.

Maddy summarySB 1041 creates an Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman within the Department of Financial Institutions to assist student loan borrowers in the state. The office will handle complaints, resolve issues with loan servicers, analyze borrower data, and provide information about borrowers' rights under student education loans. It directly affects student loan borrowers (including residents and those sharing repayment responsibility) and student loan servicers (non-state entities managing loans). Key provisions require the ombudsman to monitor loan servicing practices, collaborate with schools and servicers, and make recommendations to improve borrower protections.

Maddy summarySB 925 creates a system for automatic voter registration by requiring the election commission to match driver's license and ID data from the Department of Transportation with existing voter registration lists. It directs the commission to obtain names, addresses, birth dates, license numbers, and verified citizenship proof from the DMV to identify eligible voters not yet registered. The bill mandates that the commission contact voters to resolve discrepancies, add eligible unregistered individuals to the list, and send multilingual notices informing them of their registration and providing opt-out instructions. Voters can request removal from the list, and the commission must send notices for any removals (except for duplicates or deceased individuals). This law directly affects all state residents who interact with the DMV and meet voter eligibility requirements.

Maddy summarySB 934 requires municipalities to obtain governing body approval after a public hearing before discontinuing a polling place location. It also mandates that municipal clerks or election boards send written notice to all affected residents at least 30 days before an election if a polling place is discontinued after the previous election. This bill directly affects local election officials and municipalities managing polling locations. The key changes are: 1) requiring public hearings for proposed discontinuations, and 2) enforcing advance mail notifications to voters. These provisions aim to improve transparency and voter awareness about polling place changes.

Maddy summarySB 923 reduces the residency requirement for voting in Wisconsin from 28 consecutive days to 10 consecutive days before an election. It directly affects voters who move within the state shortly before an election, allowing them to vote in their new district if they meet the 10-day requirement, or at their previous address if they cannot. The bill also creates a special affidavit process for voters with less than 10 days of residency to vote only for president and vice president, while maintaining the 10-day standard for all other elections. Key provisions include updated registration forms and penalties for false statements on residency affidavits. This bill modifies existing voting statutes to shorten the residency period for most voting purposes.

Maddy summarySB 1008 creates a baby bond program for newborns in the state, automatically enrolling infants through birth records submitted to the Department of Financial Institutions. It establishes a "baby bond fund" funded by state agency deposits, donations, and investment earnings, which will provide distributions to account beneficiaries when they reach adulthood. Funds can be used for specific eligible expenses like college tuition, home purchases, starting a business, childcare, or retirement savings. The program directly affects newborns born in the state, with distributions administered by the Department of Financial Institutions based on defined eligibility criteria.

Maddy summarySB 931 allows student identification cards issued by accredited Wisconsin universities, colleges, or technical colleges to be used as valid voter ID. The bill requires these cards to include the cardholder's signature, date of issuance, and an expiration date no later than two years after issuance. If a card is expired, voters must prove current student enrollment at the time of voting. This applies to all University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, which must issue qualifying IDs by August 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 933 requires social media platforms serving users in this state to display a clear mental health warning each time a user accesses the platform. The warning must note potential negative mental health effects and provide access to crisis resources like the 988 suicide hotline. Platforms cannot hide the warning, make it less visible, or disable it except under specified conditions. Violations could result in fines up to $5,000 per incident or lawsuits by affected users seeking damages or injunctions.

Maddy summarySB 1081 bans vaping on all public and private school property, including playgrounds, athletic fields, and other areas regularly used by students. It defines "vaping" as inhaling vapor from any electronic smoking device (like e-cigarettes or vape pens) and covers all school grounds owned, rented, or controlled by school boards, charter schools, or private schools. The law prohibits vaping but allows schools or local governments to adopt stricter rules if desired. This directly affects students, staff, and visitors on school property across all public and private K-12 institutions in the state.