Sen. Mark Spreitzer

Maddy summarySB 1082 allocates $2 million for a public health campaign to prevent youth tobacco and e-cigarette use, along with grants to local organizations providing youth vaping prevention and cessation services. The bill creates a new funding mechanism under the Department of Health, requiring annual reports to the legislature detailing grant recipients and purposes starting in 2027. It directly affects youth (by targeting prevention) and community organizations working on vaping issues (through grant funding). The key change is increasing the Department of Health's existing appropriation by $2 million for these specific public health efforts.

Maddy summarySB 1077 requires health insurance plans - including self-insured plans operated by state/local governments - to cover prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces when medically necessary for daily activities, job functions, or bathing. It mandates coverage equal to federal standards (42 USC 1395k-1395m), including materials, repairs, and replacement without lifetime restrictions if repairs exceed 60% of replacement costs. The law applies to all covered individuals (enrollees in private plans or government self-insured plans) and requires insurers to provide written explanations for coverage denials based on medical necessity. It also ensures access to at least two in-network providers for these devices.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 117) honoring the late Representative Rudolph L. "Rudy" Silbaugh, who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1991 to 1997 representing the 46th District. It recognizes his 30+ years of public service, including his work on committees related to aging, small business, and seniors' healthcare, as well as his community involvement. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the Legislature's commemoration of his life and service.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 118) that formally congratulates the Grafton Black Hawks high school football team for winning the 2025 Wisconsin State Football Championship. It recognizes their perfect 14-0 season, championship victory at Camp Randall Stadium, and the team's emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship. The resolution does not create any new laws, policies, or funding - it solely offers symbolic recognition from the Wisconsin Legislature to the team, coaches, and community. It directly affects the Grafton Black Hawks football program and the Grafton community by publicly honoring their championship achievement.

Maddy summarySB 811 would increase funding for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to add two full-time equivalent positions focused on regional farmer support. The bill proposes adding $150,400 for fiscal year 2025-26 to authorize these positions and $200,500 for fiscal year 2026-27 to cover their operational costs. These positions would provide direct on-the-ground assistance to farmers across different regions of the state. The bill, introduced in January 2026, is currently pending in the Agriculture and Revenue Committee.

Maddy summarySB 804 prohibits government funding for investigations into pregnancy outcomes (such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion) when the person experiencing the outcome is the alleged crime suspect. It bans law enforcement from treating pregnancy outcomes as criminal matters and requires consent before investigating cases where a crime relates to another person's pregnancy. The bill also exempts women from civil or criminal liability for their own pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage or abortion, and clarifies that legal definitions of "corpse" do not apply to fetal tissue from non-live births. These provisions directly affect women experiencing pregnancy outcomes and law enforcement agencies handling such cases.

Maddy summarySB 807 creates a new Office of the Public Affairs Network within Wisconsin's Department of Administration to provide live, unedited online coverage of state government proceedings. The office must stream real-time video and audio of legislative sessions, court hearings, agency meetings, and related public events, while maintaining permanent online archives accessible without registration or fees. It allocates $2 million biennially for operations and transitions WisconsinEye's existing digital archives and equipment to the state. The bill establishes a board with gubernatorial, legislative, and public members to oversee the network's nonpartisan operation.

Maddy summarySB 856 creates a new $5 million annual scholarship program (biennially) to support Wisconsin students pursuing climate-related education. It directly affects Wisconsin residents enrolled in eligible higher education institutions - such as UW System campuses, technical colleges, tribal colleges, or private nonprofits - who study fields addressing climate change. The program awards up to $5,000 per academic year, with half of scholarships based on merit and half on financial need. Funding comes from the state's Higher Educational Aids Board budget, and students with unresolved child support liens may qualify only if they provide approved payment agreements.

Maddy summarySB 854 creates a new funding line to support county conservation staff focused on climate change resiliency. It directly affects counties with approved land and water resource management plans, requiring them to request funding for climate-focused personnel in annual grant applications. The bill adds a specific appropriation of $1.8 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year under statute 20.115(7)(f) for "soil and water management; climate change personnel." This establishes a dedicated funding mechanism for counties to hire or retain staff addressing climate impacts, separate from existing conservation program funding.

Maddy summarySB 857 establishes the Energy Innovation Grant Program, allocating $10 million annually for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years. The program is administered by the Office of Energy Innovation within the Public Service Commission to fund energy innovation projects. It creates new statutory references (20.155(3)(e) and 196.379) to formalize the grant program and its funding structure. This bill directly affects the Public Service Commission and its Office of Energy Innovation by providing dedicated funding for energy-related grants. The program does not specify eligible projects or recipients, only creating the funding mechanism and administrative structure.