Sen. Mark Spreitzer

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 36) expressing legislative congratulations to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women’s gymnastics team for winning the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) championship. It formally recognizes their achievement of an 18th national title (first since 2016) and highest-scoring championship in program history. The resolution has no policy impact or binding requirements - it simply serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summarySB 194 clarifies when public records requesters can recover attorney fees after suing a government agency. It applies directly to individuals or groups who file court cases seeking records and later get the records released. The bill adds that requesters "prevail" if a court orders the release or if the agency voluntarily shares the record *after* a lawsuit is filed, and the court finds the lawsuit was a key reason for the release. This change makes it easier for requesters to get fee awards without waiting for a full court ruling, streamlining the process under the state's public records law.

Maddy summarySB 155 requires owners of parking structures (like multi-level garages) to hire a licensed engineer for a structural safety inspection at least once every five years. Owners must submit inspection reports to their local government or the state department responsible for building reviews. Failure to comply results in monthly fines of $200 and potential closure of the parking structure after 12 months without an inspection. The bill directly affects commercial parking facility owners and aims to ensure ongoing structural safety through mandatory, regular checks.

Maddy summarySJR 57 designates the month of May as "Older Americans Month" in Wisconsin through a symbolic resolution. It recognizes Wisconsin's over 1.45 million residents aged 60+ (25% of the state's population) and honors their contributions, aligning with the federal Older Americans Act's focus on community-based services like Meals on Wheels and senior center programs. The resolution does not create new programs or alter funding - it solely serves as a formal acknowledgment to promote awareness of seniors' roles and encourage community engagement. This ceremonial measure affects no specific individuals or policies, instead emphasizing recognition of older adults' value to Wisconsin society.

Maddy summarySB 212 requires ballot questions for referendums and constitutional amendments to be written in plain language and avoid misleading phrasing (e.g., requiring a "no" vote to approve a proposal). It mandates that questions clearly state whether any part of a constitutional amendment is already part of current law. This bill affects all future voter referendums in the state by standardizing ballot language to improve clarity for voters.

Maddy summarySB 173 creates a grant program administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to support rural creative economies. It provides competitive grants (max $50,000) to eligible applicants like small towns, counties, tribes, or nonprofits in rural areas (defined as towns under 10,000 people, non-urban areas, or counties under 55,000 people). Grants must fund tourism, public arts, space renovations, arts education, or business support for creative enterprises, requiring applicants to secure matching funds equal to the grant amount. The program requires an effectiveness report to the legislature by May 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJR 60) is a symbolic resolution that formally proclaims June 6, 2025, as "Gun Violence Awareness Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but uses the legislature's authority to recognize gun violence as a critical public health issue, citing statistics on firearm deaths and injuries in Wisconsin (including 741 annual gun deaths, 64% suicides, and 1,500 annual injuries). The resolution aims to raise public awareness and align with broader efforts to address gun violence, as noted in its "whereas" clauses referencing national and state data. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by designating a specific day for community reflection and education on the topic.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 114 proposes to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from state sales and use tax. The bill defines "diaper" as an absorbent garment for humans with bladder or bowel control difficulties, and "feminine hygiene products" to include items like tampons and sanitary napkins, specifically excluding general grooming products. If enacted, consumers would no longer pay sales tax on these defined items, and retailers would not collect it. This change aims to remove the sales and use tax from the sale and consumption of these specific products.

Maddy summarySB 231 creates a tax credit program for film production companies in Wisconsin, providing credits for eligible expenses like wages and capital investments incurred within the state. It establishes a State Film Office within the Department of Tourism to administer the program, set accreditation standards for productions (requiring minimum spending thresholds of $50,000 for short productions or $100,000 for longer ones), and issue tax credits. The bill caps annual program spending at $10 million total and $1 million per company, mandates that accredited productions include a state acknowledgment in the final product, and requires annual reports on program usage and efficiency. This directly affects film production companies operating in Wisconsin that meet the accreditation criteria and seek to reduce costs through state tax incentives.

Maddy summarySB 195 prohibits public eating places (like restaurants) from serving any product labeled as "maple syrup" unless it consists entirely of maple syrup, as defined by federal regulations (21 CFR 168.140). The bill specifically targets mislabeling, allowing establishments to serve non-maple products only if they are not marketed as maple syrup. It directly affects restaurants and food service businesses that sell syrup-based items. The law creates a clear labeling standard without restricting other menu items. This is a straightforward regulatory measure focused on product transparency.