Sen. Mark Spreitzer

Maddy summarySJR 109 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 26, 2025, and 2026, as Intersex Awareness Day in Wisconsin. It commemorates the first public demonstration by intersex people in the U.S. on October 26, 1996, and aims to raise awareness about intersex individuals - those born with variations in sex characteristics - and the challenges they face, including stigma and unnecessary medical procedures. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a formal acknowledgment by the Wisconsin Legislature to honor the intersex community. This recognition aligns with national observances but has no direct legal effect on residents or government actions.

Maddy summarySB 500 amends Wisconsin's unemployment insurance law to make it easier for workers who quit jobs to qualify for benefits. It extends the timeframe for employees to voluntarily terminate work without losing benefits from 30 days to 10 weeks after starting a job. The bill also revises the definition of "suitable work" for weeks 7-11 of unemployment, requiring wages to be above the lowest quartile for similar jobs in the area, rather than requiring relevant experience or training. These changes directly affect unemployed workers who leave jobs due to unsuitable work conditions.

Maddy summarySB 634 eliminates a legal exception that previously allowed spouses to avoid prosecution for sexual crimes against minor spouses. It amends statutes (948.09 and 948.093) to remove language stating that sexual assault laws do not apply when the victim is the defendant’s spouse, making it a crime for a spouse to engage in sexual activity with a minor regardless of marriage age. This change directly affects minors who married as children and their spouses, ensuring such acts can now be prosecuted under standard sexual assault laws. The bill also adds a new provision (767.185) allowing minors under 18 to file for divorce.

Maddy summarySJR 110 is a non-binding resolution introduced by Wisconsin legislators calling for the federal government to immediately resolve the U.S.-China trade war. It specifically aims to address how the ongoing trade conflict harms Wisconsin's $1.3 billion soybean industry, which employs 16,000 farmers, by preventing U.S. soybean exports to China while China purchases soybeans from Argentina instead. The resolution cites a $20 billion U.S. bailout for Argentina (including a currency swap) as an example of prioritizing foreign interests over Wisconsin farmers during a federal budget shutdown. It urges the federal government to end the trade war to protect Wisconsin's agricultural economy. The resolution has been referred to a committee but has no legal force.

Maddy summarySB 605 restructures funding for multiple social services programs. It creates a new lead service line replacement program for public water systems, establishes an emergency rental assistance program for households earning ≤80% of county median income (with $5 million allocated for 2026-27), and expands indigent civil legal services funding by $43 million annually. The bill also mandates annual reports on improving homeless services access and creates new grants for housing support, workforce development, and internet assistance programs. These changes directly affect low-income residents, homeless individuals, and legal aid clients through specific funding allocations and program requirements.

Maddy summarySJR 111 is a joint resolution designating October 2025 and October 2026 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It formally asks the Wisconsin State Legislature to recognize these months for public education on cybersecurity threats like phishing and identity theft. This resolution does not create new laws or impose obligations - it is a symbolic designation to raise awareness, consistent with the national observance since 2003. The resolution was introduced by multiple senators and representatives in November 2025.

Maddy summarySB 168 modifies Wisconsin's worker's compensation law to adjust how mental injury claims (specifically PTSD) are handled for certain public safety and emergency response professionals. It directly affects emergency medical responders, emergency medical services practitioners, volunteer firefighters, correctional officers, emergency dispatchers, coroners, medical examiners, and their staff. The bill creates new statutory definitions for these roles and requires that PTSD claims for these workers meet specific conditions to be compensable, rather than automatically covering all mental injuries without physical trauma. This change clarifies the process for filing such claims under the state's worker's compensation system.

Maddy summarySB 618 allows renters who are veterans or surviving spouses to claim the property tax credit based on their rent payments instead of property taxes. The bill amends tax statutes to define "rent constituting property taxes" and permits eligible renters to file for this credit against their income taxes, with unused portions paid via state funds. It specifically applies to renters in veterans' principal dwellings, and couples filing separately can claim 50% of total rent paid. The law takes effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2026. This expands an existing homeowner-focused credit to include qualifying renters without creating new funding.

Maddy summarySB 494 repeals two statutes (66.0134 and 947.21) that currently prohibit state and local governments from regulating labor practices. This change would allow cities and counties to establish their own workplace standards, such as minimum wage requirements or safety rules, without state restrictions. The bill directly affects local governments by removing barriers to creating tailored labor regulations for their jurisdictions. It is a procedural bill focused solely on removing existing prohibitions, with no new regulations created.

Maddy summarySB 598 would require the state health department to seek a federal Medicaid waiver enabling coverage for incarcerated individuals in the Medical Assistance program (state Medicaid) up to 90 days before release. It specifically covers case management, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, and a 30-day supply of prescription medications for those already eligible for Medical Assistance. If approved, the federal government would fund the program’s share of these services, with the state covering its portion. This bill directly affects incarcerated individuals transitioning to community care, aiming to improve continuity of health services upon release.