Sen. Mark Spreitzer

Maddy summarySB 152 removes financial eligibility requirements for Wisconsin’s Alzheimer’s family and caregiver support program. It repeals section 46.87 (5m), which previously set income-based criteria, and amends related sections to no longer reference those financial limits. This change directly affects caregivers and family members of Alzheimer’s patients who previously faced income restrictions to access support services. The bill simplifies eligibility by eliminating income thresholds, allowing more individuals to qualify for program services regardless of household income. The law became effective after Governor approval on August 11, 2025 (Wisconsin Act 21).

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals to obtain written permission from patients before performing pelvic exams for educational purposes on patients who are unconscious (e.g., under anesthesia). It directly affects hospitals, medical staff, and patients undergoing such exams during medical training. The key provision mandates that hospitals create written policies ensuring patients provide explicit, prior consent for these specific exams. The law, now Wisconsin Act 22, applies to all facilities conducting such educational procedures on unconscious individuals.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 24 creates specific exceptions for Tax Incremental District Number 6 in the city of Middleton. It exempts this particular district from state-mandated limitations on the total value of taxable property that can be included within it. Additionally, the bill removes a specific statutory lifespan limit for this same district. The exemption for the property value limit applies if the district is established by June 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 32 designates the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. This resolution aims to raise awareness about Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a condition causing involuntary movements often linked to antipsychotic medication use, and to encourage early detection and intervention for individuals prescribed these medications.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 23 proclaims the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week in Wisconsin. This resolution recognizes the significant contributions of school nutrition professionals to the health and well-being of students across the state.

Maddy summarySJR 22 designates April 2025 and April 2026 as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to raise awareness about testicular cancer, which is common among younger men, to encourage early detection and healthy habits.

Maddy summarySJR 28 is a joint resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature that reaffirms the state's commitment to its sister-state relationship with Taiwan, established in 1986. The resolution expresses support for the federal Taiwan Relations Act and endorses Taiwan's efforts to secure a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States. It also advocates for increasing Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations that impact its people's well-being. This bill primarily affects the diplomatic and economic relationship between Wisconsin and Taiwan by formally stating the legislature's supportive stance.

Maddy summarySJR 29 is a joint resolution that officially designates April 2025 and April 2026 as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Months in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about Parkinson's disease, its impact, and the need for ongoing research, education, and community support.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable income tax credit for Wisconsin residents who pay property taxes or rent that includes property taxes, aiming to help lower-income households offset these costs. Eligible individuals must have a household income under $125,000 and cannot be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer, with specific exclusions for part-year residents and those with property assessed over $1 million. The credit amount varies based on income levels and the year the tax year begins, ranging from 10% to 40% of the portion of taxes that exceed 4% of household income. If the calculated credit exceeds the taxes owed, the remaining amount is paid directly to the claimant as a refund. The legislation also establishes an appropriation to fund these payments and integrates this new credit into the state's existing list of allowable tax credits.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the waiting period required before a person can purchase a handgun in Wisconsin. It extends the mandatory wait time from 48 hours to five working days when a background check yields unclear results and the state justice department needs more time to determine if the buyer is prohibited from owning a firearm. The law applies to all handgun sales occurring on or after the effective date of the legislation.