Sen. Mark Spreitzer

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program to distribute funds from vapor product taxes to local health departments and tribal health centers for violence prevention initiatives. The legislation explicitly prohibits these grant funds from being given to law enforcement agencies or any entities working directly with them, focusing the resources on health-based prevention strategies instead. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Health Services to hire staff to administer the grant program, providing specific funding increases for these administrative positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Workforce Development to study the feasibility of creating a grant program that funds guaranteed jobs in the care economy, such as healthcare, child care, and public infrastructure. The proposed program would provide grants to public and nonprofit entities to offer positions lasting at least 100 days at a rate of $20 per hour, with eligibility restricted to specific groups including young adults, people with disabilities, low-income households, long-term unemployed individuals, and formerly incarcerated people. The study must analyze the number of jobs needed, associated costs, training strategies, and pathways to full-time employment, with results reported to the governor and legislature within 18 months. To support this research, the bill appropriates an additional $250,000 from the state's fiscal year 2023-24 budget for the Department of Workforce Development.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing how voters select candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives by implementing ranked-choice voting in the general election and allowing voters to rank up to five candidates. Under the new system, ballots would permit voters to list their preferences in order, with the winner determined through an instant runoff process if no single candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes. The legislation also modifies primary election rules to allow voters to cast ballots for candidates from multiple political parties in certain consolidated voting scenarios. Additionally, the bill requires election officials to post clear signs warning voters that votes for candidates from different parties will not be counted unless a specific party preference is selected.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill establishes a voluntary registration program for commercial deicer applicators, requiring them to complete approved training and pass an exam to protect water quality. Registered individuals must keep detailed records of their work for at least three years and submit annual reports to the state department listing the types and amounts of deicers used. The legislation also defines specific conditions under which registered applicators and property owners are not liable for damages caused by snow or ice hazards, provided they followed approved methods. Although the bill was passed by the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill, SB 21, establishes specific monetary limits on the personal property that prisoners and residents of state correctional facilities are allowed to own. Under the proposed rules, inmates could possess musical instruments or electronic items up to a value of $350, while other non-medical items would be capped at $150 each. The legislation also sets the legal framework for these allowances by creating a new section in the state statutes. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.