Sen. Mark Spreitzer

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes designating April 2026 as Family Strengthening Month in Wisconsin to raise awareness about preventing child abuse and neglect. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic resolution to highlight the importance of family support and community involvement. The measure references research on protective factors like parental resilience and social connections that help build safe environments for children. Ultimately, the bill aims to encourage public and government commitment to strengthening families through awareness rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the "Our Care, Our Options Act," would create a legal process allowing mentally capable adults with terminal illnesses to request medication to end their lives within six months of diagnosis. It requires patients to make both oral and written requests to their doctors, with a 15-day waiting period between the initial and final requests, though this wait can be waived if death is expected within 15 days. Two separate medical providers must confirm the patient's diagnosis, prognosis, and mental capacity, while also ensuring the patient understands all treatment options and risks before proceeding. The legislation defines specific protections against coercion or undue influence and establishes penalties for violations, while also clarifying that providers who object to participating may refer patients to other qualified providers without facing disciplinary action.

Maddy summarySB 1182 prohibits cosmetic manufacturers from conducting or contracting for animal testing of cosmetics within the state after December 31, 2026, and bans the manufacture or import of products developed using such testing after that date. The law also prevents the sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals after the deadline, with limited exceptions for testing required by federal or state regulations, foreign jurisdictions, or specific federal laws. Penalties for violations include a $5,000 forfeiture plus $1,000 for each day the violation continues. This legislation directly affects cosmetic manufacturers, importers, and sellers operating in the state by establishing clear restrictions on animal testing practices and product sourcing.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state tax credit for individuals who purchase subscriptions to qualifying local newspapers, which are defined as newspapers eligible to print legal notices. The credit allows taxpayers to claim 50 percent of their subscription costs as a credit against their state income tax, with a maximum benefit of $250 per year or $125 for married individuals filing separate returns. To use the credit, taxpayers must file a claim within the standard tax filing period for the year in which they paid for the subscriptions. The legislation applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and follows existing administrative procedures for similar tax credits.

Maddy summarySB 1066 prohibits health insurance companies (including disability insurance and self-insured plans) from using artificial intelligence to deny prior authorization for medical treatments or experimental procedures. Instead, the bill requires a licensed healthcare provider to review these requests before a denial can be issued. It directly affects insurers that currently use AI for these decisions and healthcare providers who seek approval for patient care. The law takes effect in the fourth month after publication, with specific transition rules for plans under collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summarySB 1039 modifies state grant programs to support broadband expansion in underserved areas. It repeals outdated sections of law and amends statutes to allow cities, villages, towns, and counties to apply for grants covering infrastructure construction, project planning (including feasibility reports), and up to 50% of costs for hiring a dedicated broadband director. The bill directly affects local governments seeking to expand high-speed internet access in areas without reliable service. Grants will be funded from specific state appropriations allocated for broadband projects. This bill focuses on streamlining funding mechanisms for local broadband development.

Maddy summarySB 748 removes the requirement for sellers to obtain exemption certificates from buyers when selling precious metal bullion. This change directly affects retailers selling bullion and simplifies the sales process by eliminating an administrative step for transactions already exempt from sales tax under existing law. The bill amends tax statutes to clarify that no certificate is needed for these specific exempt sales, streamlining compliance without altering the tax status of bullion purchases.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes increasing state funding for passenger rail operations by $10 million and allocating an additional $5.2 million for feasibility studies on rail expansion projects. The funds would be directed to the state department of transportation to support existing passenger rail services and evaluate potential new routes. The legislation directly affects state transportation budgets and passengers who use rail services. It does not create new rail lines but provides resources for operational support and planning future infrastructure development.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a funding mechanism to reimburse municipalities for services they provide to state facilities and University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority properties. It requires state agencies to make full payments for municipal services like water, sewer, electricity, and waste disposal at established rates, with funds drawn from existing state appropriations. The legislation also outlines procedures for assessing program revenue costs to cover these payments and mandates annual reporting of payments to the state department. If available funds are insufficient in a given year, the bill requires prorating payments among eligible municipalities. The law applies to payments made in 2026 and amends existing statutes governing state-municipal financial transactions.

Maddy summarySB 1045 legalizes recreational cannabis possession for adults, establishes a new Division of Cannabis Regulation within the Department of Agriculture, and creates a Cannabis Conviction Review Unit to expunge or adjust past marijuana-related convictions. It allocates $30 million annually for cannabis regulation operations, funds a medical cannabis registry program with $5 million per year, and creates new tax revenue streams for enforcement and research. The bill repeals outdated marijuana laws, regulates cannabis production and sales through licensing, and sets up a system for individuals to seek conviction expungement. These changes directly affect all Wisconsin residents, particularly those with prior cannabis convictions, and establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the state's cannabis industry.