Sen. Melissa Ratcliff

Maddy summarySB 1060 modifies how sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits are managed and funded. It directs $7 from each permit's processing fee toward permit administration and grouse management/research (specifically under new section 20.370). The bill also updates permit allocation rules: applicants earn preference points for prior unissued permits, with random selection used when demand exceeds supply, and establishes separate resident/nonresident permit quotas that can be reallocated if demand is low in one category. Processing fees for these permits are adjusted to $9.75 (section 29.563 (14)(a) 3.).

Maddy summarySB 1040 creates a new priority category in the state's broadband grant program for projects installing fiber optic lines directly to farms. It defines "farm" using existing agricultural land classifications (Wis. Adm. Code § Tax 18.05) and specifies that such projects will be prioritized under statute 196.504 (2)(c)1.i. This bill directly affects farm owners seeking broadband infrastructure funding by changing how grant applications are evaluated. The bill does not create new funding but alters the selection criteria for existing broadband expansion grants.

Maddy summarySB 1041 creates an Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman within the Department of Financial Institutions to assist student loan borrowers in the state. The office will handle complaints, resolve issues with loan servicers, analyze borrower data, and provide information about borrowers' rights under student education loans. It directly affects student loan borrowers (including residents and those sharing repayment responsibility) and student loan servicers (non-state entities managing loans). Key provisions require the ombudsman to monitor loan servicing practices, collaborate with schools and servicers, and make recommendations to improve borrower protections.

Maddy summarySB 925 creates a system for automatic voter registration by requiring the election commission to match driver's license and ID data from the Department of Transportation with existing voter registration lists. It directs the commission to obtain names, addresses, birth dates, license numbers, and verified citizenship proof from the DMV to identify eligible voters not yet registered. The bill mandates that the commission contact voters to resolve discrepancies, add eligible unregistered individuals to the list, and send multilingual notices informing them of their registration and providing opt-out instructions. Voters can request removal from the list, and the commission must send notices for any removals (except for duplicates or deceased individuals). This law directly affects all state residents who interact with the DMV and meet voter eligibility requirements.

Maddy summarySB 934 requires municipalities to obtain governing body approval after a public hearing before discontinuing a polling place location. It also mandates that municipal clerks or election boards send written notice to all affected residents at least 30 days before an election if a polling place is discontinued after the previous election. This bill directly affects local election officials and municipalities managing polling locations. The key changes are: 1) requiring public hearings for proposed discontinuations, and 2) enforcing advance mail notifications to voters. These provisions aim to improve transparency and voter awareness about polling place changes.

Maddy summarySB 923 reduces the residency requirement for voting in Wisconsin from 28 consecutive days to 10 consecutive days before an election. It directly affects voters who move within the state shortly before an election, allowing them to vote in their new district if they meet the 10-day requirement, or at their previous address if they cannot. The bill also creates a special affidavit process for voters with less than 10 days of residency to vote only for president and vice president, while maintaining the 10-day standard for all other elections. Key provisions include updated registration forms and penalties for false statements on residency affidavits. This bill modifies existing voting statutes to shorten the residency period for most voting purposes.

Maddy summarySB 931 allows student identification cards issued by accredited Wisconsin universities, colleges, or technical colleges to be used as valid voter ID. The bill requires these cards to include the cardholder's signature, date of issuance, and an expiration date no later than two years after issuance. If a card is expired, voters must prove current student enrollment at the time of voting. This applies to all University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, which must issue qualifying IDs by August 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 1083 expands the existing indoor smoking ban to include electronic delivery devices (like e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-hookahs) used for vaping nicotine, cannabis, or other substances. The bill defines "electronic delivery device" broadly to cover all such products except FDA-approved nicotine products. It also amends the definition of "smoking" to explicitly include using activated vaping devices in indoor public spaces. This affects businesses operating in indoor areas (e.g., restaurants, offices) and individuals using these devices indoors, bringing them under the same indoor ban rules that currently apply to traditional tobacco products.

Maddy summarySB 1081 bans vaping on all public and private school property, including playgrounds, athletic fields, and other areas regularly used by students. It defines "vaping" as inhaling vapor from any electronic smoking device (like e-cigarettes or vape pens) and covers all school grounds owned, rented, or controlled by school boards, charter schools, or private schools. The law prohibits vaping but allows schools or local governments to adopt stricter rules if desired. This directly affects students, staff, and visitors on school property across all public and private K-12 institutions in the state.

Maddy summarySB 1082 allocates $2 million for a public health campaign to prevent youth tobacco and e-cigarette use, along with grants to local organizations providing youth vaping prevention and cessation services. The bill creates a new funding mechanism under the Department of Health, requiring annual reports to the legislature detailing grant recipients and purposes starting in 2027. It directly affects youth (by targeting prevention) and community organizations working on vaping issues (through grant funding). The key change is increasing the Department of Health's existing appropriation by $2 million for these specific public health efforts.