Sen. Melissa Ratcliff

Maddy summaryThis bill limits the amount patients can pay out of pocket for insulin by setting a maximum cost-sharing cap of $35 per one-month supply for disability insurance policies and self-insured health plans. It applies to plans that currently cover insulin and charge copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance, while allowing insurers to charge less than the cap or no cost at all. The legislation also clarifies that existing diabetes coverage requirements for insulin pumps and supplies remain unchanged, though pump coverage may still be limited to one per year. The changes would take effect on the first day of the fourth month after the bill is published.

Maddy summarySB 809 modifies Wisconsin's Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Program, administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). It creates new rules allowing grants for non-public events (like exclusive conferences) only if they bring national exposure or boost economic growth, with strict limits: no more than 25% of annual funds can support such events, and they must avoid regularly scheduled or rotating events. The bill requires applicants to provide cost-benefit analyses of economic impacts before funding, mandates matching contributions from non-state sources, and adds annual reporting to the legislature. This directly affects event organizers seeking WEDC grants to attract major events to Wisconsin.

Maddy summarySJR 123 is a symbolic resolution designating March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month across Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally encourages all Wisconsin residents to learn about MS and support those affected by the disease. The resolution recognizes the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s work and aims to raise public awareness about MS, which impacts approximately 1 million people in the U.S. and typically affects individuals aged 20-50.

Maddy summarySB 860 updates Wisconsin's audiology licensing rules by expanding the scope of practice for audiologists. It explicitly allows audiologists to prescribe, sell, and fit hearing aids (including over-the-counter options) and handle devices like cochlear implants and osseo-integrated systems. The bill also clarifies that audiologists cannot perform surgeries, interpret radiographic imaging, or conduct surgical procedures. Additionally, it changes the Hearing and Speech Examining Board composition to require one public member who uses hearing aids, cochlear implants, or osseo-integrated devices, and repeals outdated temporary license rules.

Maddy summarySB 695 amends statutes to establish new administrative processes for local sales and use taxes collected by counties and municipalities. It creates specific funding accounts (20.566(1)(gj) and 20.835(4)(gj)) to manage revenue from municipal sales taxes under new Section 77.702. The bill requires 0.75% of tax revenues collected under these local ordinances to be allocated to these new administrative accounts. This directly affects counties and municipalities that impose local sales taxes for their own purposes, clarifying how these funds are distributed and administered.

Maddy summarySB 718 would provide free admission to Wisconsin state parks for veterans and gold star families. Specifically, it allows free entry for vehicles (excluding motor buses) occupied by individuals who can verify their status as a veteran (per federal law) or as a family member of a service member who died in action (a "gold star" family). The bill creates a new statute requiring parks to honor this exemption upon presentation of valid proof. It directly affects veterans, their families, and state park operations by adding this specific access benefit. The policy change is limited to admission fees, not other park services or costs.

Maddy summarySB 728 requires state correctional institutions and county jails to provide free menstrual products that are free from harmful chemicals to inmates experiencing menstruation. It mandates at least three brands of tampons (including one with a plastic applicator) and three brands of pads, plus one brand of reusable menstrual cup, all selected from a list of verified products. Facilities must also ensure they can sanitize reusable cups as needed, with verification procedures developed by the department and sheriffs. The bill focuses on ensuring access to safe, affordable menstrual products without specifying funding mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 691 clarifies that "painting art studios" (establishments primarily offering painting instruction with food/beverage service) qualify for standard alcohol retail licenses. The bill amends statutes to explicitly include these studios in definitions and licensing categories alongside businesses like restaurants, movie theaters, and bowling centers. This change directly affects art studio owners seeking to serve alcohol during instructional sessions, aligning them with existing license eligibility rules. It does not create new licensing requirements but removes ambiguity about their status under current law. The bill also defines "candlemaking" as an art form but focuses primarily on enabling alcohol service in painting studios.

Maddy summarySB 716 adds a new provision (973.017(8m)) to sentencing guidelines, allowing courts to consider post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed from military service as a mitigating factor during sentencing for veterans. It specifically applies to individuals who served in the U.S. armed forces and have a documented PTSD diagnosis linked to their military service. The bill does not change sentencing ranges but gives judges discretion to weigh this factor when determining penalties for eligible veterans convicted of crimes. This affects veterans with service-connected PTSD who are facing sentencing in criminal cases. The bill takes effect for offenses committed on its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 708 requires state prisons, juvenile correctional facilities, and county jails to provide inmates and juveniles with free telecommunications access, including at least 180 minutes of weekly phone calls, 60 minutes of video calls, and 100 text messages. It creates new funding lines ($4.46 million for adult facilities, $517,500 for juvenile facilities in 2025-26) to cover these services and mandates centralized contracting to reduce costs. Counties must either join the state’s contracted telecom provider or submit detailed reports and cost data to the legislature. The bill prohibits charging inmates for basic service access and ensures facilities maintain existing service levels while allowing additional access if possible.