Sen. Melissa Ratcliff

Maddy summarySB 212 requires ballot questions for referendums and constitutional amendments to be written in plain language and avoid misleading phrasing (e.g., requiring a "no" vote to approve a proposal). It mandates that questions clearly state whether any part of a constitutional amendment is already part of current law. This bill affects all future voter referendums in the state by standardizing ballot language to improve clarity for voters.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJR 60) is a symbolic resolution that formally proclaims June 6, 2025, as "Gun Violence Awareness Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but uses the legislature's authority to recognize gun violence as a critical public health issue, citing statistics on firearm deaths and injuries in Wisconsin (including 741 annual gun deaths, 64% suicides, and 1,500 annual injuries). The resolution aims to raise public awareness and align with broader efforts to address gun violence, as noted in its "whereas" clauses referencing national and state data. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by designating a specific day for community reflection and education on the topic.

Maddy summarySB 19 creates a fee waiver for Wisconsin state park vehicle admissions for families with 4th graders who have an active Every Kid Outdoors pass from the U.S. National Park Service. It directly affects Wisconsin residents who are parents or guardians of eligible 4th graders, waiving the annual vehicle admission fee (including issuance costs) for vehicles with Wisconsin plates. The bill requires proof of the child's pass and the parent/guardian's ownership of the vehicle. This policy change provides free access to state parks for these families without altering existing park fees for other visitors.

Maddy summarySB 292 creates a new statutory provision (94.701 (3) (b) 9) that requires local governments to regulate pesticides specifically to protect pollinators - defined as insects that pollinate flowers - and their habitats. The bill directly affects local pesticide regulations, requiring communities to consider pollinator safety when adopting rules. It establishes a clear legal framework for local action but does not specify particular pesticide restrictions or enforcement methods. This is a procedural bill defining regulatory scope, not a detailed policy measure.

Maddy summarySB 293 requires all state agencies to prioritize using native prairie and forage plants in their projects to support native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It creates a new statute (20.935) defining "state agency" broadly and mandating that agencies use these native plants where appropriate. The Department of Natural Resources must provide requested information to help agencies implement this requirement. The bill directly affects every state agency that manages land or projects, with no financial or regulatory changes beyond the preference for native plants.

Maddy summarySB 319 designates the rusty patched bumble bee (*Bombus affinis*) as Wisconsin's official state native insect. The bill amends state statutes to add this designation to the list of official state symbols included in the Wisconsin Blue Book. This is a ceremonial change with no regulatory impact, affecting only the state's official documentation. It does not alter conservation policies or impose new requirements on any individuals or entities.

Maddy summarySJR 61 designates June 2025 as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about the importance of pollinators like bees and butterflies to agriculture and ecosystems. It highlights Wisconsin's existing efforts, such as "No Mow May" initiatives, which have demonstrated positive impacts on bee populations. The resolution encourages community engagement in pollinator-friendly practices, such as planting native species and reducing pesticide use, without imposing new requirements on residents or organizations.

Maddy summarySB 298 prohibits Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources from using neonicotinoid insecticides on state lands acquired and maintained under section 23.09(2)(d). This directly affects the department's land management practices on public parks, preserves, and conservation areas. The ban includes three key exceptions: existing farming agreements entered before the law's effective date, forest insect control on state forests/nurseries, and designated infestation zones under existing forest management rules. The bill creates a clear policy change by restricting a specific pesticide class on most state lands while preserving necessary forestry applications.

Maddy summarySB 2 expands veterans' burial benefits to cover individuals who served in Laos supporting U.S. efforts during the Vietnam War. It directly affects eligible veterans (including those covered by the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000) who previously did not qualify for national cemetery burial under existing rules. The bill adds a new provision (45.61 (2) (e)) to state law, linking eligibility for burial benefits to the federal naturalization act for these veterans. This change creates a concrete policy update to include a specific group of veterans in existing burial benefit programs. The bill is currently referred to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 236 is a technical amendment to update the bill's language from "broadband service" to "wireless service" in multiple sections. It does not create new penalties or change existing legal requirements for tampering with telecommunication or electric wires. The bill directly affects how the law references service types in its text, aligning terminology with modern technology. This is a procedural correction with no substantive policy impact, as the bill only adjusts wording in existing legal references. The measure was reported out of committee unanimously but was later laid on the table without further action.