Sen. Melissa Ratcliff

Maddy summarySB 401 requires employer-sponsored disability insurance policies and self-insured health plans to cover maternity and newborn care as an essential health benefit, directly affecting employees and their families. The bill mandates coverage with minimal or no out-of-pocket costs, prohibits discrimination in coverage decisions based on disability or life expectancy, and directs the Insurance Commissioner to set specific benefit standards through rules. The Commissioner must base these standards on typical employer coverage surveys and update them periodically to address gaps in access. This applies to most employer health plans but excludes certain disability policies described in existing law.

Maddy summarySB 329 creates a $700,000 annual grant program to train law enforcement on filing extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. The bill amends background check requirements to include searches for active ERPOs under Section 813.124, ensuring courts and law enforcement verify if applicants are subject to such orders before firearm purchases. It also clarifies court procedures for ERPO cases, including venue rules and extensions of temporary orders when judges are reassigned. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (through training grants), courts (via updated procedures), and individuals subject to ERPOs.

Maddy summarySB 330 extends the waiting period for handgun purchases from 48 hours to a maximum of 5 working days when a background check reveals uncertainty about a buyer's eligibility under state or federal law. It requires the Department of Justice to complete its verification within this 5-day window and notify the firearms dealer of the results. This change directly affects handgun buyers whose background checks initially show unclear eligibility and firearms dealers who must wait for the department's final determination. The bill modifies existing statutes to clarify the timeline for resolving ambiguous background check results.

Maddy summarySB 362 defines acceptable forms of identification for voting by specifying that a state-issued driver's license or identification card meeting federal requirements (as outlined in P.L. 109-13) qualifies. This bill directly affects voters who need to present ID to cast ballots at polling places. The key provision creates a new statutory section (5.02(6m)(a)5.) to formally list these state-issued IDs as valid proof of identity. The bill is procedural and does not alter voting procedures or requirements beyond this specific identification definition.

Maddy summarySJR 84 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Wisconsin's Hispanic veterans, not a law with policy changes. It formally honors the service of Hispanic veterans who have served in the U.S. military, including those living in Wisconsin (estimated at 8,500). The resolution does not create new programs or alter existing policies - it simply expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's recognition of their sacrifices. This is a commemorative measure, consistent with Hispanic Heritage Month observances, and affects no specific individuals or groups through legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 360 bans the release of 10 or more gas-filled balloons (like helium balloons) into the atmosphere, with exceptions for indoor releases authorized by property owners, scientific/meteorological purposes, or government activities. It creates a $500 minimum penalty per violation for breaking this rule, with the department allowed to create implementing rules. The bill directly affects individuals and businesses that release large quantities of such balloons publicly, excluding specific permitted uses. It does not apply to balloons released indoors with permission, for science, or by government entities.

Maddy summarySB 349 increases state reimbursement for school medical services from 60% to 100% of the federal share for eligible school districts, cooperative educational service agencies, and specialized programs like the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It also raises reimbursement for allowable administrative costs from 90% to 100% of the federal share. The bill applies to all entities providing school medical services that meet federal requirements and allows claims for transportation costs as part of these services. This change directly affects school districts and specialized educational programs by increasing state funding for these services.

Maddy summarySJR 85 is a symbolic resolution recognizing August 2025 as Immunization Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or change existing requirements; instead, it formally acknowledges the importance of immunizations through a legislative declaration. The resolution cites statistics on vaccine effectiveness (e.g., preventing hospitalizations and deaths) and references Wisconsin’s school immunization rules, but the resolution itself has no direct impact on policy or individuals. It serves only as a public recognition gesture, with no funding, mandates, or enforcement mechanisms. This is a procedural resolution with no concrete policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 99 creates a Spinal Cord Injury Council to oversee research grants and allocates $2.5 million biennially for spinal cord injury research in Wisconsin. The council, composed of researchers, individuals with spinal cord injuries, veterans, family members, and medical professionals, develops grant criteria and reviews applications. Researchers receiving grants must present findings at department-hosted symposia every two years and report annual progress to the legislature. The bill specifically funds innovative treatments and rehabilitative approaches, with grants allowing up to 8% for administrative costs.

Maddy summarySB 396 increases funding for the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program by $512,900 for fiscal year 2025-26 (adding 7 staff positions) and $602,800 for fiscal year 2026-27. This directly expands services provided to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs by authorizing additional staff to support outreach and recovery efforts. The bill makes specific appropriations to the department without creating new program requirements or altering eligibility. It affects veterans seeking outreach services and the department’s capacity to deliver them.