Sen. Melissa Ratcliff

Maddy summarySB 507 repeals two sections of state law (108.04 (2) (h) and 108.04 (12) (f)) that previously prevented Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients from receiving unemployment insurance benefits simultaneously. This change would allow individuals receiving SSDI to also qualify for unemployment benefits during periods of job loss. The bill removes the existing legal barrier, enabling these recipients to access both forms of financial support concurrently. It takes effect for unemployment weeks beginning the first Sunday after the bill is published.

Maddy summarySB 446 creates a state grant program to fund immigration-related civil legal services for individuals and families, allocating $300,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The Department of Administration will award grants to community-based organizations (including for-profit groups) that provide such services without regard to a client's immigration status, requiring applicants to have a history of offering these services. The bill also amends county funding rules to allow local governments to provide broader civil legal services to individuals and families through separate county grants, which are not limited to immigration matters.

Maddy summarySB 468 reduces costs for trade license applicants by appropriating $181,900 annually to offset fees for third-party-administered examinations required for occupational licenses (e.g., plumbing, electrical work). It directly affects individuals seeking state-licensed trades by lowering their examination expenses through state funding. The bill creates a new statute section (20.165 (2) (b)) authorizing this cost reduction using General Purpose Revenue (GPR) funds. This change applies specifically to exams administered by external providers, not state-run tests.

Maddy summarySB 487 modifies training requirements for concealed carry license applicants and renewers in this state. It expands acceptable proof of training to include out-of-state licenses that document required training, and adds new mandatory training components like suicide prevention, de-escalation techniques, and firearm safety storage practices. The bill requires applicants to submit proof of continuing training (including specific topics like live-fire practice and de-escalation) when renewing licenses. These changes apply to all new applications or renewals submitted on the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 495 would require charter schools and private schools participating in state school choice programs (under sections 115.7915, 118.60, or 119.23) to comply with Wisconsin's public records and open meetings laws. This means these schools would need to follow rules for public access to meetings and certain records, such as financial documents. However, the bill explicitly exempts student pupil records from public inspection under state law. The legislation expands the scope of existing public records statutes to include these schools as "authorities" and "governmental bodies" for compliance purposes. This change directly affects participating schools by adding transparency requirements while maintaining confidentiality for individual student records.

Maddy summarySJR 93 is a ceremonial resolution designating November 2025 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but symbolically recognizes the impact of pancreatic cancer through official proclamation. The resolution cites statistics including an estimated 1,060 pancreatic cancer deaths in Wisconsin this year and notes pancreatic cancer could become the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the state by 2025. It encourages Wisconsin residents to increase awareness and education about pancreatic cancer and support services for patients. This resolution directly affects all Wisconsin citizens by formally acknowledging a public health issue through legislative recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 90 is a symbolic resolution that declares January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Wisconsin. It aims to increase public awareness about human trafficking, which the resolution describes as modern-day slavery targeting vulnerable groups like youth (with an average victim age of 12-15), people with disabilities, and those disconnected from support networks. The resolution emphasizes statewide recognition of trafficking in all 72 counties and encourages education to identify victims and support prevention efforts. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal statement of the state's commitment to addressing human trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJR 83) is a symbolic resolution recognizing November 10, 2025, as the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior. It commemorates the loss of all 29 crew members in the 1975 storm and acknowledges the impact on families, particularly noting eight Wisconsin residents among the crew. As a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill), it has no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or regulations. The resolution serves solely to honor the tragedy and the maritime industry's ongoing service.

Maddy summarySJR 99 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 14, 2025, as "First Responders Appreciation Day" in Wisconsin. It honors all professional and volunteer police, fire, and emergency medical services personnel (including Wisconsin's over 4,800 career firefighters, 20,600 volunteer firefighters, 14,700 law enforcement officers, and 17,426 EMS personnel) for their daily service and risks. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it merely declares a day of recognition through legislative proclamation. It does not create new requirements, funding, or changes to laws affecting first responders.

Maddy summarySB 463 would repeal Section 104.001 of the statutes, which currently allows local governments (like cities or counties) to establish their own minimum wage rates higher than the state minimum. This bill directly affects local jurisdictions that have enacted or plan to enact higher local minimum wage ordinances. The key mechanism is the removal of this statutory provision, effectively preventing cities or counties from setting their own minimum wage rates above the state level. If passed, it would eliminate the legal basis for local minimum wage ordinances across the state.