Sen. Melissa Ratcliff

Maddy summarySB 514 allows 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote using standard registration methods, such as online or mail-in forms. The bill creates a new section (6.31) specifying that preregistration is available for eligible individuals aged 16 or 17 under existing voter eligibility rules. Crucially, preregistered names cannot appear on official voter lists until the individual turns 18, ensuring they cannot vote before reaching the legal voting age. This change streamlines the process for young people to become active voters once they turn 18, without altering the minimum voting age requirement.

Maddy summarySB 503 creates a $200,000 annual grant program to fund safe firearm disposal initiatives run by counties or law enforcement agencies. Eligible entities must advertise the program, use law enforcement personnel (with possible overtime funding), securely store firearms until destruction, prevent fraud, require dealer inspections before payment, and restrict gift cards from being redeemed for firearms. The bill requires grantees to report firearm details and program outcomes to the Department of Justice, with annual reports due by July 1, 2028. This program directly affects local jurisdictions implementing firearm disposal services, providing funding to support their safe collection and destruction efforts.

Maddy summarySJR 104 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing September 23, 2025, and September 23, 2026, as "Celebrate Bisexuality Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally acknowledges the bisexual community's contributions and resilience. The resolution highlights the annual observance of this day nationally and internationally, aiming to increase visibility and respect for bisexual individuals. It directly affects Wisconsin's bisexual community by affirming legislative support for their recognition. This is a symbolic gesture, not a substantive policy change.

Maddy summarySB 590 establishes new rules for faculty tenure and probationary appointments at University of Wisconsin System institutions. It defines "probationary appointment" as a position before a tenure decision and sets a maximum of seven consecutive academic years for such appointments (excluding leaves of absence). The bill requires the University of Wisconsin System board to create rules governing tenure decisions, performance reviews, and faculty dismissals, ensuring recommendations avoid impermissible factors. It also mandates that faculty with tenure or probationary appointments can only be dismissed for just cause after due process.

Maddy summarySJR 42 is a ceremonial resolution that declares 2025 as "the Year of the Snake" to honor the Lunar New Year and celebrate Asian American cultural traditions in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it symbolically recognizes the significance of the Lunar New Year in Asian cultures and the positive traits associated with the snake in Chinese tradition. The resolution aims to foster appreciation for Wisconsin's diverse Asian American communities and their contributions to the state's cultural fabric. This is a non-binding proclamation with no direct impact on legislation or affected populations.

Maddy summarySB 272 amends Wisconsin's Family Care eligibility rules to directly include individuals who are deaf-blind, as defined by federal law (29 U.S.C. § 1905). This change means deaf-blind individuals will now qualify for Family Care services without needing to undergo a separate assessment of their care needs. The bill updates the statute to establish deaf-blindness as a clear, standalone eligibility category, simplifying access to this state-supported care program for this specific group.

Maddy summarySJR 49 designates May 14, 2025, and 2026, as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin to honor veterans who served alongside U.S. forces in the Vietnam War. The resolution recognizes the historical contributions of Hmong-Lao fighters recruited by the U.S. during the war, their post-war displacement, and their resettlement in Wisconsin communities. It formally acknowledges their service through legislative recognition, building on existing state law (2021 Wisconsin Act 31) that already designates May 14 for this purpose. This commemorative resolution directly affects Hmong-Lao veterans and their families in Wisconsin, with no new policy requirements or funding impacts.

Maddy summarySJR 62 is a ceremonial joint resolution that formally proclaims January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, as the "Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary." It commemorates 125 years of the state park system, established in 1900 with Interstate Park, now encompassing over 307,000 acres and welcoming approximately 20 million annual visitors. This resolution has no policy impact or cost; it is purely symbolic recognition of the park system's history, conservation efforts, and economic contributions (e.g., $11.2 billion in state GDP). It affects no individuals or entities through new requirements or funding.

Maddy summarySJR 53 is a symbolic resolution designating May 2025 and May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the importance of mental well-being for all Wisconsinites, aiming to promote dialogue, reduce stigma, and highlight existing mental health challenges across the state. The resolution affects all residents by encouraging community awareness during this designated month.

Maddy summarySJR 50 is a ceremonial joint resolution congratulating the Milwaukee Rufus King Cheer and Stunt Team for winning Wisconsin Association of Cheer and Pom Coaches (WACPC) championships in both the Non-Tumble and Cheer Dance divisions during the 2025 season. It recognizes their historic achievement as the first Milwaukee Public Schools team to win two state cheer championships in a single season, marking their sixth overall title and fourth consecutive win. The resolution, introduced by multiple senators and representatives, formally expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's appreciation for the team's "determination, perseverance, and talent" without creating any new policies or affecting funding. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legislative impact beyond ceremonial recognition.