Maddy summarySB 258 modifies statutes to allow certified licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to certify physical disabilities for permit applications, expanding the list of eligible professionals alongside physicians and other healthcare providers. Specifically, it amends sections 29.193 to permit APRNs to prepare and sign medical reports verifying physical disabilities for applicants seeking permits, replacing "licensed physician" with a broader list that includes APRNs in these contexts. The bill also makes technical changes to other statutes related to APRNs' practice authority but does not alter core scope-of-practice rules. This directly affects applicants for disability permits who may now use APRNs for required medical certifications. The bill focuses on administrative updates rather than new policy mandates.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySJR 63 is a symbolic resolution that officially designates June as "Dairy Month" in Wisconsin. It recognizes the state's long history with dairy, from early 19th-century farmers to modern contributions, including the industry's $45.6 billion annual economic impact and over 6,000 dairy farms. The resolution has no new requirements or funding - it simply honors dairy farmers' role in Wisconsin's heritage and identity through a formal proclamation. It directly affects the state's dairy industry and its cultural recognition, but does not create new laws or policies. This is a ceremonial gesture, not a substantive legislative change.
Maddy summarySJR 51 is a ceremonial resolution declaring May as Eye Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws but formally designates the month to highlight the importance of eye health. The resolution encourages all Wisconsin residents to prioritize eye care through regular exams and protective measures like wearing sunglasses, while urging public and private organizations to support related education and resources. This resolution directly affects Wisconsin residents and community entities by promoting awareness of preventable vision conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Maddy summarySB 254 creates a $9 million annual appropriation to fund war memorials in populous counties. Memorial boards must provide at least 50% matching funds to request support for operations, maintenance, construction, or improvements of memorial facilities. The Department of Veterans Affairs reviews requests within 60 days and disburses approved funds within 30 days. Boards must submit annual reports detailing fund usage to the legislature.
Maddy summarySB 505 allows resident disabled veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating to hunt deer of either sex during any open firearm deer hunting season in the state. To qualify, veterans must provide proof of their veteran status (per 38 U.S.C. § 101) and receive disability compensation at the required rating level (under 38 U.S.C. §§ 1114, 1134, or 38 C.F.R. § 4.16). The bill amends hunting regulations to remove restrictions on deer sex during firearm seasons for this specific group. It directly affects disabled veterans meeting these documented criteria, expanding their hunting opportunities under existing seasons.
Maddy summarySB 386 regulates virtual currency kiosks in the state, requiring operators to obtain a license and directly affecting both kiosk businesses and customers using these services. Key provisions include mandatory fraud warnings displayed physically and electronically before every transaction, strict identity verification (requiring government ID copies, photos, and personal details for each customer), and daily transaction limits of $1,000 in traditional money. The bill also caps fees at $5 or 3% of the transaction amount and mandates refunds for customers fraudulently induced into transactions within 30 days. These rules aim to enhance consumer protection while establishing clear operational standards for kiosk operators.
Maddy summarySB 490 amends Wisconsin's prevailing wage laws to establish a statewide standard for construction projects funded by public entities. It creates new privacy protections (Section 1), prohibiting authorities from sharing employee names or personally identifiable information without consent on projects subject to prevailing wage rules. The bill also defines key terms like "prevailing wage rate" (Section 6), clarifies that local governments cannot impose stricter wage requirements than the state standard (Section 8), and specifies which projects qualify for prevailing wage coverage (Sections 2-9). These changes directly affect contractors bidding on public works projects and local governments administering construction contracts.
Maddy summarySB 617 designates November 11 (Veterans Day) as an official state holiday when offices of Wisconsin state government must close. It adds November 11 to the list of required closing days in state statute (230.35(4)(a)5m) and amends existing provisions to include Veterans Day as a paid holiday for state employees. The bill specifies that all state employees (except limited-term hires) will receive 9-10 paid holidays annually, with Veterans Day now counting toward that total. This change takes effect January 1 following publication, aligning Wisconsin state government operations with Veterans Day observance.
Maddy summarySB 602 prohibits virtual schools (online-only schools) from participating in Wisconsin's parental choice programs, such as school voucher initiatives. It adds new requirements to statutes governing these programs, stating that participating private schools must not be classified as "virtual schools" under state law. This rule applies to the 2026-27 school year, directly affecting private schools seeking to join choice programs by excluding those that operate entirely online. The bill changes eligibility rules without altering funding amounts or creating new financial mechanisms.
Maddy summarySB 604 requires teachers and administrators in private schools participating in Wisconsin’s parental choice programs (like voucher programs) and the Special Needs Scholarship Program to hold state-issued teaching licenses starting July 1, 2027. It creates a 5-year temporary waiver for current staff with at least five years of experience who don’t yet meet licensing requirements, valid until July 1, 2032. The bill exempts teachers of rabbinical studies from the license requirement. It amends existing laws to enforce these standards while granting the state education department rule-making authority to implement the changes.