Sen. Melissa Ratcliff

Maddy summarySB 574 creates a state funding mechanism to maintain Wisconsin's WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program benefits during federal government shutdowns. It requires the Department of Health Services to continue providing WIC benefits at pre-shutdown levels if federal funding lapses, specifically referencing the October 1, 2025 funding gap. The bill ensures uninterrupted access to nutrition support for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children who rely on WIC. This temporary provision expires on October 1, 2026, and is repealed upon federal funding restoration. The measure directly affects WIC participants and state budgeting during federal funding interruptions.

Maddy summarySB 461 clarifies the definition of "design-build project" for Department of Transportation (DOT) contracts. It specifies that such projects involve procuring design, engineering, construction, and related services through a single contract with one private entity (like a company or joint venture), rather than separate contracts. This procedural bill updates statute 84.062(1)(e) to remove ambiguity in how DOT contracts are structured. The change affects DOT's contracting procedures but does not alter project requirements or impact specific groups directly. The bill passed on November 18, 2025, after third reading.

Maddy summarySB 264 requires health insurance plans and the Medical Assistance program to cover specific breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. It defines two key types of screenings: "diagnostic breast examinations" (used to evaluate symptoms or abnormalities, like mammograms) and "supplemental breast screening examinations" (for high-risk individuals without symptoms, using MRI or ultrasound). The bill prohibits cost-sharing (such as copays) for all diagnostic screenings and for the first supplemental screening per year, while allowing limited cost-sharing for additional supplemental screenings in the same year. This directly affects individuals with health insurance or Medical Assistance who require these screenings, particularly those at higher risk for breast cancer.

Maddy summarySB 23 extends Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days (one year) after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. The bill modifies eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family income above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if medical expenses for family members are covered, extending this eligibility to all family members. The bill requires federal approval for the 365-day extension to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 466 raises the age threshold for issuing a Missing Child Alert from under 10 to under 12 years. It directly affects minors aged 10 or 11 who go missing and are deemed unable to return home without assistance due to a disability or condition. The bill amends statute 175.51(1m)(a)2 to change the age requirement from "not attained the age of 10 years" to "not attained the age of 12 years." This adjustment ensures children in this age group qualify for alerts when their safety is at risk. The change applies to alerts issued when a minor's location is unknown and other alert criteria aren't met.

Maddy summarySB 413 provides legal immunity for individuals who assist sexual assault victims by calling 911, reporting the assault, or seeking help at a medical facility. It extends the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault prosecutions from 10 to 20 years for specific offenses under state law. The bill also allows tenants who are sexual assault victims to immediately terminate their lease by providing an injunction order, without liability for future rent, and requires landlords to change locks upon request. Additionally, it mandates 20-year storage of sexual assault kits to give victims more time to report incidents. These changes directly affect sexual assault victims, tenants in rental housing, and individuals seeking to assist victims without fear of drug-related charges.

Maddy summarySB 439 authorizes annual state funding to three local governments in Oregon: the Village of Oregon ($172,400), the Town of Oregon ($51,100), and the Town of Rutland ($1,100) for the 2026-27 fiscal year. It creates a new process where the Department of Revenue must distribute these specific amounts by June 30 each year as "levy adjustment grants" under statute 73.50. These grants are designed to offset local tax levy increases, providing direct financial support to these communities. The bill passed unanimously in November 2025 and establishes a recurring funding mechanism for these municipalities.

Maddy summarySJR 92 is a ceremonial resolution that directs the Wisconsin Legislature to officially proclaim October 2025 as "Filipino American History Month" within the state. It recognizes the historical contributions of Filipino Americans, including their early settlements in the U.S., their growth in Wisconsin (over 22,000 residents), and their roles in fields like healthcare, education, and military service. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges this history to promote awareness and appreciation. It aligns with the national observance established in 1991 and follows Wisconsin's tradition of recognizing cultural heritage months.

Maddy summarySJR 34 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Wisconsin's child support program on its 50th anniversary, specifically commemorating January 4, 2025 - the date President Ford signed the 1975 federal law establishing the program. It recognizes the program's role in serving 341,000 children and collecting $841 million in support during fiscal year 2023, while highlighting its anti-poverty impact and collaboration between county, state, and tribal agencies. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it solely expresses legislative commendation for program staff and the program's national leadership in child support collection. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct policy changes or new obligations for affected parties.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin legislative resolution (SJR 103) condemns Russia's abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, citing violations of international law under the Genocide Convention. It specifically states that Russia's actions - including forced adoptions, re-education programs, and policies like declaring children born in occupied Ukraine as Russian citizens - aim to erase Ukrainian identity and culture. The resolution declares these acts constitute genocide and holds Russia's government responsible, while noting increased risks of child exploitation due to the invasion. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal force but formally expresses the legislature's stance against Russia's actions.