Sen. Melissa Ratcliff

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state tax credit for individuals who purchase subscriptions to qualifying local newspapers, which are defined as newspapers eligible to print legal notices. The credit allows taxpayers to claim 50 percent of their subscription costs as a credit against their state income tax, with a maximum benefit of $250 per year or $125 for married individuals filing separate returns. To use the credit, taxpayers must file a claim within the standard tax filing period for the year in which they paid for the subscriptions. The legislation applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and follows existing administrative procedures for similar tax credits.

Maddy summarySB 947 requires firearm owners to report lost or stolen guns to local law enforcement within 24 hours. Law enforcement must then forward these reports to a state database for tracking, and owners must report recovery of a firearm as soon as possible. Failure to report a lost or stolen firearm carries penalties: a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, escalating to a Class I felony for repeat violations. Additionally, sellers must provide new buyers written notice of these reporting requirements and penalties at the time of sale. The bill directly affects firearm owners, sellers, and law enforcement agencies.

Maddy summarySB 946 requires firearm sellers in Wisconsin to provide a specific written warning about child access risks and either a secure container or trigger lock during retail sales or transfers. The warning must state: "IF YOU LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD YOU MAY BE FINED OR IMPRISONED OR BOTH..." The bill directly affects retail firearm sellers, mandating these provisions at the point of sale. Violations carry penalties of up to $500 fine, 30 days in jail, or both. The legislation focuses on preventing accidental firearm access by children through mandatory seller actions during transactions.

Maddy summarySB 1039 modifies state grant programs to support broadband expansion in underserved areas. It repeals outdated sections of law and amends statutes to allow cities, villages, towns, and counties to apply for grants covering infrastructure construction, project planning (including feasibility reports), and up to 50% of costs for hiring a dedicated broadband director. The bill directly affects local governments seeking to expand high-speed internet access in areas without reliable service. Grants will be funded from specific state appropriations allocated for broadband projects. This bill focuses on streamlining funding mechanisms for local broadband development.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes increasing state funding for passenger rail operations by $10 million and allocating an additional $5.2 million for feasibility studies on rail expansion projects. The funds would be directed to the state department of transportation to support existing passenger rail services and evaluate potential new routes. The legislation directly affects state transportation budgets and passengers who use rail services. It does not create new rail lines but provides resources for operational support and planning future infrastructure development.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a funding mechanism to reimburse municipalities for services they provide to state facilities and University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority properties. It requires state agencies to make full payments for municipal services like water, sewer, electricity, and waste disposal at established rates, with funds drawn from existing state appropriations. The legislation also outlines procedures for assessing program revenue costs to cover these payments and mandates annual reporting of payments to the state department. If available funds are insufficient in a given year, the bill requires prorating payments among eligible municipalities. The law applies to payments made in 2026 and amends existing statutes governing state-municipal financial transactions.

Maddy summarySB 1045 legalizes recreational cannabis possession for adults, establishes a new Division of Cannabis Regulation within the Department of Agriculture, and creates a Cannabis Conviction Review Unit to expunge or adjust past marijuana-related convictions. It allocates $30 million annually for cannabis regulation operations, funds a medical cannabis registry program with $5 million per year, and creates new tax revenue streams for enforcement and research. The bill repeals outdated marijuana laws, regulates cannabis production and sales through licensing, and sets up a system for individuals to seek conviction expungement. These changes directly affect all Wisconsin residents, particularly those with prior cannabis convictions, and establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the state's cannabis industry.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally recognizes the life and leadership of Bob Harlan, the former president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers. The bill highlights his contributions to the franchise, including hiring key personnel, leading the team to a Super Bowl victory, and overseeing a major stadium redevelopment. It serves as a commemorative tribute rather than enacting new policy or funding. The resolution was adopted by the Wisconsin Senate but did not receive concurrence from the Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally honors the life and public service of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a civil rights activist and politician who passed away in February 2026. The resolution recognizes his contributions to the American civil rights movement, his founding of Operation PUSH, his political campaigns, and his advocacy for racial equity and social justice. It also acknowledges his connections to Wisconsin, including his visits to lead prayers in the state assembly. The bill expresses the legislature's condolences to Jackson's family and community while commemorating his legacy of pursuing freedom and justice.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits disability insurance policies and self-insured health plans from using the Salzmann Evaluation Index alone to deny coverage for treating severe misalignment or malocclusion of teeth. It directly affects dental coverage under various health insurance plans, including limited service organizations, preferred provider plans, and defined network plans. The legislation requires these plans to consider additional clinical factors beyond the Salzmann Index when making prior authorization decisions for orthodontic treatment. The bill applies to policies and plans starting with the 2026-2027 plan year, with additional provisions for collective bargaining agreements.