Sen. Melissa Ratcliff

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Wisconsin's property tax deferral loan program to increase the maximum loan amount from $3,525 to $5,000 annually. It also establishes an annual adjustment mechanism that ties the loan limit to changes in the consumer price index, ensuring the amount keeps pace with inflation. The legislation applies these changes to loans where applications are filed after the bill's effective date. Additionally, the bill allows the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority to use up to 5 percent of allocated funds for marketing the program. Eligible participants must still meet existing income requirements, earning no more than $20,000 or 80 percent of the area median income.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals in Wisconsin to offer free postpartum home visits to new mothers and their infants upon request, provided the birth occurred within the last 14 days. The visits can be conducted by trained doulas, licensed midwives, nurse-midwives, or other licensed healthcare providers and must be scheduled within 14 days of the request. Additionally, the bill mandates that state and local disability insurance plans and self-insured health plans covering maternity services must include coverage for these visits without any cost-sharing requirements. The bill also establishes definitions for postpartum home visits and specifies that hospitals cannot charge patients directly for these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state assistance program to help smaller municipalities, specifically 3rd and 4th class cities, villages, and towns, upgrade their water infrastructure to meet federal water quality standards. The program would provide up to 50 percent funding for approved construction projects and requires local governments to submit applications for consideration. The Department of Natural Resources would administer the program, set eligibility criteria, prioritize projects, and review project plans before releasing funds. The legislation also allocates $10 million in state funding for the program in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 20 percent purchasing goal for state agencies and local governments to buy products and services from businesses with a principal place of business in Wisconsin. It requires state departments and purchasing agents to attempt to meet this target each fiscal year, while also ensuring the percentage does not fall below the previous year's level. The legislation mandates that agencies collect and publicly report data on vendor locations and evaluate their progress toward meeting these goals. Local governments are given the option to opt out of the reporting requirements through a formal resolution. The bill also defines "local products or services" and includes exemptions for commercial resale items and situations where foreign vendors face similar government purchasing restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Wisconsin statutes to clarify how vacancies on county boards should be filled. It requires the board chairperson to publish a public notice inviting applications when a vacancy occurs, allowing qualified local residents to apply for the position. The bill also establishes rules for appointing interim board members or holding special elections depending on when the vacancy happens during the term. These changes affect county board members, their chairs, and residents seeking to serve on local governing bodies.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "qualified applicants" for buyer identification cards as licensed motor vehicle dealers, wholesalers, salvage dealers, school districts, and their employees. The legislation clarifies that dealers licensed in other jurisdictions are also included in this definition. By amending the relevant statute, the bill establishes who is eligible to obtain these identification cards. The measure does not create new programs or change existing procedures beyond this definitional clarification.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors the life and legacy of Anne Arnesen, a longtime advocate for children and families who passed away in January 2026. The resolution recognizes her contributions as a community leader, school board member, and activist who served in various roles including leading the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families for 22 years. It formally acknowledges her dedication to civil service, women's rights, and social justice through her work with multiple organizations and her years of public service. The bill is a commemorative measure intended to recognize her impact on Wisconsin rather than to change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates the U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team on winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. It specifically highlights the achievements of Wisconsin-affiliated players and staff, including former and current University of Wisconsin athletes who competed on the team. The resolution formally commends the athletes, coaches, and support staff for their success and wishes them continued success. The bill is a ceremonial measure with no regulatory or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution directs the Wisconsin Senate to schedule additional floor sessions between April 14 and April 16, 2026, and to hold extraordinary sessions through December 31, 2026, to consider bills aimed at reducing costs for Wisconsinites. The measure specifically calls for passing legislation introduced by minority party members that address affordability issues such as utility rates, health care premiums, child care costs, and agricultural expenses. It was introduced in March 2026 by a bipartisan group of senators and referred to the Committee on Senate Organization, where it later failed to adopt following a vote to withdraw from committee. The resolution does not create new laws itself but establishes procedural requirements for the Senate to convene additional voting periods during the 2025-26 legislative session.

Maddy summarySB 992 clarifies and expands eligibility for Wisconsin's child care subsidy program (Shares) to include "like-kin" caregivers - non-biological individuals who have formed family-like bonds with children. It directly affects caregivers who provide regular care for children under court orders but aren't blood relatives, such as close family friends or guardians. Key changes include updating definitions to explicitly include "like-kin" in subsidy eligibility, adjusting income calculations to count certain court-ordered payments, and ensuring these caregivers qualify for subsidies when meeting income thresholds. The bill makes no new funding commitments but streamlines access to existing child care support for these families.