Sen. Howard Marklein

Maddy summarySB 648 prohibits Wisconsin state agencies from contracting with business entities tied to certain foreign governments designated as adversaries (like the People’s Republic of China or its government entities). It requires contractors to certify they are not prohibited entities and that their goods/services don’t originate from such entities, with state agencies relying on these certifications. Violations trigger penalties including fines up to $250,000 or twice the contract value, plus a 5-year ban on state contracts. Exceptions exist if goods/services are unavailable elsewhere and approved by the Department of Administration.

Maddy summarySB 331 updates rules for operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) by creating new definitions for specific vehicle types, including "dune buggies" and emergency-use vehicles operated by public safety agencies. The bill requires ATVs to have one headlight and tail light (with lights on), UTVs to have two of each with specified visibility standards (200 feet for headlights, 500 feet for tail lights), and mandates functional brakes for all vehicles. It also prohibits modifications that exceed width limits (except on private property) and adds a requirement for operators to render aid after accidents.

Maddy summarySB 419 allows courts to order emergency testing for certain diseases (like HIV or STIs) of criminal defendants without their consent in specific cases. It applies when a defendant allegedly committed a crime involving bodily fluids (blood, semen, etc.) that could transmit disease to public safety workers, prosecutors, or correctional staff. The bill requires court approval based on probable cause, mandates immediate disclosure of results to the defendant, and prohibits adding test results to the person's permanent medical record. It also creates new procedures for prosecutors to seek these orders quickly when public safety is at risk. This bill directly affects criminal defendants in cases involving potential disease transmission to protected public safety personnel.

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 309 grants legal immunity to 911 call centers and dispatchers who transfer callers to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It specifically protects them from civil lawsuits related to those transfers, unless the harm resulted from gross negligence or willful misconduct by the dispatcher or center. The bill defines the "national crisis hotline" as the federally managed 988 number (or its successor). This law directly affects public safety answering points in Wisconsin by limiting their liability when connecting individuals in crisis to the 988 service.

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 678 allows law enforcement officers to request a sample of a person's oral fluids (or breath) as a preliminary screening tool when they suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This applies before an arrest for DUI violations, and the test results can only be used to decide whether to arrest the driver or request a formal chemical test later. The bill specifies that refusal to take this oral fluid screening does not trigger penalties under other statutes, and the results cannot be used as evidence in court except to establish probable cause for an arrest. It directly affects drivers suspected of DUI and officers conducting roadside screenings.

Maddy summarySB 620 requires sex offenders on parole or extended supervision who cannot provide an address to notify the department within 24 hours of becoming unable to do so. It also mandates that the department use location tracking technology (passive positioning systems) for these individuals if they fail to provide an address as required under existing registration rules. The bill directly affects sex offenders subject to registration who lose the ability to provide a stable address. Key mechanisms include the 24-hour notification deadline and automatic departmental implementation of tracking when address information is unavailable. The policy change ensures continuous monitoring of this specific group to maintain public safety oversight.

Maddy summarySB 537 prohibits the sale, installation, or distribution of nonfunctional airbags (deployed, faulty, or misleading replacements) and counterfeit airbags (unauthorized imitations of original parts). It defines these terms clearly and applies to dealers, mechanics, and sellers who must ensure airbags meet safety standards. Violations carry fines up to $5,000 or up to one year in jail, with felony charges for repeat offenses or cases causing injury or death. The law includes limited exemptions for police vehicles, dealers without knowledge of issues, and insurance-related vehicle transfers.

Maddy summarySB 459 clarifies the standard courts must use to admit expert witness testimony in legal cases. It requires judges to determine, before testimony is presented, that it is "more likely than not" based on sufficient facts, reliable methods, and properly applied to the case details. This change directly affects courts, lawyers, and expert witnesses in civil and criminal trials by strengthening the judge's role in reviewing testimony quality. The bill does not create new laws but refines existing rules for evaluating expert evidence, applying to cases filed after its effective date.