Sen. Howard Marklein

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to ambulance staffing rules, license renewal procedures, certification reciprocity standards, and tax benefits for volunteer emergency responders in Wisconsin. It would allow physicians, physician assistants, and registered nurses to practice their full scope of duties while staffing ambulances without departmental restrictions. The bill also simplifies the process for out-of-state emergency medical responders to obtain Wisconsin licenses by reducing documentation requirements and establishes clear pathways for late license renewal and reinstatement based on how long a license has been expired. Additionally, it creates a tax subtraction of up to $2,000 for stipends received by volunteer emergency responders based on calls or shifts worked.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend the state constitution to require the legislature to account for all state funds using generally accepted accounting principles and to prevent passing any legislation that would increase projected deficits in state funds. It mandates that annual or biennial budget bills must reduce existing deficits by at least one-tenth of the projected annual increase in tax revenues for each fiscal year, and once a deficit is eliminated, no new legislation can create a projected deficit in that fund. The measure directly affects the state legislature and state financial management by establishing stricter budgetary rules and transparency requirements for how state money is tracked and spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate joint resolution that formally commends Wisconsin employers who allow their employees to leave work to perform volunteer emergency medical services duties during emergencies. It recognizes the importance of volunteer EMS providers, particularly in rural areas where they make up a significant portion of the workforce, and acknowledges that current state law only requires employers to permit time off for emergencies starting before work, not those occurring during work hours. The resolution does not create new legal requirements or change existing laws; instead, it serves as an official expression of appreciation from the legislature to employers who choose to support their employees' volunteer emergency response efforts.

Maddy summarySB 1012 reduces Wisconsin's annual interest rate for late tax payments from 12% to 3% and requires the Department of Revenue (DOR) to pay 3% interest on tax overpayments. It applies to individuals and businesses filing income, franchise, and withholding tax returns, modifying multiple tax statutes to implement these rate changes. The bill adjusts when interest accrues during filing extensions, such as for corporate or pass-through entity returns, while maintaining 3% for overpayment refunds. Special provisions exempt certain disaster-related tax extensions from interest charges during and for 30 days after federal extensions.

Maddy summarySB 1009 requires clear labeling for food products containing lab-grown milk (defined as liquid replicating milk but not from mammals). It mandates that such products display "lab-grown milk" prominently on labels, include full ingredient lists, and use 20-point type for separate components containing it. The bill prohibits using lab-grown milk as a milk substitute in restaurants unless ordered by a customer, and bans its use in state institutions (like hospitals or prisons) except for specific health needs. Violations carry fines of $100-$500 for first offenses and $500-$1,000 for repeat offenses. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting food manufacturers, restaurants, and retailers selling these products.

Maddy summarySB 983 clarifies the definition of "veteran" for Wisconsin state veterans benefits. It creates a new statutory definition (45.01(12)(jm)) specifically including National Guard members who completed their initial service obligation and received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions. This change ensures these individuals qualify for state benefits under the new category, while removing them from the general "veteran" definition in 45.51(2)(a)1. The bill directly affects eligible National Guard members seeking state-level veterans' benefits.

Maddy summarySB 971 exempts agricultural warehouses storing crop protection products (like fertilizers and pesticides) from mandatory automatic fire sprinkler systems, provided they meet two conditions: liquid storage has secondary containment as required by agriculture rules, and owners notify local fire departments about stored chemicals. This applies only to warehouses primarily used for such storage, not to office areas within them. The exemption does not affect other fire safety requirements, such as detection or suppression systems. It directly affects agricultural businesses storing these products in warehouses constructed after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 985 amends a statute to define "veteran at risk" for the veterans at risk alert system. The bill specifies that a "veteran at risk" includes veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, or military reservists known to have a physical or mental health condition related to their military service, based on reports. This definition change directly affects how the alert system identifies individuals eligible for support. The bill is purely definitional and does not create new programs or alter system operations.

Maddy summarySJR 135 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege withdrawal (a key Revolutionary War victory) and recognizing Irish American contributions to American independence. It highlights historical connections, including Irish immigrant soldiers like General John Sullivan, eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signers, and Irish emigrant roles in the military and printing the Declaration. The resolution has no binding effect; it formally acknowledges these historical events and directs the Senate clerk to share copies with Irish officials. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summarySJR 130 is a ceremonial joint resolution celebrating Wisconsin athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Italy. It formally recognizes the state's athletes, including those in cross-country skiing, biathlon, wheelchair curling, sled hockey, and other sports, by urging the Wisconsin Legislature to honor their participation. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of support. It directly affects Wisconsin athletes by acknowledging their representation of the state on an international stage.