Sen. Howard Marklein

Maddy summarySenate Bill 220 modifies the residency requirements for individuals who collect signatures for political documents. For most candidate nomination papers, the bill expands eligibility, allowing U.S. citizens aged 18 or older to serve as circulators, even if they are not registered voters of the state, provided they would otherwise be eligible to vote. However, for recall petitions, the bill specifically requires circulators to be a qualified elector (registered voter) of the state. These changes directly affect individuals who gather signatures to support candidates or initiate recall efforts.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 249 proposes to create a new section of state law (17.03 (10m)) concerning vacancies in specific state government positions. This bill applies to individuals serving in "appointive state offices" that have a fixed term. It defines these offices broadly to include most state departments, agencies, boards, and commissions, excluding the legislature and courts. The new section is intended to address situations where an incumbent's fixed term in such an office expires, though the specific policy change for this scenario is not detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 42 allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives to individuals aged 18 and older. Pharmacists must follow specific procedures, including having patients complete a self-assessment questionnaire and undergo a blood pressure screening. The Pharmacy Examining Board will create rules for this process, which also requires pharmacists to report prescriptions to a patient's primary care practitioner and maintain malpractice insurance. Additionally, the bill ensures that Medical Assistance covers these contraceptive services when provided by certified pharmacists.

Maddy summarySJR 14 is a joint resolution from the Wisconsin State Legislature that honors the life and public service of the late Representative David O. Martin. The resolution extends condolences to his family and friends.

Maddy summarySJR 13 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Patrick Fuller, former Wisconsin Assembly Chief Clerk, who passed away in January 2025. It recognizes his 25-year U.S. military career (including service in the Marines and Army, with combat deployments) and his 20-year tenure managing Assembly operations across multiple legislative sessions. The resolution, introduced by numerous legislators, formally expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and extends tribute to his public service. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions.

Maddy summarySB 280 redirects $172 million in interest earned from coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds to the general fund. It directly affects the state's budget by moving existing interest funds that would otherwise remain in the department of administration's appropriation. The bill's key mechanism is a fiscal adjustment under section 20.906(1), lapsing these funds to the general fund upon the bill's effective date. This is a procedural budget reallocation, not a new policy or program.

Maddy summarySB 256 creates state-approved "portable benefit accounts" for app-based delivery and rideshare drivers (defined as "application-based drivers" earning at least $750 quarterly from one company). It allows drivers to deduct contributions to these accounts from state taxable income while imposing a 10% penalty on distributions used for non-permissible purposes (like non-health expenses). The bill modifies tax code sections to treat these accounts similarly to tax-advantaged savings vehicles and requires Department of Financial Institutions approval for their structure. This directly affects gig workers in delivery and rideshare services who meet the earnings threshold.

Maddy summarySB 236 is a technical amendment to update the bill's language from "broadband service" to "wireless service" in multiple sections. It does not create new penalties or change existing legal requirements for tampering with telecommunication or electric wires. The bill directly affects how the law references service types in its text, aligning terminology with modern technology. This is a procedural correction with no substantive policy impact, as the bill only adjusts wording in existing legal references. The measure was reported out of committee unanimously but was later laid on the table without further action.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 65) is a ceremonial resolution congratulating Southwest Wisconsin Technical College for winning the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. It recognizes the college's national award, which honors its success in student outcomes - particularly for historically underserved groups - and its programs like work-based learning and employer partnerships. The resolution formally commends the college's faculty, staff, students, and community partners for their contributions to Wisconsin's higher education. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new policy or affect any legal obligations.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 71 ratifies the Dietitian Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement designed to streamline the licensing process for dietitians. This bill allows licensed dietitians in participating states to practice in other compact member states by obtaining a "compact privilege" instead of a full separate license. It establishes a dietitian licensure compact commission and amends various state statutes to recognize this new privilege, affecting dietitians and their ability to practice across state lines.