Sen. Howard Marklein

Maddy summarySB 64 increases penalties for harming police or fire department animals used in official duties. It creates three escalating offenses: intentional injury causing harm is a Class A misdemeanor, intentional injury causing death is a Class H G felony, and intentional injury causing death is a Class I H felony. The law specifically targets individuals who knowingly harm working animals (like police dogs or fire department horses) while aware of their official role. This directly affects anyone who intentionally harms these animals during their service, with penalties based on the severity of the outcome (injury or death). The bill does not cover accidental harm or animals not performing official duties.

Maddy summarySB 166 creates a new legal framework for consumer data protection by defining key terms like "personal data," "consent," "biometric data," and "dark patterns" in Wisconsin law. It directly affects businesses that collect personal data from Wisconsin residents (defined as individuals acting in personal, not commercial, contexts) by establishing standards for how they must handle such data. The bill’s key mechanism is setting clear definitions - such as requiring explicit consent for data processing, banning "dark patterns" that trick users, and excluding deidentified data or public records from coverage - to enable future enforcement. It does not yet impose new restrictions or penalties but provides the foundational definitions needed for implementing data protection rules.

Maddy summarySB 296 updates Wisconsin's state building program rules. It requires state agencies to list projects in the official building program (with a $2 million minimum cost threshold), mandates quarterly budget reports for cost overruns, and sets a 6-month deadline for resolving contractor claims involving state buildings. The bill also allows waivers for projects over $200 million, changes how architects/engineers are selected for larger projects, and encourages partnerships with energy service companies to improve facility efficiency. These changes directly affect state agencies, construction contractors, and energy providers managing public building projects.

Maddy summarySB 328 requires county fairs, agricultural societies, and similar organizations seeking state aid to submit two annual reports. Within 30 days after each fair, they must file an itemized statement confirming all gambling devices, alcohol sales (except fermented malt beverages and wine), and "immoral exhibitions" were prohibited at the event. By January 31 each year, they must also submit a finance report detailing receipts, disbursements, attendance, and other required data. State aid payments are tied to the timely submission of these reports. This bill directly affects fair organizers receiving state funding by establishing specific reporting obligations.

Maddy summarySB 372 creates standardized crime victim notification cards to help victims of crime stay informed about court proceedings involving offenders. The bill requires the director of state courts to design these cards, which victims can complete with their contact information and the offender's details, and send to the relevant court clerk. County courts and victim/witness offices must provide these cards at no cost to victims, and the law protects victim mailing addresses from public inspection under state law. This directly affects crime victims in Wisconsin who need to receive updates about offender sentencing or probation modifications.

Maddy summarySB 226 clarifies venue rules for civil cases involving corporations. It creates two new statutory provisions: Section 801.50(3c) prevents courts from considering joined parties (like insurers under §803.04) when determining proper venue, and Section 801.50(3g) defines where corporations "reside" (place of incorporation) and where they "do substantial business" (only their principal county). This directly affects businesses and plaintiffs in civil lawsuits by limiting venue options based on corporate structure. The bill aims to standardize venue decisions for corporations, preventing claims of business activity in multiple counties to influence court location.

Maddy summarySB 3 requires local governments to approve certain wind and solar energy projects before the Public Service Commission can review them. This directly affects renewable energy developers seeking to build projects and local municipalities responsible for granting permits. The bill creates a new step where community-level approval must be secured prior to state-level review by the Public Service Commission. This changes the current process by adding a mandatory local consent requirement before state agencies can act on these projects.

Maddy summarySJR 99 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 14, 2025, as "First Responders Appreciation Day" in Wisconsin. It honors all professional and volunteer police, fire, and emergency medical services personnel (including Wisconsin's over 4,800 career firefighters, 20,600 volunteer firefighters, 14,700 law enforcement officers, and 17,426 EMS personnel) for their daily service and risks. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it merely declares a day of recognition through legislative proclamation. It does not create new requirements, funding, or changes to laws affecting first responders.

Maddy summarySB 407 creates a grant program to fund Rogers Behavioral Health's new integrated mental health facility in the Chippewa Valley. The bill requires Rogers to submit detailed certification plans for all service levels (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care) to meet state licensing requirements before receiving funds. It also mandates that the facility accept Medical Assistance recipients (Wisconsin's Medicaid program), admit involuntary patients within two years, and provide annual reports to the Department of Health Services for five years. This bill directly affects Rogers Behavioral Health and mental health patients in the Chippewa Valley region seeking comprehensive care.

Maddy summarySJR 86 is a ceremonial resolution that commemorates the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary on October 13, 2025, marking the date the Continental Congress authorized the first naval vessels in 1775. The resolution recognizes the Navy's historical service and legacy, with specific acknowledgment of Wisconsin's naval contributions, including shipbuilding history and vessels named after the state. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or groups - it is purely symbolic. The Wisconsin Legislature formally resolves to celebrate this milestone.