Sen. Howard Marklein

Maddy summarySB 221 clarifies that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) registered outside the state must be treated as ATVs/UTVs if their manufacturer's certificate designates them as such, regardless of their out-of-state registration type. This directly affects out-of-state ATV/UTV owners seeking to operate these vehicles within the state. The bill requires such vehicles to meet the state's ATV/UTV definition to qualify for nonresident trail passes; if they don't meet this definition, they cannot be operated on highways, ATV routes, or trails. The law overrides reciprocal agreements and ensures out-of-state vehicles comply with state-specific ATV/UTV regulations.

Maddy summarySJR 81 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Baseball Team for winning the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship. It formally recognizes the team's historic season, including their 49-6 record, record-setting 74 runs in the tournament, and championship victory over Messiah University. The resolution specifically commends the student-athletes, coaching staff (led by Head Coach John Vodenlich), and athletic department for their achievement. As a symbolic gesture with no policy or funding changes, it directly affects the team and their supporters but does not impact broader legislation or public policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates eligibility criteria for highways seeking agricultural road improvement grants. It adds a new requirement that an engineering analysis by a licensed professional must confirm a highway cannot safely handle heavy agricultural traffic. Previously, eligibility was based on structural deficiencies or posted weight restrictions. The change directly affects farmers and rural communities relying on specific highways for transporting equipment and crops.

Maddy summarySB 12 creates a sales and use tax exemption for gun safes and firearm safety devices. The bill defines qualifying items as locked containers (using combinations, keys, or biometrics) designed solely for secure storage - not display cases - and safety devices preventing unauthorized firearm access. It clarifies that firearms sold with safety devices already installed are taxed as firearms, not as safety devices. This exemption applies directly to consumers purchasing these specific storage or safety products.

Maddy summarySB 560 requires clear labeling for food products containing lab-grown meat (cultured animal cells/tissue), mandating the phrase "lab-grown meat" appear prominently on packaging in contrasting color and size. It prohibits restaurants from substituting lab-grown meat for traditional meat without a customer order and restricts its use in state institutions (like hospitals or prisons) except under specific health directives. Violations carry fines of $100-$500 for first offenses and up to $1,000 for repeat violations. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, directly affecting food manufacturers, restaurants, and state institutions serving food.

Maddy summarySB 551 requires Wisconsin's Department of Transportation (DOT) to install signs marking the Mississippi River Trail once municipalities along the route approve the trail's path. Specifically, the DOT must wait for each municipality to pass a resolution supporting the trail and confirming its route, then erect signs within 18 months of that approval date. The bill also allows the DOT to request supplemental funding for these signs without needing an emergency declaration, bypassing standard budget review rules. This procedural bill directly affects local municipalities (through approval requirements) and the DOT (through sign installation and funding processes), but does not change existing policies or impact residents directly.

Maddy summarySJR 96 is a proposed resolution that would officially recognize October 2025 as "Careers in Construction Month" in Wisconsin. It highlights the construction industry's significance to the state's economy - employing roughly 6% of Wisconsin's workforce - and emphasizes career pathways that allow workers to advance without student debt. The resolution encourages employers, schools, and community groups to host events like job fairs during October 2025 to promote construction careers to students. This is a ceremonial recognition, not a law creating new requirements or funding.

Maddy summarySJR 55 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025. It symbolically honors the Army's history of service, sacrifice, and dedication since its founding in 1775, with specific emphasis on Wisconsin's connections - including over 10,000 Army personnel stationed in the state, 100,000 veterans, and Fort McCoy's $1.4 billion economic impact. The resolution has no binding policy changes or financial obligations; it serves only as a formal statement of appreciation from the Wisconsin Legislature. It does not directly affect any individuals or programs, as ceremonial resolutions like this typically express support without altering laws or funding.

Maddy summarySJR 53 is a symbolic resolution designating May 2025 and May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the importance of mental well-being for all Wisconsinites, aiming to promote dialogue, reduce stigma, and highlight existing mental health challenges across the state. The resolution affects all residents by encouraging community awareness during this designated month.

Maddy summarySB 258 modifies statutes to allow certified licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to certify physical disabilities for permit applications, expanding the list of eligible professionals alongside physicians and other healthcare providers. Specifically, it amends sections 29.193 to permit APRNs to prepare and sign medical reports verifying physical disabilities for applicants seeking permits, replacing "licensed physician" with a broader list that includes APRNs in these contexts. The bill also makes technical changes to other statutes related to APRNs' practice authority but does not alter core scope-of-practice rules. This directly affects applicants for disability permits who may now use APRNs for required medical certifications. The bill focuses on administrative updates rather than new policy mandates.