Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim

Maddy summarySB 142 bans the use of algorithmic software by landlords to set rental rates or occupancy levels in residential housing. It prohibits selling, licensing, or providing such software (defined as tools using private competitor data on rent/occupancy to inform pricing decisions) to landlords, with exceptions for aggregated rental data publications and affordable housing tools. The law imposes penalties of up to $1,000 per violation per unit, allowing tenants to sue for actual damages or $1,000 per violation, and enables state enforcement through the attorney general. It directly affects landlords, property management companies, and software providers that develop or sell such tools.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 148 establishes a "right to repair" for agricultural equipment. It requires manufacturers of farm machinery, such as tractors and combines, to make available repair information, parts, and tools to equipment owners and independent repair shops. Manufacturers must provide diagnostic documentation, embedded software, and replacement parts at fair costs and under fair terms. This aims to allow farmers and unaffiliated technicians to diagnose, maintain, and repair their own equipment.

Maddy summarySJR 31 is a joint resolution that officially proclaims March 31, 2025, as Wisconsin's Transgender Day of Visibility. This action recognizes and celebrates transgender and nonbinary individuals across Wisconsin.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 217 modifies the process for individuals seeking to change their name. This bill specifically removes the requirement for public publication of a name change petition if the petitioner is seeking to conform their name with their gender identity. Currently, courts can require public notice unless a petitioner demonstrates potential danger from publication and confirms they are not avoiding debt or a criminal record. This change allows individuals to keep their name change petition confidential when it aligns with their gender identity, provided they meet other existing criteria.

Maddy summarySJR 15 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature expressing disapproval of pardons and sentence commutations granted to individuals convicted of assaulting U.S. Capitol Police officers during the January 6, 2021, attack. It specifically condemns President Trump's 2025 actions pardoning or commuting sentences for those involved in violent assaults against law enforcement. The resolution states the legislature believes such individuals should be held accountable and aligns with support from police organizations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect anyone but formally records the legislature's position.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 223 aims to expand anti-discrimination protections within the state. It proposes to add "gender identity," "gender expression," and "sexual orientation" to the list of characteristics protected by state law. The bill amends numerous statutes to prohibit discrimination based on these categories across various sectors, including employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and insurance coverage. It also extends these protections to areas such as the National Guard, jury duty, and adoption processes.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 38 proposes an advisory referendum for Wisconsin voters during the November 2026 general election. The referendum asks voters if they support a U.S. Constitutional amendment to address the Citizens United decision. This proposed amendment would state that only human beings are endowed with constitutional rights, not corporations or other artificial entities. It would also declare that money is not speech, allowing for limits on political contributions and spending. The results of this vote would be advisory, intended to guide Wisconsin's congressional delegation and state legislature on supporting and ratifying such an amendment.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 37 (SJR 37) proposes to amend the Wisconsin Constitution by creating a new section that establishes a right to a clean, safe, and healthy natural environment. This constitutional right would apply to all people in the state, including future generations, and specifically mentions clean water, air, healthy soils, and a stable climate. The proposed amendment dictates that these rights shall never be infringed, be subject to strict scrutiny in court, and be protected equitably across all communities. Additionally, it designates the state as a trustee responsible for protecting Wisconsin's natural resources for its citizens.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 119 proposes to increase the staffing for the Department of Justice's Office of School Safety. The bill authorizes an additional 14.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the department. These new positions, funded by general purpose revenue, are specifically intended to support and enhance school safety initiatives. The increase in staff is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 63 proposes to enact the Driver License Compact into state law. This compact aims to improve highway safety by promoting compliance with motor vehicle laws across participating states. It requires states to share information about convictions for traffic offenses, allowing a driver's home state to give the same effect to certain serious out-of-state violations (like OWI or vehicular manslaughter) as if they occurred locally. The bill also prevents individuals from obtaining a new license in a different compact state while their license is suspended or revoked in another.