Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim

Maddy summarySB 212 requires ballot questions for referendums and constitutional amendments to be written in plain language and avoid misleading phrasing (e.g., requiring a "no" vote to approve a proposal). It mandates that questions clearly state whether any part of a constitutional amendment is already part of current law. This bill affects all future voter referendums in the state by standardizing ballot language to improve clarity for voters.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 114 proposes to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from state sales and use tax. The bill defines "diaper" as an absorbent garment for humans with bladder or bowel control difficulties, and "feminine hygiene products" to include items like tampons and sanitary napkins, specifically excluding general grooming products. If enacted, consumers would no longer pay sales tax on these defined items, and retailers would not collect it. This change aims to remove the sales and use tax from the sale and consumption of these specific products.

Maddy summarySB 292 creates a new statutory provision (94.701 (3) (b) 9) that requires local governments to regulate pesticides specifically to protect pollinators - defined as insects that pollinate flowers - and their habitats. The bill directly affects local pesticide regulations, requiring communities to consider pollinator safety when adopting rules. It establishes a clear legal framework for local action but does not specify particular pesticide restrictions or enforcement methods. This is a procedural bill defining regulatory scope, not a detailed policy measure.

Maddy summarySB 293 requires all state agencies to prioritize using native prairie and forage plants in their projects to support native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It creates a new statute (20.935) defining "state agency" broadly and mandating that agencies use these native plants where appropriate. The Department of Natural Resources must provide requested information to help agencies implement this requirement. The bill directly affects every state agency that manages land or projects, with no financial or regulatory changes beyond the preference for native plants.

Maddy summarySB 298 prohibits Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources from using neonicotinoid insecticides on state lands acquired and maintained under section 23.09(2)(d). This directly affects the department's land management practices on public parks, preserves, and conservation areas. The ban includes three key exceptions: existing farming agreements entered before the law's effective date, forest insect control on state forests/nurseries, and designated infestation zones under existing forest management rules. The bill creates a clear policy change by restricting a specific pesticide class on most state lands while preserving necessary forestry applications.

Maddy summarySJR 66 is a resolution honoring the late Representative Richard A. Flintrop, who served in the Wisconsin Assembly from 1973 to 1983. The resolution recognizes his legislative work, including chairing the Education Committee and advancing the Wisconsin Children’s Code, as well as his advocacy for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature’s tribute to his life, public service, and legacy, extending condolences to his family. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or policies; it solely serves as a formal expression of respect. It was introduced in 2025 and referred to a committee.

Maddy summarySB 314 modifies the enrollment cap for Wisconsin's state-funded private school choice program. It replaces the previous calculation method with a new rule setting the pupil participation limit at 10% of a school district's enrollment from the prior school year. This change directly affects all public school districts participating in the program, limiting the number of students they can send to private schools under the state's choice initiative. The bill updates the statute to apply this 10% cap through the 2025-26 school year, as specified in the amended sections.

Maddy summarySB 113 creates a pilot program to help farmers transition to managed grazing systems, which rotate livestock between pasture sections to reduce soil erosion and improve forage quality. It directly affects farmers adopting new managed grazing systems or improving existing ones, excluding support for current practices. The program provides grants covering infrastructure (fencing, water systems), technical assistance from specialists, and incentive payments for the first three years of transition, with a $40,000 annual cap per farmer. Funded by $500,000 annually from the environmental fund, grants are paid as 75% in year one and 12.5% each subsequent year. The bill also defines "marginal areas" (land unsuitable for crops like floodplains) as eligible for supplemental feed development.

Maddy summarySB 233 prohibits offering or giving anything of value (like money or items worth over $1, or $5 for specific petitions) to influence someone to sign or avoid signing certain political petitions during election periods. It directly affects individuals circulating or signing petitions related to candidate nominations, recall efforts, referendums, or propositions during defined election windows (e.g., spring, general, or special elections). Key provisions define "election period" and specifically ban inducements for petitions supporting or opposing candidates, referendums, or recall efforts. The bill creates new statutory language (12.11(1m)(a) 5-6) to clarify these restrictions and applies to nomination papers and recall petitions. It aims to prevent financial incentives from influencing petition participation in elections.

Maddy summarySB 251 requires specific health insurance plans - including those offered by state/local governments - to cover asthma prescription drugs and related medical supplies (like inhalers) without deductibles. It caps patient out-of-pocket costs at $25 per month for asthma medications and $50 per month for related supplies, preventing higher costs as treatment needs increase. This applies to limited service health organizations, preferred provider plans, and defined network plans covering asthma treatment. The bill takes effect for new policy years starting after its enactment, ensuring consistent affordability for covered asthma care.