Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim

Maddy summarySB 203 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by requiring them to pay pharmacies within 30 days for electronic claims and 60 days for paper claims. It mandates that claims for 340B drugs (federally discounted medications) include specific identifiers for processing. The bill also prohibits PBMs from forcing pharmacies to join multiple networks or penalizing them for declining to join such networks. These provisions directly affect PBMs, pharmacies, and prescribers within the state’s health insurance system.

Maddy summarySB 539 removes legal barriers that previously prevented cities, towns, and counties from creating their own family and medical leave policies. It repeals restrictions (like Section 103.10 (1m)) that blocked local governments from requiring employers to provide such benefits. The bill amends Section 103.12 to explicitly allow local ordinances on employment benefits, meaning cities like Madison or Milwaukee could set their own rules for paid leave. This directly affects employers in municipalities that adopt such local ordinances, requiring them to comply with local standards instead of only state-level rules. The bill does not specify leave details but enables local governments to establish their own requirements.

Maddy summarySJR 95 is a symbolic resolution designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes the issue through a state-wide designation. The resolution aims to honor victims, support survivors, and acknowledge service providers working to address domestic violence. This designation applies to the entire state of Wisconsin and is intended to raise public awareness during October.

Maddy summarySB 430 creates a legal procedure to quickly dismiss lawsuits that target public speech on issues of public concern. It allows defendants to file a "special motion to strike" if a lawsuit stems from someone's free speech or petitioning activity (like speaking at a town meeting, writing to officials, or posting online about community issues). If the court finds the lawsuit lacks merit, it dismisses the case early and awards the defendant their legal fees. This protects citizens, journalists, and activists from being silenced by costly lawsuits meant to intimidate them, while exempting government enforcement actions. The bill directly affects people speaking publicly on community issues and those who sue them over such speech.

Maddy summarySB 589 establishes a statutory right for individuals to obtain contraception and for health care providers to offer it, directly affecting patients, providers, and local governments. It prohibits state or local governments from restricting access to FDA-approved contraceptives (like pills, condoms, or IUDs) through laws, regulations, or policies that single out contraception or impede access. The bill allows individuals or providers to sue if a policy violates these rights, and courts can block such policies and award attorney fees to winning parties. It explicitly does not change health insurance coverage requirements or override existing constitutional protections.

Maddy summarySJR 108 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group legally, but formally acknowledges the historical and ongoing presence of Wisconsin's eleven federally recognized tribes. The resolution highlights the state's responsibility to honor Indigenous contributions and work toward reconciliation, referencing the history of dispossession and resilience of Native nations. It serves as a symbolic gesture to promote appreciation and partnership with Indigenous communities. The resolution was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to a committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $1 million every two years to help licensed child care centers purchase and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs). It requires centers to contribute 33% of the grant amount as matching funds. The Department of Children and Families will administer the grants, distributing funds to eligible centers under state licensing rules. This policy directly affects all licensed child care centers in the state by improving emergency cardiac response capabilities.

Maddy summarySB 408 creates an agricultural purchase program that allocates $30 million in state funds to support local food assistance organizations purchasing Wisconsin-grown or made food. The program provides grants to nonprofit food banks, pantries, and local food distributors to buy food produced within the state. It establishes new staff positions (a program specialist and grants specialist) within the Department of Agriculture to manage the program, funded by the same appropriation. The bill directly affects Wisconsin food assistance providers and local agricultural producers by creating a dedicated funding stream for regional food purchases.

Maddy summarySB 592 modifies state law to exclude certain event or sports wagers from the legal definition of "bet." Specifically, it exempts wagers made by people physically in the state using mobile devices if the wagering server is on tribal lands and the activity follows an Indian gaming compact signed before April 1, 1993. This primarily affects tribal gaming operations that conduct mobile sports betting under these specific historical agreements. The change clarifies that such wagers are not treated as "bets" under current gambling statutes.

Maddy summarySB 341 changes how Wisconsin school districts receive state funding for the 2024-2030 school years. It gradually increases the percentage of annual aid paid in September (from 15% to 25%) while decreasing the June payment (from 35% to 25%), with fixed 25% payments in December and March each year. This affects all Wisconsin school districts that receive state equalization aid. The bill does not change the total annual funding amount, only the timing of payments.