Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara

Maddy summarySB 211 would exempt certain tobacco-focused venues from the state's public smoking ban. Specifically, it creates a new exemption for "tobacco bars" that opened after June 4, 2009, allow only cigar and pipe smoking (not cigarettes), and are not classified as food establishments. This change would directly affect new tobacco bars meeting all three criteria, allowing them to operate without complying with the general smoking ban that applies to most public spaces. The bill does not alter the smoking ban for other businesses or venues. It is currently pending in committee after being introduced in April 2025.

Maddy summarySB 567 updates Wisconsin's voter registration rules to improve address verification and remove ineligible voters. It requires election officials to send postcards to verify a voter's current address when registration changes are reported, and to automatically remove voters from the list if addresses can't be confirmed or if they register in another state. The bill also mandates timely notifications to voters and election commissions when registration status changes from "eligible" to "ineligible." These changes directly affect voters who move or update their address, and election offices responsible for maintaining accurate registration lists.

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 summarySB 222 increases penalties for extortion and sexual extortion by making it a Class B felony if the crime directly causes the victim's death. It also expands victim compensation, allowing family members or household members of victims of specific violent crimes (including certain sexual offenses) to claim economic losses from the victim's death. The bill modifies existing statutes to clarify eligibility for these compensation awards, which cover losses like funeral costs or lost wages. These changes directly affect victims of extortion-related deaths and their families seeking financial support.

Maddy summarySJR 62 is a ceremonial joint resolution that formally proclaims January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, as the "Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary." It commemorates 125 years of the state park system, established in 1900 with Interstate Park, now encompassing over 307,000 acres and welcoming approximately 20 million annual visitors. This resolution has no policy impact or cost; it is purely symbolic recognition of the park system's history, conservation efforts, and economic contributions (e.g., $11.2 billion in state GDP). It affects no individuals or entities through new requirements 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 summarySJR 50 is a ceremonial joint resolution congratulating the Milwaukee Rufus King Cheer and Stunt Team for winning Wisconsin Association of Cheer and Pom Coaches (WACPC) championships in both the Non-Tumble and Cheer Dance divisions during the 2025 season. It recognizes their historic achievement as the first Milwaukee Public Schools team to win two state cheer championships in a single season, marking their sixth overall title and fourth consecutive win. The resolution, introduced by multiple senators and representatives, formally expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's appreciation for the team's "determination, perseverance, and talent" without creating any new policies or affecting funding. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legislative impact beyond ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summarySB 262 requires referral agencies that connect prospective residents to assisted living facilities to disclose key financial details, including fixed referral fees paid by facilities, business relationships, and their website listing practices. It prohibits agencies from charging fees based on a resident's value or percentage of services and mandates written resident confirmation before charging facilities. Residents can terminate agency services at any time, including stopping the use of their personal information. Violations carry a $1,000 penalty per offense, directly affecting referral agencies, assisted living facilities, and prospective residents.

Maddy summarySB 489 creates a new Music Therapy Examining Board within the Department of Safety and Professional Services, consisting of two licensed music therapists and one public member. The bill establishes licensing requirements for music therapists, defines the scope of practice (excluding psychotherapy without additional licensing), and sets renewal dates for licenses (October 1 of odd-numbered years). It directly affects music therapists by requiring state licensure to practice, amending statutes to clarify that registered music therapists cannot perform psychotherapy without a separate license, and defining specific practice standards. The law also revises renewal processes and creates new statutory sections to govern music therapy practice.

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.