Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara

Maddy summarySB 612 requires school principals to notify parents in writing whenever a student is removed from a classroom in a way that reduces instructional time for the class. Notifications must be delivered electronically (or by mail if parents opt out) by 5 p.m. the same day and cannot include personal student information. Schools must report annual removal counts to their school board by October 1, and school boards must submit this data to the state superintendent by December 1. The bill directly affects parents of K-12 students, school principals, and school districts, creating a standardized process for transparency about classroom disruptions. It takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 583 updates the statutory definition of "physical activity" in Wisconsin law. The bill defines "moderate participation" as exercise or activity that increases heart and breathing rates but still allows a person to hold a conversation. This change directly affects healthcare providers, athletic trainers, and organizations that rely on this definition for compliance or program standards. The bill focuses solely on clarifying terminology in existing law, with no new requirements or funding impacts.

Maddy summarySB 467 requires municipalities and counties to hold voter referendums before imposing or continuing local annual registration fees on motor vehicles kept within their boundaries. The bill mandates that new fees must be approved by a majority of voters in a regular election, with the referendum question specifying the fee amount. For existing fees implemented before the law's effective date, a referendum must be held within 18 months, allowing voters to decide whether to continue the fee. This directly affects local governments seeking to collect such fees and vehicle owners in those jurisdictions.

Maddy summarySB 227 repeals Section 164.05 of the statutes, which previously established a "law enforcement officers’ bill of rights" in the state code. This bill removes the existing statutory provision without creating new rights or procedures for law enforcement officers. It directly affects the legal framework governing officers' rights by eliminating the specific section referenced in the repeal. As a procedural bill, it does not alter policy or impact any other laws, merely deleting the cited statute from the code.

Maddy summarySB 394 amends Wisconsin statutes to clarify which historical properties are protected from damage or graffiti and to establish penalties for violations. It specifies that protected property includes structures, plaques, statues, paintings, or monuments of historical significance that are maintained by the state, county, or municipality, or located on publicly owned land. The bill expands the definition of protected property by explicitly including such monuments listed on a historical registry or deemed historically significant. This change ensures that vandals face legal consequences for damaging government-maintained historical sites, such as monuments in public parks or historic buildings.

Maddy summarySB 205 requires clear, standardized information to be provided to voters about statewide constitutional amendments and referendums. It mandates a "complete state referendum disclosure notice" including the referendum date, full ballot text, plain-language summaries of current law, and explanations of "yes/no" vote effects - all fitting on one page (8.5x11", 12pt font). This notice must be posted with sample ballots, published online by elections commissions for 30 days before voting, and included with absentee ballots. The bill directly affects voters in statewide referendums by ensuring they receive consistent, accessible information before casting ballots.

Maddy summarySB 646 amends Wisconsin statute 51.61(1)(g)3 to allow reports assessing whether involuntarily committed individuals can refuse mental health treatment to be based on examinations by advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with psychiatric expertise, not just physicians. This directly affects individuals in involuntary mental health commitments and expands the healthcare professionals authorized to certify treatment necessity and competency to refuse care. The bill requires such reports to include a signed statement from the APRN or physician confirming the individual needs treatment and lacks competence to refuse it. The change takes effect September 1, 2026, after a transitional period allowing either physicians or qualified APRNs to issue these reports until that date. The law maintains existing court hearing requirements for treatment decisions but broadens who can provide the foundational medical assessment.

Maddy summarySB 645 prohibits restaurants from serving margarine as a substitute for butter unless a customer specifically orders it. It also bars state institutions (like hospitals or prisons) and schools from using margarine instead of butter without a health-related exception - such as a physician's order for a specific patient or student. The bill specifically requires schools to get explicit permission from a student, parent/guardian, or healthcare provider to substitute margarine, while maintaining the existing ban on unrequested use in public dining.

Maddy summarySB 171 requires all public school districts to implement age-appropriate child sexual abuse prevention education for students in 4-year-old kindergarten through 12th grade starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The law mandates specific curriculum content, including anatomical terms, setting personal boundaries, identifying safe/unsafe touch, recognizing abuse signs, and reporting procedures. Schools must provide parents with program outlines, timing details, and educational materials about abuse prevention and vulnerability factors before instruction begins. Parents may opt their child out of the program with a written request, but schools must still share the educational resources with them.

Maddy summarySB 356 requires the state department to partner with healthcare providers (including obstetricians/gynecologists) and community health centers to educate women about perimenopause and menopause symptoms, management, and related issues. The bill mandates creation of informational materials covering symptoms, treatments, biological processes, when to consult a provider, and communication strategies for family/friends. These materials - available electronically and physically - will be distributed through healthcare providers to women identified as experiencing or nearing perimenopause or menopause. The law directly affects women navigating these health transitions by providing standardized, accessible education resources.