Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara

Maddy summarySB 625 increases state funding by $10 million for fiscal year 2025-26 to reimburse cities and towns for costs related to required in-person absentee voting office hours during spring and general elections. Municipalities that must keep clerk offices open for absentee voting under state law will receive payments based on a set hourly rate. The bill specifically covers hours required for spring elections (as defined in section 5.02(21)) and general elections (section 5.02(5)). This is a funding measure, not a change to voting rules, and aims to cover operational costs for local election offices.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the hen-of-the-woods mushroom (*Grifola frondosa*) as Wisconsin's official state mushroom. It adds this designation to Wisconsin's list of state symbols by creating a new subsection (1.10 (3) (w)) in the statutes and amending another section to include "mushroom" in the list of symbols covered by the Wisconsin Blue Book. The bill does not create new policies or affect any regulations, programs, or funding - it is purely symbolic recognition. The change would appear in the state's official publications like the Blue Book, similar to existing symbols like the state song or tree.

Maddy summarySB 264 requires health insurance plans and the Medical Assistance program to cover specific breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. It defines two key types of screenings: "diagnostic breast examinations" (used to evaluate symptoms or abnormalities, like mammograms) and "supplemental breast screening examinations" (for high-risk individuals without symptoms, using MRI or ultrasound). The bill prohibits cost-sharing (such as copays) for all diagnostic screenings and for the first supplemental screening per year, while allowing limited cost-sharing for additional supplemental screenings in the same year. This directly affects individuals with health insurance or Medical Assistance who require these screenings, particularly those at higher risk for breast cancer.

Maddy summarySB 920 amends Wisconsin law to allow more health care providers to issue written excuses for student absences under the state's compulsory school attendance rules. It specifically permits licensed physicians, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, psychologists, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, and Christian Science practitioners (listed in the Christian Science Journal) to provide these excuses. The written excuse must state the valid time period, which cannot exceed 30 days. This change directly affects students needing medical or mental health absences and school staff responsible for verifying attendance. The law takes effect on September 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySJR 92 is a ceremonial resolution that directs the Wisconsin Legislature to officially proclaim October 2025 as "Filipino American History Month" within the state. It recognizes the historical contributions of Filipino Americans, including their early settlements in the U.S., their growth in Wisconsin (over 22,000 residents), and their roles in fields like healthcare, education, and military service. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges this history to promote awareness and appreciation. It aligns with the national observance established in 1991 and follows Wisconsin's tradition of recognizing cultural heritage months.

Maddy summarySB 164 requires potato growers in Wisconsin to use certified seed potatoes (meeting state agricultural standards) when planting 5 or more acres of potatoes in a calendar year. The bill allows the state department to waive this requirement for specific potato varieties if certified seed is unavailable and disease risk is low, with conditions on where the waiver applies. Violations - such as planting uncertified seed or failing to comply with removal orders - carry penalties of up to $5,000 plus $5,000 per acre, with potential waivers if growers remove affected potatoes within 72 hours. The law directly affects commercial potato growers and aims to prevent disease spread through regulated seed use.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for appointing town clerks and treasurers, requires towns to publish budget summaries and public hearing notices, and creates procedures for closing or removing roads. It directly affects local governments by changing administrative processes for financial transparency and infrastructure decisions. The bill modifies how municipalities handle appointments, budget communications, and highway discontinuance without altering tax rates or funding levels. It passed unanimously and is now law.

Maddy summarySB 190 ratifies Wisconsin's participation in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, enabling respiratory therapists licensed in Wisconsin to practice in other participating states without obtaining new licenses. This bill directly affects respiratory care practitioners and healthcare facilities that employ them, as it establishes reciprocal licensing recognition across states. Key provisions amend Wisconsin statutes to recognize "compact privileges" for respiratory therapists certified under the compact, streamlining practice across state lines. The law requires the state medical examining board to appoint a commission to administer the compact, aligning Wisconsin with similar agreements for healthcare professionals.

Maddy summarySB 11 allows representatives from specific federally chartered youth organizations (like Scouts, 4-H, or YMCA chapters) to provide information about their programs to students on public school property during the 2026-27 school year. The bill requires school governing bodies (like school boards) to schedule at least one non-instructional time slot at the start of each school term for these organizations to share how their activities support students' education and civic engagement. It applies only to organizations listed in Title 36 of the U.S. Code with educational purposes, not all outside groups. The law does not require schools to permit these visits but establishes a formal process for requests. This policy change directly affects Wisconsin public schools and the designated youth organizations.

Maddy summarySB 189 creates an option for Wisconsin couples to obtain a divorce without a court hearing by submitting a detailed affidavit instead. To qualify, both parties must have legal representation or use a registered mediator, file a written agreement, and submit an affidavit confirming residency, financial disclosures, domestic abuse history, and understanding of divorce terms. The affidavit must also waive the right to a hearing and include specific legal acknowledgments required by law. This option is available only after a 6-month waiting period from the divorce grant date, during which remarriage remains prohibited under existing law.