Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara

Maddy summarySJR 124 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the Wisconsin legislature to suspend state agency rules using a simple majority vote in a joint resolution. If passed, the legislature could stop any rule (or part of a rule) from taking effect - either indefinitely or for a set period - without needing the governor's approval or following regular lawmaking procedures. This would immediately make suspended rules unenforceable during the suspension period. The bill is a constitutional amendment proposal, not a regular law, and is currently in committee review.

Maddy summarySJR 135 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege withdrawal (a key Revolutionary War victory) and recognizing Irish American contributions to American independence. It highlights historical connections, including Irish immigrant soldiers like General John Sullivan, eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signers, and Irish emigrant roles in the military and printing the Declaration. The resolution has no binding effect; it formally acknowledges these historical events and directs the Senate clerk to share copies with Irish officials. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summarySJR 130 is a ceremonial joint resolution celebrating Wisconsin athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Italy. It formally recognizes the state's athletes, including those in cross-country skiing, biathlon, wheelchair curling, sled hockey, and other sports, by urging the Wisconsin Legislature to honor their participation. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of support. It directly affects Wisconsin athletes by acknowledging their representation of the state on an international stage.

Maddy summarySB 940 limits state agencies' rule-making authority by requiring explicit and specific statutory permission for agencies to interpret or implement laws. It prohibits agencies from using policy statements, federal compliance plans, settlement agreements, or court orders as justification for creating rules. The bill also adds a new requirement that agencies must obtain approval from the governor and the relevant policy-making body before drafting new rules. This directly affects state agencies responsible for creating regulations, such as environmental or health departments, by tightening oversight of their regulatory actions.

Maddy summarySB 989 increases funding for the Department of Financial Institutions by $60 million for each of fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. This appropriation would allow the department to make payments to "Trump accounts" if future legislation expressly authorizes such payments. The bill does not itself authorize payments but creates budget authority for them should they be permitted by other laws. It directly affects the state agency responsible for financial oversight and any entities designated as "Trump accounts" under subsequent statutes. The funding change is purely procedural, with no immediate policy impact until authorized by separate legislation.

Maddy summarySJR 127 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 115th anniversary of Scouting America's founding. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's support for Scouting America's values - such as duty to God and country, leadership development, and community service - and encourages all citizens and organizations to recognize its contributions. The resolution directs the Senate clerk to send a copy to Scouting America in Wisconsin. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funding, or alter existing policies.

Maddy summarySB 994 prohibits the public affairs network from charging fees for accessing live or archived state government proceedings when the network receives state funding for its operations. This applies directly to the state's public affairs network (which broadcasts government meetings) and the public seeking access to those recordings. The bill modifies existing rules to ensure fee-free access regardless of whether state funds are used, removing a prior condition that required explicit state funding for the fee ban. The key provision guarantees public access to government proceedings without cost under state-funded operations.

Maddy summarySB 1022 requires drivers aged 75 and older to pass a driving skills test before their 76th birthday and every five years thereafter. The test assesses the ability to safely operate a vehicle and must be administered at county DMV examination stations. This applies directly to seniors holding operator’s licenses who reach age 75, replacing previous renewal requirements for this age group. The bill amends statutes to establish this testing requirement, with license cancellation possible for those who refuse the mandated examination.

Maddy summarySB 1069 creates a $5 million biennial grant program for Wisconsin's private nonprofit institutions of higher education (specifically those in the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities) to fund new academic programs or public infrastructure projects that address workforce needs. The program requires institutions to match each grant dollar-for-dollar with their own funding and demonstrate a plan for the initiative to become self-sustaining through tuition or other revenue after launch. Grants are capped so no single institution receives more than 10% of the total annual funding. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will administer the program, with funds appropriated under statute 20.192(1)(d).

Maddy summarySB 1024 establishes statewide minimum safety requirements for wake-enhanced boating (activities like wakesurfing or wakeboarding that intentionally create large wakes). It requires such boating to occur at least 500 feet from shore in water depths of at least 20 feet, while explicitly allowing local governments to adopt stricter rules (e.g., area bans, deeper depth requirements, or time restrictions). The bill also provides legal protection for local officials who enforce these stricter local regulations, shielding them from lawsuits when acting in good faith. This directly affects boaters engaging in wake-enhanced activities and local governments managing waterway regulations.