Sen. Eric Wimberger

Maddy summarySB 280 redirects $172 million in interest earned from coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds to the general fund. It directly affects the state's budget by moving existing interest funds that would otherwise remain in the department of administration's appropriation. The bill's key mechanism is a fiscal adjustment under section 20.906(1), lapsing these funds to the general fund upon the bill's effective date. This is a procedural budget reallocation, not a new policy or program.

Maddy summarySB 302 creates a performance-based grant program for regional probation and parole offices, rewarding them with funds when they improve employment rates for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision compared to a 2021-2024 baseline. The grant amount is calculated by multiplying the region's improvement in employment rates (for all three supervision categories) by the total number of individuals under supervision and $2,500, but only if the improvement is positive and the region did not experience increased revocations for new crimes. Regional offices must use the funds for employee bonuses, and the department will track and report annually on employment outcomes, recidivism, program changes, and potential cost savings from reduced incarceration.

Maddy summarySB 383 requires hospitals to publish clear pricing information for "shoppable services" (like surgeries and imaging) in a machine-readable format, including standard charges, negotiated rates with insurers, and discounted cash prices. This applies to all hospitals not specifically exempted (e.g., psychiatric or correctional facilities) and aims to help patients compare costs before receiving care. The bill also includes restrictions on certain aggressive debt collection practices against patients and establishes penalties for noncompliance with transparency requirements.

Maddy summarySB 384 requires health care providers to provide the same standard of care and immediate hospital transport for any child born alive after an abortion or attempted abortion, as they would for any newborn of the same gestational age. Violating these requirements is a Class H felony, but the mother cannot be prosecuted for the incident. The bill also allows affected women to seek triple the cost of the abortion as civil damages, plus attorney fees, while protecting their identity through court confidentiality orders. It explicitly states the law does not create or recognize a right to abortion.

Maddy summarySB 455 permanently revokes driving privileges for individuals with four or more convictions for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (DUI), with a 15-year gap between convictions allowing reinstatement. It prohibits applicants from obtaining an occupational license (for essential work driving) during the first 180 days after the permanent revocation takes effect. After 10 years of the revocation period, individuals may apply for full license reinstatement under separate procedures. The bill specifically targets repeat DUI offenders by tightening license eligibility rules without altering ignition interlock device requirements for those who previously held licenses.

Maddy summarySB 161 establishes a legal presumption that courts should favor parenting schedules allowing children to spend nearly equal time with both parents, as this is presumed to be in the child's best interest. It directly affects family courts handling custody cases in Wisconsin, requiring judges to consider this equal-time presumption when determining physical placement. The bill adds a new factor (geographic separation) that courts must weigh when applying this presumption, and the presumption can be overridden if evidence shows unequal placement is better for the child. This change modifies how courts evaluate custody arrangements under Wisconsin Statute 767.41.

Maddy summarySJR 86 is a ceremonial resolution that commemorates the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary on October 13, 2025, marking the date the Continental Congress authorized the first naval vessels in 1775. The resolution recognizes the Navy's historical service and legacy, with specific acknowledgment of Wisconsin's naval contributions, including shipbuilding history and vessels named after the state. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or groups - it is purely symbolic. The Wisconsin Legislature formally resolves to celebrate this milestone.

Maddy summarySB 273 allows commercial motor vehicles to use federally approved camera monitor systems instead of traditional mirrors, as permitted under federal regulations. The bill directly affects commercial trucking operators and drivers by providing an alternative to standard mirror requirements (49 CFR 393.80(a)). It requires camera systems to be exempted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or approved under federal safety standards. This change modifies state law to align with federal approval processes for such technology.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates eligibility criteria for highways seeking agricultural road improvement grants. It adds a new requirement that an engineering analysis by a licensed professional must confirm a highway cannot safely handle heavy agricultural traffic. Previously, eligibility was based on structural deficiencies or posted weight restrictions. The change directly affects farmers and rural communities relying on specific highways for transporting equipment and crops.

Maddy summarySB 580 requires ticket sellers and resellers to clearly display all costs - including fees and surcharges - during ticket purchases, ensuring consumers see the total price upfront. It prohibits resellers from selling tickets above face value without the event operator’s written permission and bans price hikes after initial display (except for physical delivery fees). The bill affects operators (venue owners), ticket resellers, and online ticket platforms, with penalties of $1,000 per violation plus forfeiture of illegal profits. Small resellers earning under $10,000 annually annually are exempt from the "ticket reseller" definition.