Sen. Dan Feyen

Maddy summarySB 473 requires local governments to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per single-family lot as a "permitted use" without special permits, directly affecting homeowners in residential and mixed-use zones. Localities may still set reasonable limits on ADU size (capped at the main house's square footage), height, and setbacks, but cannot impose additional approvals for standard ADUs. The bill also prohibits new ADUs created after its effective date from being used as short-term rentals (like Airbnb), while allowing existing ADUs to remain unaffected. This standardizes ADU access across the state while giving communities flexibility to manage development.

Maddy summarySB 476 modifies a state workforce home loan program to set maximum home purchase prices by county, based on annual data from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. It prohibits fees on these loans and requires qualified organizations (like approved lenders) to verify applicant eligibility using state-provided forms. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate income homebuyers seeking affordable mortgages through this program. Key changes include adding county-specific price limits to underwriting guidelines and requiring the state authority to distribute loan funds electronically. The bill is pending final passage after committee approval.

Maddy summarySB 481 creates a new grant program to reimburse owners of multifamily housing for costs associated with converting their properties into condominiums. The program covers specific expenses like attorney fees, permitting fees, and other project-related costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $50,000 per property and a total fund limit of $10 million. Grants are funded through the existing Main Street Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Fund, and recipients must report details including grant amounts, property locations, and project descriptions. This bill directly affects multifamily housing owners seeking to convert their properties, providing financial support for conversion costs while requiring transparency in grant allocation.

Maddy summarySB 373 limits health insurance plans' use of prior authorization for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and chiropractic care. It prohibits requiring prior approval for the first 12 visits per condition (or 90 days for chronic pain management at up to twice weekly visits) and mandates equivalent copays to primary care. Insurance plans must explain coverage denials in plain language and decide on reauthorizations within 3 business days (or approval is automatic). This directly affects health insurance plans and patients seeking these specific therapies in the state.

Maddy summarySB 403 requires political committees, conduits, and parties to verify the credit card verification value (CVV) and a U.S. billing address for online credit card donations. It directly affects organizations accepting such donations, with an exception for U.S. citizens living abroad who must instead provide their U.S. voter registration address. The bill mandates treasurers to maintain donor records for reporting and imposes penalties on financial institutions that process these donations without the required verification, requiring them to forfeit the full contribution amount. This aims to enhance transparency and prevent fraudulent or non-compliant online political donations.

Maddy summarySB 199 focuses on two main areas: academic and career planning for students and data reporting for colleges. The bill aims to provide academic and career planning services to K-12 students to help them prepare for their futures. Additionally, it requires the reporting of specific data concerning college student costs and their outcomes after graduation. This would affect both pupils receiving planning services and higher education institutions responsible for collecting and reporting student financial and post-graduation information.

Maddy summarySB 479 clarifies that the "approving authority" (not the clerk) handles subdivision plat approvals in the state's land development process. This technical amendment changes wording in existing law to specify who has the formal approval role for subdivision maps. It directly affects local government officials and developers involved in property subdivision reviews. The bill is purely procedural, with no new requirements or impacts on residents or businesses. (1 sentence summary as it's a technical correction to existing law).

Maddy summarySB 475 modifies Wisconsin's building code rules for public buildings, structures, and places of employment (like government offices, schools, or public facilities). It specifies that most commercial building code chapters (SPS 361-366) apply to these public spaces, but excludes one specific provision (SPS 361.03(7)) from applying if building plans are submitted to the department or local government by April 1, 2026. The bill takes effect for projects where plans are submitted by that deadline, altering which code requirements govern public building construction. This change directly affects public construction projects requiring building code compliance.

Maddy summarySB 288 allows the lead vehicle in a funeral procession, or all vehicles in a procession, to use flashing amber or purple lights during the procession. It requires that if any vehicle in the procession uses such lights, all vehicles must be equipped with them. This change directly affects funeral home operators and drivers participating in funeral processions by standardizing lighting rules for safety and visibility.

Maddy summarySB 286 is a technical amendment to update the reference year in a bill related to workforce housing and childcare awards under the business development tax credit, changing "2025" to "2026" in the text. It does not create new policy or affect any specific entities, as it only corrects a calendar year reference in the bill's language. This is a procedural change to align the bill with the current legislative session year. No substantive policy changes or new provisions are introduced by this amendment.