Maddy summarySB 229 transfers the handling of worker's compensation appeals from the Division of Hearings and Appeals (within the Department of Administration) to the Department of Workforce Development. This change affects workers, employers, and insurers who file or contest compensation claims, as all hearings and decisions will now be processed by the new department. The bill amends over 50 sections of statutes to update references from the old division to the Department of Workforce Development, ensuring consistent application of procedures like appeal processes and evidence rules. The policy change does not alter eligibility rules or benefit amounts - it only shifts administrative responsibility for adjudicating disputes. This is a procedural reorganization, not a substantive change to worker's compensation law.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 95 changes voting rights restoration rules for people with felony convictions by requiring full payment of all financial obligations - including restitution, fines, costs, and fees - before voting rights are restored. For human trafficking convictions (specifically under sections 940.302(2) or 948.051), courts must order immediate restitution payments, with enforcement options like property execution if unpaid. This affects individuals barred from voting due to felony convictions who have completed sentences but still owe financial penalties. The bill updates two statutes to ensure voting rights restoration is tied directly to resolving all court-ordered financial responsibilities.
Maddy summarySenate Bill 71 ratifies the Dietitian Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement designed to streamline the licensing process for dietitians. This bill allows licensed dietitians in participating states to practice in other compact member states by obtaining a "compact privilege" instead of a full separate license. It establishes a dietitian licensure compact commission and amends various state statutes to recognize this new privilege, affecting dietitians and their ability to practice across state lines.
Maddy summarySB 285 creates a state grant program to incentivize households earning at least $55,000 annually to relocate from outside Wisconsin to participating municipalities. Municipalities, counties, or qualifying nonprofits can apply for grants to fund recruitment programs, with each receiving up to $500,000 annually. Grant funds are disbursed in two installments, tied to meeting specific household relocation goals outlined in the program plan. Recipients must report on outcomes like household income, costs, and economic impact, including tax revenue and spending changes. The program requires applicants to cover at least 20% of program costs and ensures funds target new residents relocating from outside the state.
Maddy summarySB 62 modifies how Wisconsin's Health and Educational Facilities Authority (WHEFA) finances projects for nonprofit institutions like hospitals, schools, and research organizations. It creates new provisions to fund working capital for operating expenses and expands WHEFA's ability to make loans for facility projects, requiring security arrangements like mortgages. The bill also allows WHEFA to fund out-of-state projects only if they include a substantial Wisconsin component, as determined by the authority. These changes directly affect participating nonprofit institutions by altering how they access financing for operations and facilities. The bill adjusts salary limits for WHEFA staff but focuses primarily on restructuring the authority's financing mechanisms.
Maddy summarySB 242 sets a maximum ratio of one journeyworker (skilled tradesperson) for every two apprentices in apprenticeship programs and contracts. It prohibits state agencies from requiring a stricter ratio (e.g., more journeyworkers per apprentice) through rules, program approvals, or contracts. The bill directly affects apprenticeship programs, contractors, and unions operating under collective bargaining agreements. It takes effect when existing collective bargaining agreements expire or are renewed, modifying how these agreements must align with the new ratio standard.
Maddy summarySB 94 creates a new civil cause of action for people injured or whose property was damaged during riots or vandalism. It allows victims to sue not only the person who committed the violent act but also anyone who provided "material support" (like weapons, funds, or equipment) with the intent to help commit the offense. The bill establishes a legal presumption that property damage was a natural consequence of the riot/vandalism, making it easier for victims to recover repair costs and other damages. It also prohibits government officials from restricting law enforcement’s authority to arrest participants or quell such activities. This directly affects victims, perpetrators, material supporters, and law enforcement agencies across the state.
Maddy summarySB 41 establishes a program to administer school safety grants but removes the original appropriation language, meaning it does not allocate new state funds. The bill specifies how existing or future grant funds would be distributed to schools for safety improvements, such as security systems or emergency protocols. It passed the Senate 18-14 on June 18, 2025, and was referred to the Rules committee for further consideration. This procedural bill focuses on grant administration rules rather than creating new funding.
Maddy summarySB 179 expands an existing tax credit for fuel suppliers to cover diesel fuel, creates a refund for fuel lost to evaporation during storage, and adds new rules for delayed tax payments. It requires fuel distributors to pay taxes electronically if delaying payments to suppliers and may mandate a bond equal to three times their monthly tax liability. The bill directly affects fuel suppliers and distributors handling motor vehicle fuel. It passed the legislature in June 2025 with a 19-13 vote.
Maddy summarySB 325 establishes a three-year pilot program to test virtual reality (VR) technology in public school math and science education for grades 6-12. The bill requires the Department of Public Instruction to select one rural, one suburban, and one urban school district (based on student enrollment thresholds) to participate, with the VR program needing to meet specific criteria like alignment with state academic standards and proven effectiveness in improving Algebra 1 outcomes via third-party research. The program must serve at least 16,000 students across participating districts and provide 3,200 VR headsets, while also offering teacher training on using the technology for classroom instruction. The Department must report monthly to legislative education committees on the program’s progress. This pilot directly affects participating school districts, their middle and high school math teachers, and students in grades 6-12.