Sen. Van Wanggaard

Maddy summaryThis law requires all marked police vehicles to display blue lights on the passenger side (roof or interior) and red lights on the driver side, with all lights designed to be clearly visible from 500 feet in daylight or darkness. It also restricts when officers may use warning lights - only during emergencies, pursuits, fire responses, or when parked hazardously - and prohibits use otherwise. The bill, now effective as Wisconsin Act 39 (signed November 2025), directly affects all law enforcement agencies operating police vehicles in Wisconsin.

Maddy summarySB 23 extends Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days (one year) after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. The bill modifies eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family income above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if medical expenses for family members are covered, extending this eligibility to all family members. The bill requires federal approval for the 365-day extension to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 678 allows law enforcement officers to request a sample of a person's oral fluids (or breath) as a preliminary screening tool when they suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This applies before an arrest for DUI violations, and the test results can only be used to decide whether to arrest the driver or request a formal chemical test later. The bill specifies that refusal to take this oral fluid screening does not trigger penalties under other statutes, and the results cannot be used as evidence in court except to establish probable cause for an arrest. It directly affects drivers suspected of DUI and officers conducting roadside screenings.

Maddy summarySB 537 prohibits the sale, installation, or distribution of nonfunctional airbags (deployed, faulty, or misleading replacements) and counterfeit airbags (unauthorized imitations of original parts). It defines these terms clearly and applies to dealers, mechanics, and sellers who must ensure airbags meet safety standards. Violations carry fines up to $5,000 or up to one year in jail, with felony charges for repeat offenses or cases causing injury or death. The law includes limited exemptions for police vehicles, dealers without knowledge of issues, and insurance-related vehicle transfers.

Maddy summarySB 459 clarifies the standard courts must use to admit expert witness testimony in legal cases. It requires judges to determine, before testimony is presented, that it is "more likely than not" based on sufficient facts, reliable methods, and properly applied to the case details. This change directly affects courts, lawyers, and expert witnesses in civil and criminal trials by strengthening the judge's role in reviewing testimony quality. The bill does not create new laws but refines existing rules for evaluating expert evidence, applying to cases filed after its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 5 amends Wisconsin statutes to improve background check procedures for certain jobs involving vulnerable populations. It requires agencies (like child welfare or healthcare providers) to verify the final disposition of any serious crime charge - specifically including battery or threat offenses under sections 940.20 and 940.202 - when background checks show a potential conviction within the last five years. If records are incomplete, agencies must contact courts to obtain criminal complaint and conviction details. This affects background checks for roles in childcare, healthcare, and other regulated fields, ensuring more accurate criminal history assessments. The bill does not create new penalties but refines verification processes for existing offenses.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally congratulates the Greendale High School Marching Band for winning Wisconsin's state marching band championship for the 20th consecutive year. It recognizes their October 2025 championship victory, including their performance of "Snow Angel" and awards for Best Music, Best Visuals, and Best Percussion. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or legal effect - it solely offers legislative recognition of the band's achievement. The resolution was adopted by the Wisconsin Legislature on November 18, 2025.

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 310 sets a 60-day maximum limit on emergency proclamations issued by local government leaders in Wisconsin, including mayors, county executives, village presidents, and town board chairs. After 60 days, the local governing body (such as a city council or county board) must act to extend, modify, or revoke the proclamation as soon as they can meet. The law requires that any extension or change be approved by the governing body, not just the chief executive officer. This directly affects all local units of government across Wisconsin that use emergency proclamations during crises.

Maddy summarySB 279 creates a grant program for Wisconsin law enforcement agencies to purchase data-sharing platforms that meet specific technical requirements. The bill requires platforms to integrate real-time data from existing systems, eliminate duplicate records, provide advanced search tools, and maintain strict security with role-based access controls. Agencies receiving grants must use funds exclusively for compliant platforms that meet all 11 specified criteria, including secure hosting, scalability, and compatibility with current identity management systems. Grants are available only until June 30, 2027, and directly affect local and state law enforcement agencies seeking to upgrade their data infrastructure.