Sen. Van Wanggaard

Maddy summarySJR 133 is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) that reaffirms Wisconsin's longstanding relationship with Taiwan. It expresses support for the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, highlights Wisconsin's economic ties with Taiwan (including $380 million in exports to Taiwan in 2023), and encourages state agencies to explore establishing a Wisconsin representative office in Taiwan to boost trade and cultural exchanges. The resolution does not create new programs or change laws but formally endorses continued cooperation amid Taiwan's 40th anniversary of Wisconsin's sister-state relationship.

Maddy summarySB 1047 adjusts payment rates for medication-based opioid treatment services to match Medicare rates starting in 2027, directly affecting opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and their patients. It eliminates a requirement for OTPs to document enrollment details and mandates specific staffing rules, including having a nurse present during dosing and maintaining a 1 counselor-to-55-patient ratio. The bill also updates admission criteria, requiring documented failed detox attempts for minors seeking maintenance treatment and clarifying initial dose limits for new patients. These changes aim to standardize care and payment while ensuring program compliance with federal and state regulations.

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 956 authorizes three new staff positions within the Department of Justice to strengthen Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) enforcement. It adds 2.0 full-time criminal analyst positions, 1.0 outreach specialist position, and 1.0 digital evidence examiner position. These roles will be funded using existing appropriations designated under section 20.455(2)(a). The bill directly affects the Department of Justice's staffing capacity for ICAC investigations and victim support.

Maddy summarySB 953 defines sexual extortion involving child victims as a violation under existing statute 942.095. It specifically applies when the victim is a child, as defined in statute 948.01(1), clarifying that such cases fall under this legal category. The bill creates a new statutory reference (165.505(1)(bg)3.) to ensure these offenses are properly categorized under current law. This procedural change directly affects law enforcement and prosecutors handling internet crimes against children.

Maddy summarySB 1083 expands the existing indoor smoking ban to include electronic delivery devices (like e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-hookahs) used for vaping nicotine, cannabis, or other substances. The bill defines "electronic delivery device" broadly to cover all such products except FDA-approved nicotine products. It also amends the definition of "smoking" to explicitly include using activated vaping devices in indoor public spaces. This affects businesses operating in indoor areas (e.g., restaurants, offices) and individuals using these devices indoors, bringing them under the same indoor ban rules that currently apply to traditional tobacco products.

Maddy summarySB 1081 bans vaping on all public and private school property, including playgrounds, athletic fields, and other areas regularly used by students. It defines "vaping" as inhaling vapor from any electronic smoking device (like e-cigarettes or vape pens) and covers all school grounds owned, rented, or controlled by school boards, charter schools, or private schools. The law prohibits vaping but allows schools or local governments to adopt stricter rules if desired. This directly affects students, staff, and visitors on school property across all public and private K-12 institutions in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new civil legal paths for victims of human trafficking and child trafficking. It extends the deadline for filing lawsuits related to trafficking a child to age 35, allowing victims to seek civil remedies even if no criminal case was prosecuted. The bill also establishes that victims can pursue actual damages, punitive damages up to triple the actual amount, and attorney fees in these cases. It directly affects individuals harmed by trafficking who wish to pursue civil action against perpetrators.

Maddy summarySB 897 defines specific threats against health care workers as criminal offenses. It makes it illegal to threaten a current or former health care provider, staff member, or their family member when the threat occurs in response to work at a health care facility or actions taken in an official capacity. The law specifies two key conditions: the threatener must know the victim works in health care, and the threat must relate to the victim's professional role. This bill uses existing statutory definitions for "health care facility" and "health care provider" to clarify when such threats violate the law, creating a new criminal penalty for these specific circumstances.

Maddy summarySB 802 creates a voluntary health professional assistance program to support licensed health care providers experiencing conditions that could impair their ability to practice safely. The program, funded by a $70 fee paid by providers when obtaining or renewing a participating credential, offers confidential screening, evaluation, treatment, and ongoing monitoring services. Credentialing boards can choose to participate for specific licenses, and providers or colleagues may report concerns without civil liability for good-faith reports. The program is operated by a contracted entity meeting specific requirements and complements existing disciplinary processes without affecting boards' authority over unrelated conduct.