Maddy summarySB 788 creates an independent Office of Internal Audit within the Department of Employee Trust Funds to oversee management of public employee benefit funds. The bill establishes that an internal auditor, appointed by the Employee Trust Funds Board, will report directly to the Board and conduct audits to ensure assets are safeguarded and benefit commitments are met. Key provisions require the auditor to review department activities, monitor legal compliance, and plan audits under Board policies. This office directly affects the Department of Employee Trust Funds' oversight of retirement and benefit systems for public employees. The bill does not change benefit payments or funding levels, only adding a dedicated internal audit function.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 800 creates a new "office of board counsel" in counties that already have a corporation counsel (including shared counsel) and a county executive or administrator. This independent legal position, appointed by the county board and requiring a licensed attorney, provides direct legal advice and services specifically to the county board. The county board may choose not to fill this position at any time.
Maddy summarySB 13 requires Wisconsin's public school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in parental choice programs to include cursive writing in their elementary school curriculum. The bill mandates that all students must be able to write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade, with this standard to be implemented by July 1, 2026. This applies specifically to elementary grades (not high school districts) and affects all schools receiving state funding or participating in choice programs. The requirement will be incorporated into state academic standards and school curriculum plans, starting with the 2026-27 school year for charter and private schools.
Maddy summarySB 30 requires all public and charter schools to include civics education in their curriculum, mandating at least 0.5 credits of civics instruction within high school social studies courses. The bill specifies that this instruction must cover foundational U.S. documents (Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights), the Federalist Papers, civic participation, and comparisons with other governance systems like communism. Private schools participating in parental choice programs must also include this civics content and annually report compliance to the department. These requirements apply to the 2027-28 school year for curriculum, with graduation impacts beginning for students graduating in 2030-31. The bill establishes new reporting obligations for schools and creates a legislative reporting mechanism for the department.
Maddy summarySJR 3 is a non-binding resolution that proclaims January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose legal obligations. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, defined as exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion, and aligns with statewide efforts to combat this issue. The proclamation is intended for general public education and community engagement, not specific policy changes.
Maddy summarySB 117 requires public and participating private schools to designate all athletic teams based solely on the sex assigned at birth (as recorded on a birth certificate), labeling them as "males" or "females." It prohibits students designated as male from participating on female-designated teams or using female-designated facilities like locker rooms. The bill allows female-identified students to sue schools for violations of these rules and creates legal protections against retaliation for reporting such violations. This directly affects school athletic programs and students participating in sports, particularly those whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth.
Maddy summarySB 116 requires University of Wisconsin and technical college athletic programs to designate intercollegiate or club sports teams as "male" or "female" based solely on the sex assigned at birth (per birth certificate). It prohibits students assigned male at birth from participating on women's teams or using women's locker rooms. The bill allows female students to sue institutions for violations denying participation or causing harm, and permits institutions to sue organizations penalizing them for compliance. This law applies to all affected athletic teams starting in the first semester after its effective date.
Maddy summarySB 18 standardizes how schools and districts are rated in annual accountability reports by maintaining consistent scoring methods. It requires using the same cut scores, score ranges, and performance categories (like "Proficient" or "Advanced") that were applied in the 2019-20 school year for all schools and districts. For grades 3-8 English/language arts and math tests, it mandates alignment with National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) standards, while grades 9-11 will use scoring from the 2021-22 school year. This bill directly affects public schools and districts in the state that receive these accountability reports. The changes apply starting with the 2025-26 school year.
Maddy summarySJR 9 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Justice David T. Prosser Jr., a former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice and state legislator who died in December 2024. It commemorates his 40+ years of public service, including 18 years in the Wisconsin Legislature and 18 years on the Supreme Court. The resolution, introduced by multiple legislators, expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's tribute to his career and legacy without creating any new laws or policy changes.
Maddy summarySB 100 requires first-class cities and their school districts to place at least 25 school resource officers (SROs) in schools during normal hours, before/after school, and at events starting January 1, 2024. It mandates SROs complete a 40-hour training course and requires school districts to use specific safety statistics when assigning officers. The bill establishes a cost-sharing agreement where school districts cover 75% of SRO costs and cities cover 25%, with new certification deadlines for both parties to the joint committee on finance. Failure to meet these requirements risks withholding up to 20% of school district aid or 10% of municipal payments under related statutes. The bill directly affects first-class cities and their school districts through these staffing, training, and financial obligations.