Sen. Van Wanggaard

Maddy summarySenate Bill 263 modifies the requirements for courts to provide written explanations regarding child physical placement decisions in family law cases, directly affecting parents and children. Currently, courts must issue specific findings of fact if one parent is granted less than 25% of physical placement time with a child. This bill raises that threshold, requiring courts to provide these specific findings when a parent is granted less than 50% of the child's physical placement time. This change applies to both temporary and final orders, ensuring courts explicitly state why a more equal distribution of physical placement is not in the child's best interest in a broader range of cases.

Maddy summarySB 194 clarifies when public records requesters can recover attorney fees after suing a government agency. It applies directly to individuals or groups who file court cases seeking records and later get the records released. The bill adds that requesters "prevail" if a court orders the release or if the agency voluntarily shares the record *after* a lawsuit is filed, and the court finds the lawsuit was a key reason for the release. This change makes it easier for requesters to get fee awards without waiting for a full court ruling, streamlining the process under the state's public records law.

Maddy summarySB 147 allows courts to permit interpreters to participate in civil and criminal trials via telephone or video, rather than requiring in-person attendance. This directly affects parties in court cases who need language assistance, including non-English speakers and their legal representatives. The key provision requires the court to grant permission only upon a party's request and with the consent of all other parties involved. The bill amends existing court procedures to formally enable this remote interpretation option.

Maddy summarySB 155 requires owners of parking structures (like multi-level garages) to hire a licensed engineer for a structural safety inspection at least once every five years. Owners must submit inspection reports to their local government or the state department responsible for building reviews. Failure to comply results in monthly fines of $200 and potential closure of the parking structure after 12 months without an inspection. The bill directly affects commercial parking facility owners and aims to ensure ongoing structural safety through mandatory, regular checks.

Maddy summarySB 230 requires physical retail stores to accept cash for in-person purchases at the point of sale, directly affecting businesses like grocery stores, pharmacies, and shops that operate from a physical location. The bill prohibits stores from refusing cash payments unless legally barred from accepting cash for specific goods or services. Violations would result in fines ranging from $200 to $5,000 per incident, enforceable by the department or district attorneys through civil penalties or court injunctions. This law applies only to face-to-face transactions at physical store locations, not online or phone sales.

Maddy summarySB 299 creates a state grant program to help law enforcement agencies buy automated registration plate reader systems (high-speed cameras that scan license plates and convert data). The bill requires at least half of the grant funds to go to agencies in rural areas (defined as communities under 20,000 people at least 15 miles from larger cities). Law enforcement agencies applying for grants must submit a detailed spending plan for review by the Department of Justice. This program directly affects local police departments, sheriffs' offices, and tribal law enforcement in rural communities seeking to enhance public safety technology.

Maddy summarySJR 61 designates June 2025 as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about the importance of pollinators like bees and butterflies to agriculture and ecosystems. It highlights Wisconsin's existing efforts, such as "No Mow May" initiatives, which have demonstrated positive impacts on bee populations. The resolution encourages community engagement in pollinator-friendly practices, such as planting native species and reducing pesticide use, without imposing new requirements on residents or organizations.

Maddy summarySB 57 reclassifies certain actions by county sheriffs who assist federal immigration authorities as a felony instead of a misdemeanor. It directly affects county sheriffs who provide support for federal immigration enforcement activities. The key provision changes the legal penalty for sheriffs participating in specific immigration-related functions, increasing the potential punishment. This bill modifies existing law to impose stricter criminal penalties for sheriffs engaging in these activities.

Maddy summarySB 303 creates a grant program to fund technical colleges in developing detailed digital maps of their campus buildings for law enforcement use. These maps must include specific location details like room numbers, floors, and building layouts to help first responders during emergencies, and must work with existing public safety technology without requiring additional software purchases. The Office of School Safety will administer the grants, accepting applications from technical college leaders working with local law enforcement. The bill also requires an annual report tracking grant funding and how the maps are used.

Maddy summarySB 307 creates a new state grant program to fund crisis intervention services for people contacting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline from within the state. The bill directs the state department to award grants to organizations providing crisis care coordination to individuals who call or text 988. These grants specifically support services for callers who are residents of the state, regardless of where they physically are when contacting the national hotline. The law defines "national crisis hotline" as 988 or its successor under federal law, ensuring state funding aligns with the existing national system.