Sen. Bob Wirch

Maddy summarySB 293 requires all state agencies to prioritize using native prairie and forage plants in their projects to support native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It creates a new statute (20.935) defining "state agency" broadly and mandating that agencies use these native plants where appropriate. The Department of Natural Resources must provide requested information to help agencies implement this requirement. The bill directly affects every state agency that manages land or projects, with no financial or regulatory changes beyond the preference for native plants.

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 298 prohibits Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources from using neonicotinoid insecticides on state lands acquired and maintained under section 23.09(2)(d). This directly affects the department's land management practices on public parks, preserves, and conservation areas. The ban includes three key exceptions: existing farming agreements entered before the law's effective date, forest insect control on state forests/nurseries, and designated infestation zones under existing forest management rules. The bill creates a clear policy change by restricting a specific pesticide class on most state lands while preserving necessary forestry applications.

Maddy summarySB 2 expands veterans' burial benefits to cover individuals who served in Laos supporting U.S. efforts during the Vietnam War. It directly affects eligible veterans (including those covered by the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000) who previously did not qualify for national cemetery burial under existing rules. The bill adds a new provision (45.61 (2) (e)) to state law, linking eligibility for burial benefits to the federal naturalization act for these veterans. This change creates a concrete policy update to include a specific group of veterans in existing burial benefit programs. The bill is currently referred to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 314 modifies the enrollment cap for Wisconsin's state-funded private school choice program. It replaces the previous calculation method with a new rule setting the pupil participation limit at 10% of a school district's enrollment from the prior school year. This change directly affects all public school districts participating in the program, limiting the number of students they can send to private schools under the state's choice initiative. The bill updates the statute to apply this 10% cap through the 2025-26 school year, as specified in the amended sections.

Maddy summarySB 251 requires specific health insurance plans - including those offered by state/local governments - to cover asthma prescription drugs and related medical supplies (like inhalers) without deductibles. It caps patient out-of-pocket costs at $25 per month for asthma medications and $50 per month for related supplies, preventing higher costs as treatment needs increase. This applies to limited service health organizations, preferred provider plans, and defined network plans covering asthma treatment. The bill takes effect for new policy years starting after its enactment, ensuring consistent affordability for covered asthma care.

Maddy summarySJR 69 is a non-binding joint resolution honoring the late Wisconsin State Representative Terrence A. "Terry" Willkom, who served in the Assembly from 1971-1976 and passed away in May 2025. It commemorates his public service, personal life, and career - including his roles as a business executive, family man, and advocate for bipartisan collaboration - without creating any new laws or affecting any policies. The resolution formally extends the Wisconsin Legislature’s condolences to his family and recognizes his legacy of "honesty, integrity, and ability to work with both sides of the aisle." As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summarySB 322 creates a new Child Care Quality Improvement Program within the Department of Children and Families. It provides $221 million in annual funding (for 2025-26) to make monthly payments and per-child payments to certified child care providers, licensed child care centers, and school-based child care programs. The bill establishes rules for eligibility, payment amounts, and how funds must be used, while repealing outdated sections of law related to child care funding. The program is funded through specific appropriations in the state budget, with rules to be developed by the Department of Children and Families.

Maddy summarySB 342 requires certain health insurance plans - including preferred provider plans, limited service health organizations, and government health plans (like those for state/local employees) - to cover at least 28 mental health or substance use treatment visits per year, or as many as needed to meet a patient’s treatment goals. It prohibits insurers from requiring pre-approval (prior authorization) for this coverage. If an actuarial analysis shows the policy changes would raise costs for insurers by more than 10%, the requirement may be delayed. The bill applies to policies starting in the first policy year after its effective date, with specific timelines for government plans affected by collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summarySB 346 creates a state grant program to help prospective school social workers cover education costs for licensure. It specifically targets individuals from racial minority groups (including Black Americans, American Indians, Hispanic individuals, Asian/Pacific Islander individuals, or multiracial people) who are either school employees or enrolled in relevant graduate programs. The bill appropriates $5 million annually for 2025-26 and 2026-27 to fund these grants, with the Department of Public Instruction administering the program and establishing necessary rules. This directly affects eligible prospective school social workers seeking licensure, not current professionals or other school staff.