Sen. Bob Wirch

Maddy summarySB 517 requires election officials to complete one hour of accessibility training focused on complying with existing laws (sections 5.25(4) and 6.82). It directly affects chief inspectors (under section 7.31(6)) and other officials like municipal clerks, inspectors, and election registration staff (under section 7.315(5)). The bill mandates this training before the 2027 spring election to ensure officials can properly assist voters with disabilities. It amends existing statutes to integrate these accessibility requirements into standard election official training protocols. The law does not change voting procedures but adds a specific training component for accessibility compliance.

Maddy summarySB 313 requires child welfare agencies to provide out-of-home care providers (like foster parents or group homes) with a redacted copy of a child’s permanency plan and any written comments *before* a permanency review or hearing. The bill mandates that agencies remove confidential information - such as details protected by state law (e.g., 48.396, 48.57) or federal privacy rules - before sharing the plan. This ensures providers receive advance notice of the plan’s content without exposing sensitive details. The law applies to all permanency reviews or hearings starting 30 days after its effective date. It does not change the content of permanency plans but improves transparency for care providers involved in the process.

Maddy summarySB 590 establishes new rules for faculty tenure and probationary appointments at University of Wisconsin System institutions. It defines "probationary appointment" as a position before a tenure decision and sets a maximum of seven consecutive academic years for such appointments (excluding leaves of absence). The bill requires the University of Wisconsin System board to create rules governing tenure decisions, performance reviews, and faculty dismissals, ensuring recommendations avoid impermissible factors. It also mandates that faculty with tenure or probationary appointments can only be dismissed for just cause after due process.

Maddy summarySJR 42 is a ceremonial resolution that declares 2025 as "the Year of the Snake" to honor the Lunar New Year and celebrate Asian American cultural traditions in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it symbolically recognizes the significance of the Lunar New Year in Asian cultures and the positive traits associated with the snake in Chinese tradition. The resolution aims to foster appreciation for Wisconsin's diverse Asian American communities and their contributions to the state's cultural fabric. This is a non-binding proclamation with no direct impact on legislation or affected populations.

Maddy summarySB 272 amends Wisconsin's Family Care eligibility rules to directly include individuals who are deaf-blind, as defined by federal law (29 U.S.C. § 1905). This change means deaf-blind individuals will now qualify for Family Care services without needing to undergo a separate assessment of their care needs. The bill updates the statute to establish deaf-blindness as a clear, standalone eligibility category, simplifying access to this state-supported care program for this specific group.

Maddy summarySJR 49 designates May 14, 2025, and 2026, as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin to honor veterans who served alongside U.S. forces in the Vietnam War. The resolution recognizes the historical contributions of Hmong-Lao fighters recruited by the U.S. during the war, their post-war displacement, and their resettlement in Wisconsin communities. It formally acknowledges their service through legislative recognition, building on existing state law (2021 Wisconsin Act 31) that already designates May 14 for this purpose. This commemorative resolution directly affects Hmong-Lao veterans and their families in Wisconsin, with no new policy requirements or funding impacts.

Maddy summarySJR 62 is a ceremonial joint resolution that formally proclaims January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, as the "Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary." It commemorates 125 years of the state park system, established in 1900 with Interstate Park, now encompassing over 307,000 acres and welcoming approximately 20 million annual visitors. This resolution has no policy impact or cost; it is purely symbolic recognition of the park system's history, conservation efforts, and economic contributions (e.g., $11.2 billion in state GDP). It affects no individuals or entities through new requirements or funding.

Maddy summarySB 246 designates April 24 as "Armenian Genocide Awareness Day" for public schools to observe during Genocide Awareness Month. The bill requires schools to recognize this day through educational activities, directly affecting public school districts and students. It takes effect for the school year following its implementation date, creating a formal observance without altering existing curricula or funding.

Maddy summarySJR 63 is a symbolic resolution that officially designates June as "Dairy Month" in Wisconsin. It recognizes the state's long history with dairy, from early 19th-century farmers to modern contributions, including the industry's $45.6 billion annual economic impact and over 6,000 dairy farms. The resolution has no new requirements or funding - it simply honors dairy farmers' role in Wisconsin's heritage and identity through a formal proclamation. It directly affects the state's dairy industry and its cultural recognition, but does not create new laws or policies. This is a ceremonial gesture, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summarySB 254 creates a $9 million annual appropriation to fund war memorials in populous counties. Memorial boards must provide at least 50% matching funds to request support for operations, maintenance, construction, or improvements of memorial facilities. The Department of Veterans Affairs reviews requests within 60 days and disburses approved funds within 30 days. Boards must submit annual reports detailing fund usage to the legislature.