Sen. Bob Wirch

Maddy summarySB 1050 requires school boards to pay teachers for time spent on nonclassroom duties, such as staff meetings, grading, or administrative tasks outside regular teaching hours. It directly affects public school teachers in Wisconsin school districts covered by collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts. The law prohibits school boards from mandating such nonclassroom work without providing compensation. This policy change applies to teachers when their current contracts expire or are renewed, starting from the effective date specified in the bill. The legislation aims to ensure fair payment for work outside standard classroom instruction.

Maddy summarySB 1052 requires Wisconsin school districts to include at least 45 minutes of daily self-directed preparation time in teachers' schedules, or one full class period if longer. This applies to teachers in 1st class city school districts under collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts. The requirement takes effect when current contracts expire or are renewed, whichever comes first. The bill establishes this as a new statutory standard (120.12(30)) without specifying funding or enforcement details.

Maddy summarySB 942 amends state tax statutes to clarify how the low-income housing tax credit is claimed by entities and their members. It specifies that partnerships, limited liability companies, and tax-option corporations cannot claim the credit directly, but their individual partners, members, or shareholders may claim it based on the entity’s eligible costs. The bill requires entities to calculate and distribute credit amounts to members and mandates that individuals claiming credit under written agreements must submit those agreements with tax returns. It also adds a specific provision allowing insurers (as shareholders) to claim the credit based on costs incurred by the entity they are part of. This bill directly affects housing developers, investors, and insurers involved in low-income housing projects financed with tax-exempt bonds.

Maddy summarySJR 127 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 115th anniversary of Scouting America's founding. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's support for Scouting America's values - such as duty to God and country, leadership development, and community service - and encourages all citizens and organizations to recognize its contributions. The resolution directs the Senate clerk to send a copy to Scouting America in Wisconsin. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funding, or alter existing policies.

Maddy summarySB 1060 modifies how sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits are managed and funded. It directs $7 from each permit's processing fee toward permit administration and grouse management/research (specifically under new section 20.370). The bill also updates permit allocation rules: applicants earn preference points for prior unissued permits, with random selection used when demand exceeds supply, and establishes separate resident/nonresident permit quotas that can be reallocated if demand is low in one category. Processing fees for these permits are adjusted to $9.75 (section 29.563 (14)(a) 3.).

Maddy summarySB 1057 limits landlords' ability to use credit reports when screening tenants. It caps fees for credit checks at $25 (with prior notice) and requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of the report. Crucially, it prohibits landlords from demanding access to a tenant's credit score or report, instead mandating that landlords offer an alternative screening method if a tenant declines to share this information. The bill directly affects landlords and prospective tenants in housing applications, shifting the process to prioritize tenant choice while maintaining screening options.

Maddy summarySB 934 requires municipalities to obtain governing body approval after a public hearing before discontinuing a polling place location. It also mandates that municipal clerks or election boards send written notice to all affected residents at least 30 days before an election if a polling place is discontinued after the previous election. This bill directly affects local election officials and municipalities managing polling locations. The key changes are: 1) requiring public hearings for proposed discontinuations, and 2) enforcing advance mail notifications to voters. These provisions aim to improve transparency and voter awareness about polling place changes.

Maddy summarySB 804 prohibits government funding for investigations into pregnancy outcomes (such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion) when the person experiencing the outcome is the alleged crime suspect. It bans law enforcement from treating pregnancy outcomes as criminal matters and requires consent before investigating cases where a crime relates to another person's pregnancy. The bill also exempts women from civil or criminal liability for their own pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage or abortion, and clarifies that legal definitions of "corpse" do not apply to fetal tissue from non-live births. These provisions directly affect women experiencing pregnancy outcomes and law enforcement agencies handling such cases.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (SJR 120) passed by the Wisconsin Legislature to formally congratulate the St. Joseph Catholic Academy Lancers football team for winning the 2025 WIAA Division 7 State Football Championship. It recognizes their perfect 14-0 season, championship victory over Cochrane-Fountain City, and record-setting performances by players like quarterback Zach Rizzo. The resolution is a non-binding expression of support from the Legislature for the team, coaches, school community, and supporters. As a congratulatory measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySB 807 creates a new Office of the Public Affairs Network within Wisconsin's Department of Administration to provide live, unedited online coverage of state government proceedings. The office must stream real-time video and audio of legislative sessions, court hearings, agency meetings, and related public events, while maintaining permanent online archives accessible without registration or fees. It allocates $2 million biennially for operations and transitions WisconsinEye's existing digital archives and equipment to the state. The bill establishes a board with gubernatorial, legislative, and public members to oversee the network's nonpartisan operation.