Sen. Jesse James

Maddy summarySJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect religious gatherings during emergencies. It would amend the state constitution to prohibit state or local governments from closing places of worship or banning gatherings there during a declared state of emergency, including public health crises. This directly affects religious organizations and government entities with emergency authority. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2026 election, with the ballot question asking if the constitution should be changed to prevent closures of places of worship during emergencies. It is a proposed constitutional change, not a law.

Maddy summarySB 203 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by requiring them to pay pharmacies within 30 days for electronic claims and 60 days for paper claims. It mandates that claims for 340B drugs (federally discounted medications) include specific identifiers for processing. The bill also prohibits PBMs from forcing pharmacies to join multiple networks or penalizing them for declining to join such networks. These provisions directly affect PBMs, pharmacies, and prescribers within the state’s health insurance system.

Maddy summarySJR 95 is a symbolic resolution designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes the issue through a state-wide designation. The resolution aims to honor victims, support survivors, and acknowledge service providers working to address domestic violence. This designation applies to the entire state of Wisconsin and is intended to raise public awareness during October.

Maddy summarySB 227 repeals Section 164.05 of the statutes, which previously established a "law enforcement officers’ bill of rights" in the state code. This bill removes the existing statutory provision without creating new rights or procedures for law enforcement officers. It directly affects the legal framework governing officers' rights by eliminating the specific section referenced in the repeal. As a procedural bill, it does not alter policy or impact any other laws, merely deleting the cited statute from the code.

Maddy summarySB 237 creates a sales and use tax exemption for physical equipment used to train, manage, or care for search and rescue dogs. It directly affects state and nationally recognized search and rescue agencies that use trained dogs to locate missing persons or disaster victims. The bill exempts the purchase price of such equipment from state sales and use taxes. This change simplifies cost management for agencies relying on canine units in emergency response. The bill is procedural and focuses solely on tax policy, not broader operational changes.

Maddy summarySB 205 requires clear, standardized information to be provided to voters about statewide constitutional amendments and referendums. It mandates a "complete state referendum disclosure notice" including the referendum date, full ballot text, plain-language summaries of current law, and explanations of "yes/no" vote effects - all fitting on one page (8.5x11", 12pt font). This notice must be posted with sample ballots, published online by elections commissions for 30 days before voting, and included with absentee ballots. The bill directly affects voters in statewide referendums by ensuring they receive consistent, accessible information before casting ballots.

Maddy summarySB 171 requires all public school districts to implement age-appropriate child sexual abuse prevention education for students in 4-year-old kindergarten through 12th grade starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The law mandates specific curriculum content, including anatomical terms, setting personal boundaries, identifying safe/unsafe touch, recognizing abuse signs, and reporting procedures. Schools must provide parents with program outlines, timing details, and educational materials about abuse prevention and vulnerability factors before instruction begins. Parents may opt their child out of the program with a written request, but schools must still share the educational resources with them.

Maddy summarySB 239 prohibits hotels, motels, and inns from discriminating against dog handlers accompanied by certified search and rescue (SAR) dogs. It requires these businesses to allow full access and equal treatment without extra fees, discriminatory communications, or segregation, provided the SAR dog wears an identifying harness or cape and is leashed. Exceptions apply if accommodating the dog would fundamentally alter services or jeopardize safety, but businesses must modify policies to prevent separation of handlers from their dogs. The bill directly affects hospitality businesses and SAR professionals who rely on these facilities during emergency response work.

Maddy summarySB 426 simplifies registration for trailers transporting manufactured housing units. It allows transporters (businesses or individuals moving these units) to use a single annual registration plate on all their trailers instead of registering each trailer separately. The plate must be displayed on the trailer and is valid for one calendar year, with a fee based on the combined weight of the unit and trailer. This directly affects companies that transport manufactured homes, modular housing, or portable buildings used for living. The bill amends existing statute to establish this streamlined registration process.

Maddy summarySB 476 modifies a state workforce home loan program to set maximum home purchase prices by county, based on annual data from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. It prohibits fees on these loans and requires qualified organizations (like approved lenders) to verify applicant eligibility using state-provided forms. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate income homebuyers seeking affordable mortgages through this program. Key changes include adding county-specific price limits to underwriting guidelines and requiring the state authority to distribute loan funds electronically. The bill is pending final passage after committee approval.