Maddy summarySJR 34 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Wisconsin's child support program on its 50th anniversary, specifically commemorating January 4, 2025 - the date President Ford signed the 1975 federal law establishing the program. It recognizes the program's role in serving 341,000 children and collecting $841 million in support during fiscal year 2023, while highlighting its anti-poverty impact and collaboration between county, state, and tribal agencies. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it solely expresses legislative commendation for program staff and the program's national leadership in child support collection. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct policy changes or new obligations for affected parties.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 158 updates Wisconsin's rules for county forest administration grants by setting new qualifications for the county forest administrator position. It requires applicants to have either a forestry degree from an accredited program, a related degree with 3+ years managing county forests, or an associate forestry degree with 3+ years of experience. The bill allows counties to use grants covering up to 50% of the administrator's salary and 40% of their benefits (capped at 40% of salary). This applies to all grant applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025, directly affecting counties seeking funding for forest management programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for appointing town clerks and treasurers, requires towns to publish budget summaries and public hearing notices, and creates procedures for closing or removing roads. It directly affects local governments by changing administrative processes for financial transparency and infrastructure decisions. The bill modifies how municipalities handle appointments, budget communications, and highway discontinuance without altering tax rates or funding levels. It passed unanimously and is now law.
Maddy summarySB 210 changes Wisconsin's academic excellence scholarship program for high school seniors. It adjusts how many students qualify based on school size: schools with 80-500 students can name one top-performing senior (highest GPA), while larger schools may name multiple scholars. The bill also adds new rules for handling tied GPAs, requiring faculty to select alternates if multiple seniors have identical high scores. These changes directly affect public and private Wisconsin high schools with 80+ students and their top academic performers. The bill repeals outdated criteria and creates new provisions to streamline scholarship designations.
Maddy summarySB 183 modifies reimbursement rules for emergency medical services under Wisconsin's Medical Assistance program. It sets a maximum $175 reimbursement rate for emergency responders when patients are not transported to a hospital. The bill also requires reporting on changes to emergency medical responder scope of practice and updates eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. These changes directly affect emergency medical service providers billing the Medical Assistance program.
Maddy summarySB 182 provides tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and practitioners enrolled in technical college emergency medical services (EMS) programs. It requires technical colleges offering EMS programs to prioritize grant funds for expanding student enrollment access - either through direct program expansion or by contracting with districts for expansion services. The bill also updates program terminology throughout (replacing "course" with "program") to clarify educational standards. This directly affects EMS students, technical colleges, and the state's EMS workforce development system.
Maddy summarySB 152 removes financial eligibility requirements for Wisconsin’s Alzheimer’s family and caregiver support program. It repeals section 46.87 (5m), which previously set income-based criteria, and amends related sections to no longer reference those financial limits. This change directly affects caregivers and family members of Alzheimer’s patients who previously faced income restrictions to access support services. The bill simplifies eligibility by eliminating income thresholds, allowing more individuals to qualify for program services regardless of household income. The law became effective after Governor approval on August 11, 2025 (Wisconsin Act 21).
Maddy summarySB 255 regulates tolls charged by the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company to water power operators using reservoirs it manages. The bill sets a cap on tolls at reasonable operational costs plus a 6% annual return on capital invested (defined as paid-in capital and bond par value), and requires the company to report semiannually on costs and recommended tolls. It prohibits tolls from covering initial reservoir construction costs and establishes that tolls create a lien on the water power properties. The law directly affects water power operators below the reservoirs and the company itself, ensuring tolls fund maintenance while protecting the company’s capital value.
Maddy summarySB 283 requires state contracts with hearing protection device manufacturers to provide free devices to state law enforcement agencies (any requested quantity) and to other law enforcement/fire agencies (up to 20% of personnel or 10 devices, whichever is fewer). Agencies not covered under these free provisions may purchase devices at 50% cost for any quantity. The bill directly affects public safety personnel in law enforcement and fire protective services across Wisconsin. It became law as 2025 Wisconsin Act 14 on July 3, 2025.
Maddy summarySB 232 creates annual state grants of $17,000 per child advocacy center in Wisconsin to support education, training, medical advice, and quality assurance for responding to child maltreatment cases. The bill specifically authorizes funding for existing centers in Milwaukee, Kenosha, Fox Valley, Marathon, Chippewa, Brown, Racine, Walworth, and Green counties, plus adds the Lakeshore Regional Center in Sheboygan County and a statewide "Child Advocacy Centers of Wisconsin" entity. These grants, drawn from a specific state appropriation, directly support the operational capacity of these centers to improve multidisciplinary child abuse response. The bill was enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 13 after approval by the Governor on July 2, 2025.