Sen. Jesse James

Maddy summarySJR 7 is a non-binding legislative resolution passed by Wisconsin's legislature declaring support for nuclear power and fusion energy as critical clean energy sources. It states the legislature's commitment to advancing these technologies, citing their role in providing 66.6% of Wisconsin's carbon-free electricity, powering 1.2 million homes, and supporting 650 high-paying jobs. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes nuclear/fusion energy as essential for meeting energy demands and reducing emissions. It emphasizes Wisconsin's existing nuclear infrastructure (including two operating reactors) and academic resources as foundations for future growth in this sector.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require all qualified voters to present valid photographic identification to cast a ballot in any election. This identification must be issued by the state, federal government, a federally recognized American Indian tribe, or a college or university. The bill allows the legislature to specify acceptable forms of identification and establish exceptions to this requirement. Voters unable to present valid ID on election day would be permitted to cast a provisional ballot, which would only be counted if they present valid identification at a later time. If agreed to by the legislature on this second consideration, the proposed amendment will be submitted to the people for ratification.

Maddy summarySJR 24 is a joint resolution that proclaims April 26, 2025, as Shared Parenting Day in Wisconsin. This resolution recognizes the importance of shared parenting for children with separated parents.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing how voters select candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives by implementing ranked-choice voting in the general election and allowing voters to rank up to five candidates. Under the new system, ballots would permit voters to list their preferences in order, with the winner determined through an instant runoff process if no single candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes. The legislation also modifies primary election rules to allow voters to cast ballots for candidates from multiple political parties in certain consolidated voting scenarios. Additionally, the bill requires election officials to post clear signs warning voters that votes for candidates from different parties will not be counted unless a specific party preference is selected.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows circuit judges to issue criminal complaints when a district attorney refuses to do so, specifically in cases where the accused claims self-defense. Under the new rules, a judge can only proceed with a hearing if there is new evidence suggesting the person did not act in self-defense, as the law currently protects individuals who defend themselves or others. If the judge determines a crime was committed despite the self-defense claim, they can subpoena witnesses and review police reports to decide whether to file charges. The district attorney must provide all relevant investigation records and explain their reasons for refusing to issue charges if the judge requests them.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to distribute up to $15 million in grants between 2023 and 2025 to support hospital emergency department services in Chippewa or Eau Claire counties. To receive funding, health systems must commit to providing emergency care in these specific counties and agree to use the grant money for capital expenditures that improve those services. The legislation requires recipients to report how the funds were spent and their impact on emergency care by March 2025, with a final summary report submitted to the legislature by June 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers $15 million from the state building trust fund to the general fund to finance grants for hospital emergency department services. The legislation creates a new statutory provision authorizing these biennial grants and repeals an older statute related to the funding source. By moving the money between funds, the bill ensures that the state can support emergency care without using money originally set aside for construction projects. The measure was ultimately rejected after the Governor issued a partial veto that the legislature could not override.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require local governments in Wisconsin, such as cities, towns, and counties, to appoint a specific staff member to handle communications with the federal government about refugee resettlement. Under the proposed rules, local officials must report any initial contact with federal agencies regarding refugee placement within seven business days and then notify neighboring local units within 100 miles within 10 days. Following these notifications, the local governing body would be required to hold a public meeting to discuss the contact and officially designate an employee to serve as the point of contact for future federal consultations on refugee assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require owners of hybrid and nonhybrid electric vehicles in Wisconsin to display specific decals on their license plates to indicate the vehicle type. The legislation allows the Department of Transportation to issue new registration plates with "EV" markings instead, which would exempt those vehicles from the decal requirement. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill sought to remove state laws that currently ban the possession and use of electric weapons, such as stun guns and tasers. By repealing specific prohibitions and adding "electric weapon" to the legal definition of a weapon, the legislation would have allowed adults to own these devices and altered how juveniles are informed about restrictions on such items. The proposed changes also aimed to adjust penalties for possessing electric weapons and modify rules regarding the release of information about juveniles who escape custody while in possession of them. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.