Sen. Jesse James

Maddy summarySJR 123 is a symbolic resolution designating March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month across Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally encourages all Wisconsin residents to learn about MS and support those affected by the disease. The resolution recognizes the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s work and aims to raise public awareness about MS, which impacts approximately 1 million people in the U.S. and typically affects individuals aged 20-50.

Maddy summarySB 813 creates new rules for taxing and recording property that consists *only* of a building, improvement, or fixture (like a structure on leased land) without any underlying land. It requires counties to record ownership declarations for these properties and establish separate tax parcels for the structures when owned by someone other than the landowner. This directly affects owners of such structures (e.g., tenants in commercial buildings) and county assessors who must now handle these separate tax records. The bill amends several tax and recording statutes to implement this system, ensuring these "landless" properties are assessed and taxed appropriately.

Maddy summarySB 731 requires Wisconsin high schools to include instruction on blood and organ donation in at least one grade from 9 to 12. The bill mandates that this instruction cover the purpose of donations, the statewide and national need for donations, and how to participate. It directly affects high school students and school curricula, applying to the 2026-27 school year. The law creates a new requirement for school districts to integrate this topic into relevant courses.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state income tax credit for out-of-pocket medical expenses related to in vitro fertilization (IVF), including consultations, procedures, and prescribed drugs. Individuals filing state taxes can claim up to $5,000 annually in eligible costs, but only if their income is below $100,000 (single or married filing separately) or $200,000 (married filing jointly). The credit excludes insurance-covered costs, travel, lodging, and expenses paid through health savings accounts or similar programs. It applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, and requires claims to be filed with the state tax return.

Maddy summarySB 737 creates new rules for lease-purchase agreements (where consumers pay to use personal items like furniture or electronics with an option to buy) for personal, family, or household use. It directly affects consumers who enter these agreements and businesses (lessors) that offer them. Key requirements include written agreements in clear 8-point type, mandatory disclosures of total payments, cash-sale price, ownership terms, and early purchase options, plus language matching any advertising. The bill also establishes a legal cause of action for consumers if lessors violate these requirements.

Maddy summarySB 681 would rename the Division of Alcohol Beverages to the Division of Intoxicating Products and create an occupational tax on hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The bill establishes regulatory requirements for these products, including rules for alcohol beverage warehouses and production arrangements. It grants rule-making authority to the newly named division and includes penalty provisions for violations. This legislation directly affects businesses selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products and alcohol beverage warehouses in the state.

Maddy summarySB 704 establishes a 5% annual spending target for state agencies on architectural and engineering services contracts with woman-owned businesses certified by the department. It defines "woman-owned business" as one certified under existing state law and requires the department to annually report on spending with woman-owned businesses, along with other minority and veteran-owned businesses. The bill applies specifically to state procurement for architectural and engineering services, not all state contracts. The policy change directly affects state agencies that issue such contracts and the certified woman-owned businesses seeking those contracts.

Maddy summarySB 701 increases funding by $1.2 million for the Family Foundations home visitation program during fiscal year 2026-27. This bill directly affects the Department of Children and Families, which administers the program, and families participating in home visitation services. The key provision is a specific appropriation adjustment to support existing services under Section 48.983. The bill focuses solely on providing dedicated funding without altering program requirements or eligibility.

Maddy summarySB 766 restricts drone operations near specific utility facilities by prohibiting flights under 300 feet within 500 feet of water reclamation plants, power facilities (including substations and gas stations), telecom sites, or public water systems. It allows exceptions for facility owners, local governments conducting official business, and commercial operators complying with federal aviation rules. The bill also requires law enforcement to seize drone footage during violations and transfer it to relevant local authorities for enforcement. This directly affects drone operators near these critical infrastructure sites, aiming to enhance security and prevent unauthorized surveillance.

Maddy summarySB 745 allows individuals with active Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to obtain professional licenses and certifications in the state, such as for healthcare or trades, regardless of citizenship. It directly affects DACA recipients who hold unexpired federal work authorization documents. The bill requires state licensing agencies to verify this federal work authorization through official DHS systems before issuing or renewing a license, and licenses expire when the federal work authorization does. Fees may only increase to cover the cost of federal verification, and the bill explicitly states it does not grant eligibility for other public benefits.