Sen. Jesse James

Maddy summarySB 711 requires health insurance plans (including preferred provider plans and self-insured government plans) to cover emergency ambulance services provided by non-participating ambulance providers at specific rates. It mandates payment at the lowest of: (1) a mutually agreed rate, (2) a local government-set rate, or (3) 350% of the Medicare rate for the same area. The bill also requires insurers to pay ambulance providers directly within 30 days for clean claims, prohibits billing patients for extra costs beyond standard copays/deductibles, and excludes air ambulance services from coverage. This directly affects health insurance plans, ambulance providers, and patients receiving emergency ambulance care.

Maddy summarySJR 3 is a non-binding resolution that proclaims January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose legal obligations. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, defined as exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion, and aligns with statewide efforts to combat this issue. The proclamation is intended for general public education and community engagement, not specific policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 18 standardizes how schools and districts are rated in annual accountability reports by maintaining consistent scoring methods. It requires using the same cut scores, score ranges, and performance categories (like "Proficient" or "Advanced") that were applied in the 2019-20 school year for all schools and districts. For grades 3-8 English/language arts and math tests, it mandates alignment with National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) standards, while grades 9-11 will use scoring from the 2021-22 school year. This bill directly affects public schools and districts in the state that receive these accountability reports. The changes apply starting with the 2025-26 school year.

Maddy summarySB 72 creates a state income tax deduction for psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners who work in Wisconsin. It allows eligible individuals to deduct up to $100,000 annually from their taxable income if they practice outside medically underserved areas, or up to $200,000 if they work in such areas (as defined by state law). To qualify, professionals must claim the deduction within their first two years of practicing in Wisconsin or returning to the state, and can only use it for up to five consecutive years. The bill directly affects licensed psychiatrists and certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners who meet the location and eligibility requirements.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 39 declares May 2025 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month in Wisconsin. The resolution encourages citizens to observe this month to raise awareness among both the general public and medical professionals about these inherited connective tissue disorders.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 119 proposes to increase the staffing for the Department of Justice's Office of School Safety. The bill authorizes an additional 14.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the department. These new positions, funded by general purpose revenue, are specifically intended to support and enhance school safety initiatives. The increase in staff is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 42 allows pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives to individuals aged 18 and older. Pharmacists must follow specific procedures, including having patients complete a self-assessment questionnaire and undergo a blood pressure screening. The Pharmacy Examining Board will create rules for this process, which also requires pharmacists to report prescriptions to a patient's primary care practitioner and maintain malpractice insurance. Additionally, the bill ensures that Medical Assistance covers these contraceptive services when provided by certified pharmacists.

Maddy summarySB 39 proposes the establishment of a Palliative Care Council. This council would likely address matters related to palliative care services, which aim to provide comfort and support for patients with serious illnesses. An amendment to the bill details the required composition of the council's physician members. Specifically, it mandates that five physicians serve on the council, including two palliative care physicians (one specializing in pediatric palliative care) and two primary care physicians.

Maddy summarySB 178 relates to changes to the low-income housing tax credit program. The provided amendments clarify the timing and application of the qualified allocation plan, which guides how these credits are allocated by the relevant authority.

Maddy summarySJR 13 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Patrick Fuller, former Wisconsin Assembly Chief Clerk, who passed away in January 2025. It recognizes his 25-year U.S. military career (including service in the Marines and Army, with combat deployments) and his 20-year tenure managing Assembly operations across multiple legislative sessions. The resolution, introduced by numerous legislators, formally expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and extends tribute to his public service. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions.