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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySenate Bill 24 creates specific exceptions for Tax Incremental District Number 6 in the city of Middleton. It exempts this particular district from state-mandated limitations on the total value of taxable property that can be included within it. Additionally, the bill removes a specific statutory lifespan limit for this same district. The exemption for the property value limit applies if the district is established by June 1, 2025.
Maddy summarySJR 28 is a joint resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature that reaffirms the state's commitment to its sister-state relationship with Taiwan, established in 1986. The resolution expresses support for the federal Taiwan Relations Act and endorses Taiwan's efforts to secure a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States. It also advocates for increasing Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations that impact its people's well-being. This bill primarily affects the diplomatic and economic relationship between Wisconsin and Taiwan by formally stating the legislature's supportive stance.
Maddy summarySB 68 amends Wisconsin's prescription drug monitoring program to require healthcare practitioners (like doctors and pharmacists) to review a patient's prescription history before issuing new prescriptions for certain medications. This review must occur before prescribing, and can be done by the practitioner or their agent following standard practices. The requirement applies until April 1, 2030, after which the rule expires. The bill updates existing statutes to clarify this review process and sets a specific end date for the mandate.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wisconsin state agencies and local governments from restricting utility connections based on the type or source of energy, such as natural gas versus renewable sources. It also forbids these entities from discriminating against public utilities or retailers that provide specific energy services to consumers. While the law limits regulatory barriers, it explicitly preserves the government's ability to manage its own utilities, reduce emissions through its own operations, and purchase renewable energy.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wisconsin statutes to require the state Department of Natural Resources to establish a specific goal for the statewide wolf population. The law applies to wolves that are not currently listed as endangered at the federal or state level. Under this provision, the department must create a management plan that sets a target number for the wolf population and may limit the number of hunters and trappers allowed to take wolves to meet that goal. The bill was passed by the Senate but ultimately failed to become law after the Governor's veto was not overridden by the legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill primarily updates Wisconsin statutes to expand the scope of medical professionals who can perform specific administrative and clinical tasks. It allows licensed chiropractors, podiatrists, and physician assistants to review applications for permits related to physical and visual disabilities, tasks previously reserved for physicians. Additionally, the legislation grants advanced practice registered nurses the authority to issue prescriptions under existing laws and clarifies the definition of a health care provider to include these expanded roles. The bill also modifies procedures for emergency rule-making, extending time limits and creating exemptions for certain rule changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a funding program to help local governments redevelop former University of Wisconsin branch campuses that are no longer used for education. It provides grants to cities, villages, towns, and counties to cover costs such as planning, demolition, and site improvements, provided the funds are used to boost local economic development, create jobs, or support housing and infrastructure. To qualify, a local government must secure letters of community support and contribute at least 20 percent of the project cost from its own funds, with no single grant exceeding $2 million. The legislation also mandates a specific order for distributing funds, requiring Richland County to receive a grant first, followed by Fond du Lac, Washington, and Marinette counties, before any other locations are considered.
Maddy summaryThis bill would have allowed owners of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles in Wisconsin to install vertical light bars, known as whip lights, that display any color or pattern. The legislation specifically permitted these lights to show any color in a fixed display or sequence, but it prohibited them from flashing red or blue. If passed, the law would have created a new legal category for these devices while maintaining a ban on red and blue flashing lights to prevent confusion with emergency vehicles. Although the bill was enacted by the legislature, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.
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.