Maddy summarySB 258 modifies statutes to allow certified licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to certify physical disabilities for permit applications, expanding the list of eligible professionals alongside physicians and other healthcare providers. Specifically, it amends sections 29.193 to permit APRNs to prepare and sign medical reports verifying physical disabilities for applicants seeking permits, replacing "licensed physician" with a broader list that includes APRNs in these contexts. The bill also makes technical changes to other statutes related to APRNs' practice authority but does not alter core scope-of-practice rules. This directly affects applicants for disability permits who may now use APRNs for required medical certifications. The bill focuses on administrative updates rather than new policy mandates.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 456 provides a $150 million grant to support aviation biofuel manufacturing in Wisconsin, funded through state public debt. It directly affects manufacturers who build facilities in designated zones, requiring them to use 80% in-state biomass (measured over 5 years), make $1.5 billion in state investments within 5 years, and maintain facilities exclusively for aviation biofuel production. The bill also creates a tax credit for such manufacturing and includes repayment penalties if grant conditions aren't met. This policy aims to support the state's forest products industry and create jobs through aviation biofuel development.
Maddy summarySB 614 requires state agencies to withhold 10-50% of certain homelessness grant funds for at least 9 months before releasing them. It directly affects organizations receiving grants under statutes related to housing services (e.g., programs for homeless individuals), including shelters and service providers. Funds are only released if grantees meet specific performance goals, such as increasing housing retention, employment, or reducing homelessness recurrence compared to a base year. Grantees must also submit detailed reports including client data, program locations, and outcomes using standardized federal identifiers. The bill aims to tie funding to measurable results in homelessness services while ensuring accountability through mandatory reporting.
Maddy summarySB 381 requires the Wisconsin Supreme Court to form a panel under existing law before temporarily suspending a judge without pay in cases involving alleged judicial misconduct or permanent disability. This new procedural step mandates a hearing to determine "probable cause" for the suspension before it can be imposed. The bill directly affects sitting judges facing misconduct allegations or disability proceedings by adding a formal review process prior to suspension. It amends statute 757.95 to create a specific requirement for this panel hearing, streamlining the suspension process while adding a safeguard. The bill passed committee amendments in November 2025 and is now available for scheduling.
Maddy summarySB 316 modifies funding rules for Wisconsin's land acquisition programs that support parks and recreational lands. It reduces the maximum grant percentage from 50% to 40% for local governments applying for funds after purchasing land (instead of before), while maintaining a 30% cap on using grants for the remaining costs. The bill also sets aside $2 million annually from fiscal years 2026-27 through 2029-30 specifically for the state to acquire land directly, and preserves a $38,000 grant for Upper Whiting Park development. These changes directly affect cities, counties, and conservation groups seeking state funding for land acquisitions under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program.
Maddy summarySB 578 allows designated patient representatives to consent to health care facility admissions for individuals who cannot manage their own health care decisions (incapacitated) without requiring a court-appointed guardian or protective placement petition. The bill mandates that incapacity be certified by two physicians or one physician and one advanced practice clinician, excluding individuals diagnosed with developmental disability or mental illness. Patient representatives can make health care decisions, enroll the individual in Medical Assistance, and authorize health care costs until the individual is no longer deemed incapacitated or a court appoints a guardian. This streamlines consent for eligible patients while maintaining medical oversight and avoiding traditional guardianship processes.
Maddy summarySJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect religious gatherings during emergencies. It would amend the state constitution to prohibit state or local governments from closing places of worship or banning gatherings there during a declared state of emergency, including public health crises. This directly affects religious organizations and government entities with emergency authority. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2026 election, with the ballot question asking if the constitution should be changed to prevent closures of places of worship during emergencies. It is a proposed constitutional change, not a law.
Maddy summarySB 203 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by requiring them to pay pharmacies within 30 days for electronic claims and 60 days for paper claims. It mandates that claims for 340B drugs (federally discounted medications) include specific identifiers for processing. The bill also prohibits PBMs from forcing pharmacies to join multiple networks or penalizing them for declining to join such networks. These provisions directly affect PBMs, pharmacies, and prescribers within the state’s health insurance system.
Maddy summarySB 170 creates a new option for Wisconsin state retirees who return to work: they can choose to keep receiving their retirement annuity for up to 60 months (non-consecutive) instead of having it automatically suspended. To qualify, retirees must have separated from a state job at least 75 days prior, not have a pre-existing agreement to return to work, and elect not to become a participating employee. If they choose this option, their new employer must pay the Wisconsin Retirement System the same contributions they would have made as an active employee. This bill directly affects retirees who return to state employment after separation, changing the default rule from automatic annuity suspension to this voluntary arrangement.
Maddy summarySB 559 authorizes community solar programs in Wisconsin, allowing multiple households or businesses to subscribe to shared solar energy projects. It requires municipalities to approve community solar facility locations with a two-thirds vote of their governing body (with limited exceptions), while ensuring facilities comply with zoning rules. The bill defines key terms like "community solar facility" (ground-mounted or rooftop projects generating electricity for subscribers), sets size limits (max 5MW for ground sites, 20MW for rooftop sites), and requires at least 3 subscribers with 60% of capacity coming from small subscriptions (≤40 kW). Subscribers receive bill credits for the electricity their subscription generates, offsetting their energy costs through the utility.