Sen. Romaine Quinn

Maddy summarySB 656 amends state aid formulas for consolidated school districts that merge. It creates a temporary higher payment of $2,000 per student for districts consolidating in 2026, 2027, or 2028 during their first year of consolidation, followed by $150 per student for the next four years. For all other consolidations, the standard rate of $150 per student applies for five years (the consolidation year plus four subsequent years). This bill directly affects school districts that merge, particularly those consolidating in the specified years, by altering their state funding for the initial five years post-consolidation.

Maddy summarySB 403 requires political committees, conduits, and parties to verify the credit card verification value (CVV) and a U.S. billing address for online credit card donations. It directly affects organizations accepting such donations, with an exception for U.S. citizens living abroad who must instead provide their U.S. voter registration address. The bill mandates treasurers to maintain donor records for reporting and imposes penalties on financial institutions that process these donations without the required verification, requiring them to forfeit the full contribution amount. This aims to enhance transparency and prevent fraudulent or non-compliant online political donations.

Maddy summarySB 609 creates a state matching grant program for organizations that receive federal per diem payments to house veterans. It directly affects eligible veterans' housing providers (like nonprofits or care facilities) that already qualify for federal per diem payments under 38 USC 2012. The bill provides state matching funds of $25 per day per veteran, up to 365 days yearly, paid quarterly based on the previous quarter's housing. Applications are accepted annually, and grants are awarded in the order received.

Maddy summarySB 608 creates a state matching grant program that provides $950,000 in state funds to match federal per diem payments received by eligible non-state entities (like community organizations or service providers). The program directly affects organizations that already receive federal daily living payments, allowing them to access additional state funding through a 1:1 match. Key provisions include allocating $950,000 specifically for this matching grant under the Veterans Affairs budget and defining eligible recipients as non-state entities receiving federal per diem payments. This is a procedural funding measure that establishes a new appropriation line without changing eligibility criteria or creating new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 670 increases fees for nonresident hunting, fishing, and trapping permits in Wisconsin. The bill raises specific fee amounts across multiple categories, such as daily vehicle admission from $19.85 to $29.85, annual small game licenses from $87.25 to $107.25, and deer hunting permits from $197.25 to $237.25. These changes directly affect nonresidents (individuals with out-of-state vehicle registration) seeking permits for recreational hunting, fishing, or trapping activities. The fee increases take effect March 1, 2026, as specified in the bill's effective date section.

Maddy summarySB 665 requires the state wildlife department to establish a specific statewide population goal for wolves when they are not listed as endangered under federal or state law. This goal would guide the department's management plan, which must allow regulated hunting and trapping of wolves. The bill mandates that the department issue licenses to limit the number of hunters, trappers, and wolves taken. It directly affects the department's authority to manage wolf populations and hunting regulations. The bill does not set a specific numerical target but requires the department to define and implement a population goal as part of its management plan.

Maddy summarySB 309 grants legal immunity to 911 call centers and dispatchers who transfer callers to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It specifically protects them from civil lawsuits related to those transfers, unless the harm resulted from gross negligence or willful misconduct by the dispatcher or center. The bill defines the "national crisis hotline" as the federally managed 988 number (or its successor). This law directly affects public safety answering points in Wisconsin by limiting their liability when connecting individuals in crisis to the 988 service.

Maddy summarySB 23 extends Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days (one year) after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. The bill modifies eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family income above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if medical expenses for family members are covered, extending this eligibility to all family members. The bill requires federal approval for the 365-day extension to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 673 requires all Wisconsin school boards to adopt written policies by July 1, 2026, governing appropriate communication between school employees and volunteers (acting in their official capacity) and students. The policies must cover both in-school and outside-school communications, specify standards for content and communication methods, and outline consequences for violations. This applies to all public school districts and students attending home-based private educational programs. The bill does not define "appropriate" communication but mandates school boards establish their own clear standards and enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a policy bill. It formally proclaims February 16-22, 2026, as "American Birkebeiner Week" in Wisconsin to mark the 52nd anniversary of the American Birkebeiner ski race. The resolution recognizes the event's significance as North America's largest cross-country ski race, its economic impact on Sawyer and Bayfield Counties, and its role in promoting outdoor recreation. It directs the Senate clerk to provide a copy to the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, the nonprofit organizing the event. No new policies, funding, or legal obligations are created.