Sen. Romaine Quinn

Maddy summarySJR 7 is a non-binding legislative resolution passed by Wisconsin's legislature declaring support for nuclear power and fusion energy as critical clean energy sources. It states the legislature's commitment to advancing these technologies, citing their role in providing 66.6% of Wisconsin's carbon-free electricity, powering 1.2 million homes, and supporting 650 high-paying jobs. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes nuclear/fusion energy as essential for meeting energy demands and reducing emissions. It emphasizes Wisconsin's existing nuclear infrastructure (including two operating reactors) and academic resources as foundations for future growth in this sector.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to help Wisconsin municipalities and community water systems address perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. It allows public utilities to use up to half of their water or sewer service funds to pay for pretreatment or source reduction measures if these costs are lower than upgrading treatment facilities at the endpoint. Additionally, the bill creates a specific grant fund for testing PFAS levels in municipal water and wastewater systems, ensuring that funding is available to every eligible applicant without requiring them to provide matching funds. The legislation also includes provisions to prioritize projects that address the most serious health risks and assist small or disadvantaged applicants when ranking projects for assistance.

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 authorizes the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to distribute up to $15 million in grants between 2023 and 2025 to support hospital emergency department services in Chippewa or Eau Claire counties. To receive funding, health systems must commit to providing emergency care in these specific counties and agree to use the grant money for capital expenditures that improve those services. The legislation requires recipients to report how the funds were spent and their impact on emergency care by March 2025, with a final summary report submitted to the legislature by June 2025.

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 transfers $15 million from the state building trust fund to the general fund to finance grants for hospital emergency department services. The legislation creates a new statutory provision authorizing these biennial grants and repeals an older statute related to the funding source. By moving the money between funds, the bill ensures that the state can support emergency care without using money originally set aside for construction projects. The measure was ultimately rejected after the Governor issued a partial veto that the legislature could not override.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require local governments in Wisconsin, such as cities, towns, and counties, to appoint a specific staff member to handle communications with the federal government about refugee resettlement. Under the proposed rules, local officials must report any initial contact with federal agencies regarding refugee placement within seven business days and then notify neighboring local units within 100 miles within 10 days. Following these notifications, the local governing body would be required to hold a public meeting to discuss the contact and officially designate an employee to serve as the point of contact for future federal consultations on refugee assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill sought to clarify Wisconsin laws regarding passengers on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs). It proposed updating statutes to explicitly prohibit riding on vehicles not designed for passengers, while allowing one passenger in a second seated position on certain models. The legislation also included an exception for vehicles with a single passenger in a secondary seat. Ultimately, the bill was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.