Maddy summarySB 957 requires Wisconsin public school districts to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices (like cell phones, tablets, and laptops) during the school day, with exceptions for emergencies, health care needs, special education plans, and teacher-approved educational use. School boards must create these policies by July 1, 2027, and submit them to the Department of Justice by October 1, 2027, with annual updates thereafter. The policy must define "wireless communication device" to include cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices, and must include specific requirements for student notification and documentation. This bill directly affects all public school districts and students in Wisconsin, requiring implementation of device restrictions starting in the 2027-2028 school year.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 930 removes a sales tax exemption for beer festivals held under temporary licenses. It specifically states that ticket sales and beer sales at these events are no longer exempt from sales tax. The bill defines a "beer festival" as an event charging admission, lasting no more than two consecutive days, and featuring beer from at least 25 different breweries. This change applies to festival sponsors operating under temporary Class B licenses, ending their previous tax-exempt status for festival-related sales.
Maddy summarySJR 129 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as holidays in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or mandate time off, but aims to formally acknowledge these major Islamic holidays to promote inclusivity. The resolution highlights the religious significance of the holidays - Eid al-Fitr ending Ramadan and Eid al-Adha marking the Hajj pilgrimage - and encourages schools and employers to be mindful of these observances. It directly affects Wisconsin’s Muslim community (approximately 70,000 people) by affirming their cultural and religious practices.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new constitutional right to privacy. It would create Section 1m in Article I of the state constitution stating: "As a necessary part of a free society, the people have an individual and fundamental right to privacy." If approved by voters, this would establish a fundamental constitutional protection directly affecting all residents, requiring future laws to align with this privacy right. The proposal must be approved by voters in the next general election to become part of the constitution.
Maddy summarySB 1017 allocates $2.17 million annually for workforce training programs for child care providers and prospective providers. The bill creates a new funding line (20.437(2)(d)) to support contracts under section 49.137(4) focused specifically on training. This direct funding affects licensed child care facilities and individuals seeking to work in early childhood education. The measure provides concrete financial support for professional development but does not change eligibility rules or service requirements.
Maddy summarySB 1016 creates a new child care subsidy program specifically for custodial parents who work as child care employees in Wisconsin. It establishes separate eligibility rules (under section 49.155(2s)) allowing these parents to qualify for subsidies even if they don't meet standard income or asset requirements, provided they work for a child care provider. The bill appropriates $1.2 million for administrative costs to implement this new program. This directly affects low-income parents employed in the child care sector who need subsidized care for their own children.
Maddy summarySB 1005 allows vehicle owners to purchase an annual state park pass when registering or renewing their vehicle, with fees collected added to the conservation fund. It establishes three fee tiers: standard rates, discounted rates for households with existing passes, and reduced rates for senior citizens. Vehicle registration forms will include a section for selecting the park pass option, and the Department of Transportation will share purchaser lists weekly with the Department of Natural Resources. The bill directly affects all vehicle owners in the state during registration or renewal, with fees supporting state parks, recreation areas, and forest lands. Funds collected under this bill will be deposited quarterly into the conservation fund per statute.
Maddy summarySB 1011 expands eligibility for Wisconsin Shares child care subsidies to families with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty line but below 100% of the state median income for their family size. It creates a new eligibility category (via 20.437(2)(ct)) allowing subsidies for individuals who qualify under specific provisions but not under the standard 200% threshold, and adjusts income calculation rules to include certain child support payments. The bill modifies existing income guidelines in statutes to clarify eligibility for families who previously lost subsidies due to modest income increases. It appropriates an additional $1.25 million for fiscal year 2026-27 to fund these expanded subsidies. The changes directly affect low-to-moderate-income families seeking child care assistance in Wisconsin.
Maddy summarySB 1015 increases the state's earned income tax credit for low-income working families with fewer than three children. It raises the state credit to 34% of the federal basic earned income credit for families with children (effective 2026), and sets it at 15% for individuals without qualifying children. This directly affects eligible taxpayers who qualify for the federal earned income credit but have limited income. The bill amends tax statutes to replace the previous credit rate (applicable through 2025) with these new percentages for future tax years.
Maddy summarySB 968 increases funding by $500,000 for the Family Foundations home visitation program in fiscal year 2026-27. This specifically expands parental education on social media's effects on children and healthy social media practices within the existing home visitation program. The bill directly affects parents participating in the program and their children, through enhanced educational resources provided during home visits. It makes a concrete policy change by appropriating additional state funds to support this targeted educational component.