Sen. Kelda Roys

Maddy summarySB 539 removes legal barriers that previously prevented cities, towns, and counties from creating their own family and medical leave policies. It repeals restrictions (like Section 103.10 (1m)) that blocked local governments from requiring employers to provide such benefits. The bill amends Section 103.12 to explicitly allow local ordinances on employment benefits, meaning cities like Madison or Milwaukee could set their own rules for paid leave. This directly affects employers in municipalities that adopt such local ordinances, requiring them to comply with local standards instead of only state-level rules. The bill does not specify leave details but enables local governments to establish their own requirements.

Maddy summarySJR 95 is a symbolic resolution designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes the issue through a state-wide designation. The resolution aims to honor victims, support survivors, and acknowledge service providers working to address domestic violence. This designation applies to the entire state of Wisconsin and is intended to raise public awareness during October.

Maddy summarySB 430 creates a legal procedure to quickly dismiss lawsuits that target public speech on issues of public concern. It allows defendants to file a "special motion to strike" if a lawsuit stems from someone's free speech or petitioning activity (like speaking at a town meeting, writing to officials, or posting online about community issues). If the court finds the lawsuit lacks merit, it dismisses the case early and awards the defendant their legal fees. This protects citizens, journalists, and activists from being silenced by costly lawsuits meant to intimidate them, while exempting government enforcement actions. The bill directly affects people speaking publicly on community issues and those who sue them over such speech.

Maddy summarySB 566 requires most health insurance plans to cover infertility treatment and fertility preservation services, directly affecting individuals seeking these services and their insurers. It mandates coverage for diagnosis and treatment of infertility (defined as failure to conceive after specified timeframes) and standard fertility preservation (like egg freezing before cancer treatment), including at least four egg retrievals and unlimited embryo transfers per medical guidelines. Insurers cannot impose stricter cost-sharing or exclusions for infertility care compared to other pregnancy-related benefits. The bill applies to group health plans and self-insured plans, excluding certain disability policies and state/local self-insured plans.

Maddy summarySB 589 establishes a statutory right for individuals to obtain contraception and for health care providers to offer it, directly affecting patients, providers, and local governments. It prohibits state or local governments from restricting access to FDA-approved contraceptives (like pills, condoms, or IUDs) through laws, regulations, or policies that single out contraception or impede access. The bill allows individuals or providers to sue if a policy violates these rights, and courts can block such policies and award attorney fees to winning parties. It explicitly does not change health insurance coverage requirements or override existing constitutional protections.

Maddy summarySJR 108 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group legally, but formally acknowledges the historical and ongoing presence of Wisconsin's eleven federally recognized tribes. The resolution highlights the state's responsibility to honor Indigenous contributions and work toward reconciliation, referencing the history of dispossession and resilience of Native nations. It serves as a symbolic gesture to promote appreciation and partnership with Indigenous communities. The resolution was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to a committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 408 creates an agricultural purchase program that allocates $30 million in state funds to support local food assistance organizations purchasing Wisconsin-grown or made food. The program provides grants to nonprofit food banks, pantries, and local food distributors to buy food produced within the state. It establishes new staff positions (a program specialist and grants specialist) within the Department of Agriculture to manage the program, funded by the same appropriation. The bill directly affects Wisconsin food assistance providers and local agricultural producers by creating a dedicated funding stream for regional food purchases.

Maddy summarySJR 101 is a symbolic resolution declaring November 2025 as Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It highlights Wisconsin's veteran suicide statistics (134 deaths in 2023, accounting for 15% of state adult suicides) and aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges veterans face during civilian transitions. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but encourages the state to recognize veterans' service and promote existing resources like the Veterans Crisis Line. It directly affects Wisconsin veterans by drawing attention to their mental health needs through official state recognition.

Maddy summarySB 473 requires local governments to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per single-family lot as a "permitted use" without special permits, directly affecting homeowners in residential and mixed-use zones. Localities may still set reasonable limits on ADU size (capped at the main house's square footage), height, and setbacks, but cannot impose additional approvals for standard ADUs. The bill also prohibits new ADUs created after its effective date from being used as short-term rentals (like Airbnb), while allowing existing ADUs to remain unaffected. This standardizes ADU access across the state while giving communities flexibility to manage development.

Maddy summarySB 679 prohibits law enforcement agencies from obtaining personal data from third parties (like tech companies or data brokers) in exchange for payment without a court warrant. It covers data such as location history, health records, financial details, browsing habits, and biometric information. Exceptions allow access if police have a warrant, face an emergency involving immediate danger, the data is publicly available, or the individual consented. This directly affects how police can legally acquire personal information from private entities.