Sen. Kelda Roys

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes increasing state funding for passenger rail operations by $10 million and allocating an additional $5.2 million for feasibility studies on rail expansion projects. The funds would be directed to the state department of transportation to support existing passenger rail services and evaluate potential new routes. The legislation directly affects state transportation budgets and passengers who use rail services. It does not create new rail lines but provides resources for operational support and planning future infrastructure development.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a funding mechanism to reimburse municipalities for services they provide to state facilities and University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority properties. It requires state agencies to make full payments for municipal services like water, sewer, electricity, and waste disposal at established rates, with funds drawn from existing state appropriations. The legislation also outlines procedures for assessing program revenue costs to cover these payments and mandates annual reporting of payments to the state department. If available funds are insufficient in a given year, the bill requires prorating payments among eligible municipalities. The law applies to payments made in 2026 and amends existing statutes governing state-municipal financial transactions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would remove a state law that currently prevents local governments from creating or enforcing eviction moratoriums, which are rules that temporarily stop landlords from evicting tenants. By repealing the existing prohibition, the legislation would allow cities and counties to establish their own eviction pause policies if they choose to do so. The change directly affects local governments, landlords, and tenants by potentially opening the door for neighborhood-level eviction protections. The bill is currently in the early stages of review and has not yet been passed into law.

Maddy summarySB 1045 legalizes recreational cannabis possession for adults, establishes a new Division of Cannabis Regulation within the Department of Agriculture, and creates a Cannabis Conviction Review Unit to expunge or adjust past marijuana-related convictions. It allocates $30 million annually for cannabis regulation operations, funds a medical cannabis registry program with $5 million per year, and creates new tax revenue streams for enforcement and research. The bill repeals outdated marijuana laws, regulates cannabis production and sales through licensing, and sets up a system for individuals to seek conviction expungement. These changes directly affect all Wisconsin residents, particularly those with prior cannabis convictions, and establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the state's cannabis industry.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally recognizes the life and leadership of Bob Harlan, the former president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers. The bill highlights his contributions to the franchise, including hiring key personnel, leading the team to a Super Bowl victory, and overseeing a major stadium redevelopment. It serves as a commemorative tribute rather than enacting new policy or funding. The resolution was adopted by the Wisconsin Senate but did not receive concurrence from the Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally honors the life and public service of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a civil rights activist and politician who passed away in February 2026. The resolution recognizes his contributions to the American civil rights movement, his founding of Operation PUSH, his political campaigns, and his advocacy for racial equity and social justice. It also acknowledges his connections to Wisconsin, including his visits to lead prayers in the state assembly. The bill expresses the legislature's condolences to Jackson's family and community while commemorating his legacy of pursuing freedom and justice.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for the Medical Assistance program to include parents or caretakers of dependent children and adults under 65 whose family income falls between 101 and 133 percent of the poverty line. The legislation requires the state insurance commissioner to seek federal approval for these new eligibility categories, and the program changes would only take effect if the federal government grants permission. If federal approval is not obtained, individuals meeting these new criteria would not qualify for benefits. The expanded eligibility provisions are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2029, if approved.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores the ability for private individuals to file qui tam lawsuits against those who knowingly submit false claims for medical assistance, such as Medicaid fraud. It establishes penalties requiring violators to pay three times the damages caused to the state, while also allowing for reduced penalties if the violator cooperates with the attorney general and reports the fraud promptly. The law outlines procedures for filing complaints, including a 60-day sealing period and the attorney general's option to intervene or take over the case, while also granting the state authority to settle cases with approval from the governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes legal rights for individuals to access fertility treatments, including egg and sperm preservation, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, and related medications, while also protecting health care providers and insurance companies from interference when delivering these services. It creates a reimbursement mechanism for fertility treatments under the state's Medical Assistance program, though payment is contingent on federal approval or the absence of required federal waivers. The legislation defines fertility treatment broadly to include genetic testing, gamete donation, and other services aligned with American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines, and grants individuals rights to make decisions about their reproductive genetic material. Additionally, the bill provides legal recourse through civil actions for individuals, providers, or manufacturers whose rights are violated, with courts authorized to award equitable relief and litigation costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes stricter penalties for repeat drunk driving offenses by increasing license revocation periods and fines for individuals with two or more qualifying convictions within a 10-year window. It directly affects drivers convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, particularly those with prior convictions, suspensions, or revocations that count toward the two-conviction threshold. The legislation establishes specific revocation durations ranging from one to two years, allows for occupational licenses after a waiting period if the driver completes required assessments and safety plans, and sets minimum fines between $350 and $1,100 with mandatory jail time of at least five days. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for tribal court revocations to align with state penalties and outlines conditions under which reduced jail sentences may apply if probation with treatment is successfully completed.