Sen. Dianne Hesselbein

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 56 proclaims April 20 to 26, 2025, as National Infertility Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The resolution highlights that infertility affects one in six individuals and recognizes it as a disease, impacting women and men equally. It affirms the legal right of patients with infertility to undergo treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility options. The resolution also rejects the concept of embryonic or fetal "personhood" and encourages participation with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 73 prevents individuals under the age of 18 from being prosecuted for committing an act of prostitution. It amends current law to explicitly state that a person under 18 cannot be charged under the statute defining this offense (944.30 (1m)). The bill also makes conforming changes to other statutes, removing requirements for DNA collection and certain expungement provisions that would otherwise apply to offenses under this section for minors. This legislation establishes a non-prosecutorial approach for minors involved in acts of prostitution.

Maddy summarySJR 30 is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Wisconsin State Legislature's commendation of the University of Wisconsin-Madison women’s hockey team for winning the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Hockey National Championship. It specifically highlights their championship victory over Ohio State in overtime, key players like Kirsten Simms and Ava McNaughton, and the coaching staff. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely symbolic, offering formal congratulations without enacting new laws or allocating resources. This type of resolution is standard for recognizing athletic achievements and does not affect any legislation or funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 36) expressing legislative congratulations to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women’s gymnastics team for winning the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) championship. It formally recognizes their achievement of an 18th national title (first since 2016) and highest-scoring championship in program history. The resolution has no policy impact or binding requirements - it simply serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summarySB 212 requires ballot questions for referendums and constitutional amendments to be written in plain language and avoid misleading phrasing (e.g., requiring a "no" vote to approve a proposal). It mandates that questions clearly state whether any part of a constitutional amendment is already part of current law. This bill affects all future voter referendums in the state by standardizing ballot language to improve clarity for voters.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJR 60) is a symbolic resolution that formally proclaims June 6, 2025, as "Gun Violence Awareness Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but uses the legislature's authority to recognize gun violence as a critical public health issue, citing statistics on firearm deaths and injuries in Wisconsin (including 741 annual gun deaths, 64% suicides, and 1,500 annual injuries). The resolution aims to raise public awareness and align with broader efforts to address gun violence, as noted in its "whereas" clauses referencing national and state data. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by designating a specific day for community reflection and education on the topic.

Maddy summarySB 195 prohibits public eating places (like restaurants) from serving any product labeled as "maple syrup" unless it consists entirely of maple syrup, as defined by federal regulations (21 CFR 168.140). The bill specifically targets mislabeling, allowing establishments to serve non-maple products only if they are not marketed as maple syrup. It directly affects restaurants and food service businesses that sell syrup-based items. The law creates a clear labeling standard without restricting other menu items. This is a straightforward regulatory measure focused on product transparency.

Maddy summarySB 293 requires all state agencies to prioritize using native prairie and forage plants in their projects to support native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It creates a new statute (20.935) defining "state agency" broadly and mandating that agencies use these native plants where appropriate. The Department of Natural Resources must provide requested information to help agencies implement this requirement. The bill directly affects every state agency that manages land or projects, with no financial or regulatory changes beyond the preference for native plants.

Maddy summarySJR 61 designates June 2025 as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about the importance of pollinators like bees and butterflies to agriculture and ecosystems. It highlights Wisconsin's existing efforts, such as "No Mow May" initiatives, which have demonstrated positive impacts on bee populations. The resolution encourages community engagement in pollinator-friendly practices, such as planting native species and reducing pesticide use, without imposing new requirements on residents or organizations.

Maddy summarySB 298 prohibits Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources from using neonicotinoid insecticides on state lands acquired and maintained under section 23.09(2)(d). This directly affects the department's land management practices on public parks, preserves, and conservation areas. The ban includes three key exceptions: existing farming agreements entered before the law's effective date, forest insect control on state forests/nurseries, and designated infestation zones under existing forest management rules. The bill creates a clear policy change by restricting a specific pesticide class on most state lands while preserving necessary forestry applications.