Sen. Dianne Hesselbein

Maddy summarySB 342 requires certain health insurance plans - including preferred provider plans, limited service health organizations, and government health plans (like those for state/local employees) - to cover at least 28 mental health or substance use treatment visits per year, or as many as needed to meet a patient’s treatment goals. It prohibits insurers from requiring pre-approval (prior authorization) for this coverage. If an actuarial analysis shows the policy changes would raise costs for insurers by more than 10%, the requirement may be delayed. The bill applies to policies starting in the first policy year after its effective date, with specific timelines for government plans affected by collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summarySB 346 creates a state grant program to help prospective school social workers cover education costs for licensure. It specifically targets individuals from racial minority groups (including Black Americans, American Indians, Hispanic individuals, Asian/Pacific Islander individuals, or multiracial people) who are either school employees or enrolled in relevant graduate programs. The bill appropriates $5 million annually for 2025-26 and 2026-27 to fund these grants, with the Department of Public Instruction administering the program and establishing necessary rules. This directly affects eligible prospective school social workers seeking licensure, not current professionals or other school staff.

Maddy summarySB 352 creates a $5 million annual grant program to help school districts hire mental health professionals who are members of racial minority groups. It directly affects school districts (which apply for grants) and mental health professionals from specified racial minority groups, including Black Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and multiracial individuals. The bill requires the state education department to administer the grants and develop rules for implementation, with funding allocated for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years. The policy change focuses on increasing access to culturally representative mental health support in schools through targeted hiring.

Maddy summarySB 347 creates a new state grant program to reimburse school districts and charter schools for comprehensive mental health services provided to students. It covers eligible costs like mental health literacy programs, telehealth services, parent training, mental health navigators, and equipment for telehealth, but excludes direct treatment costs or staff salaries for non-mental health roles. Reimbursement is capped at $100,000 per school or $100 per enrolled student annually, with a $83.888 million appropriation for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The bill directly affects public schools and charter schools by providing funding for in-school and out-of-school mental health support.

Maddy summarySB 340 creates a dedicated $2 million annual appropriation for stipend payments to school social worker interns in Wisconsin public schools. It directly affects graduate students enrolled in school social work licensure programs who are placed as interns in public schools under school board governance. The bill establishes that the Department of Public Instruction must provide these stipends starting in the 2026-27 school year, using funds allocated under the new statutory section 20.255(3)(cm). This policy change formalizes funding for intern stipends without altering eligibility requirements for the program.

Maddy summarySB 345 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders, and personal delivery devices (like delivery robots) who have begun crossing at intersections with traffic signals or crosswalks. It clarifies that vehicles must remain stopped until these road users complete crossing, applying to both marked and unmarked crosswalks. The bill specifically amends traffic statutes to include new mobility devices and reinforces existing rules about yielding at signalized intersections. This directly affects drivers operating vehicles at intersections and crosswalks, particularly during green pedestrian signals.

Maddy summarySB 265 requires Wisconsin state parks to waive all daily admission fees and related charges on April 22 each year to honor Earth Day and its founder, Gaylord Nelson. This policy change directly affects all visitors to state parks on April 22, eliminating the cost of entry for that specific day. The bill creates a new statutory provision (27.01(9)(b)) that automatically applies the fee waiver without requiring additional action. The change affects the Department of Natural Resources, which must implement the waiver for all state parks under its management.

Maddy summarySJR 75 is a symbolic resolution recognizing June 2025 as Black Music Month in Wisconsin. It honors the historical and cultural contributions of Black musicians to American music genres and society, citing figures like Beyoncé, B.B. King, and Quincy Jones. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the state legislature, with no direct impact on individuals or funding. It was introduced in July 2025 and referred to a committee for review.

Maddy summarySJR 68 proposes to repeal Section 13 of the state constitution, which currently defines marriage as only between one man and one woman and bans legal recognition of similar status for unmarried couples. If approved by voters, this constitutional amendment would eliminate the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and allow all marriages to be recognized equally under state law. The bill directly affects all state residents by removing a legal barrier to marriage equality for same-sex couples. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the next general election following a three-month publication period, as required by the proposed process.

Maddy summarySJR 77 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Wisconsin Assembly Representative Thomas A. Hauke, who served from 1972 to 1992. The resolution formally recognizes his 20-year legislative career, including his role as majority leader, and his commitment to bipartisanship. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's condolences to his family and acknowledges his public service, education, and personal life. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and solely serves to memorialize his contributions.