Sen. Dianne Hesselbein

Maddy summarySB 463 would repeal Section 104.001 of the statutes, which currently allows local governments (like cities or counties) to establish their own minimum wage rates higher than the state minimum. This bill directly affects local jurisdictions that have enacted or plan to enact higher local minimum wage ordinances. The key mechanism is the removal of this statutory provision, effectively preventing cities or counties from setting their own minimum wage rates above the state level. If passed, it would eliminate the legal basis for local minimum wage ordinances across the state.

Maddy summarySB 530 removes restrictions that previously limited Wisconsin counties from holding advisory referendums on most issues. It amends statute 59.52(25) to eliminate the exception requiring specific approval for advisory votes, except for those about capital expenditures funded by property taxes, and repeals the related statute 66.0144. This change directly affects county boards, allowing them to seek voter input on a broader range of local policy matters through non-binding advisory votes. The bill makes no changes to binding referendums or voting outcomes, only expanding the scope of advisory input available to local governments.

Maddy summarySB 509 would allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they will turn 18 by the date of the general election. The bill updates voting eligibility rules to include this group, requiring them to meet standard residency and registration requirements like other voters. However, the law requires a referendum for implementation, meaning voters must approve it before it takes effect. This change would directly affect eligible 17-year-old residents who are otherwise qualified to vote in primaries.

Maddy summarySB 520 prohibits foreign nationals from contributing money to referendum committees and bans referendum committees from accepting such contributions. The bill adds a specific provision (11.1208(4)(b)) to state law, defining "foreign national" per federal election regulations (11 CFR 110.20(a)(3) and 52 USC 30121(b)). This directly affects referendum committees organizing ballot measure campaigns and foreign nationals seeking to influence state-level referendums. The policy change explicitly bars foreign funding in referendum committee finances without altering broader campaign finance rules.

Maddy summarySJR 81 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Baseball Team for winning the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship. It formally recognizes the team's historic season, including their 49-6 record, record-setting 74 runs in the tournament, and championship victory over Messiah University. The resolution specifically commends the student-athletes, coaching staff (led by Head Coach John Vodenlich), and athletic department for their achievement. As a symbolic gesture with no policy or funding changes, it directly affects the team and their supporters but does not impact broader legislation or public policy.

Maddy summarySB 523 requires election boards to mark the poll list number of each absentee voter on the back of their ballot after verifying eligibility and ballot endorsement. This procedural change directly affects local election boards handling absentee ballots and ensures consistent tracking of voter participation. The bill specifies that boards must mark the number without unfolding or examining the ballot, following verification steps outlined in existing election statutes. It does not alter voting eligibility or ballot content, only the administrative process for recording absentee votes. The requirement applies to all absentee ballots except those cast under specific circumstances noted in statute.

Maddy summarySB 458 would eliminate the state's right-to-work law, removing a provision that allowed employees to work without joining a union. The bill requires employers to obtain majority worker approval before implementing union security agreements (where union membership is mandatory for all employees in a workplace). It also mandates that employees personally authorize dues deductions, rather than automatic withholding. These changes directly affect private-sector employees, employers, and labor organizations across the state.

Maddy summarySB 483 requires property tax bills sent to homeowners to include specific information about reductions in state aid to their local school district. It mandates details on the dollar amount and percentage change of any aid reduction from the previous year and current year, and if the reduction stems from state choice programs (like Milwaukee or Racine Choice) or scholarship payments, it requires a clear statement about that cause. The bill also notes that school districts could choose to offset such aid cuts by raising local property taxes. This applies only in years when a state aid reduction actually occurs. The summary focuses solely on the mandated disclosure in property tax bills, not on policy impacts or advocacy.

Maddy summaryWisconsin would designate the last full week of September as Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Awareness Week through this symbolic resolution. It aims to raise public awareness about FTD - a misdiagnosed condition affecting behavior, language, and emotional expression in people aged 45-64 - with no new policies or funding attached. The resolution references FTD’s $120,000 annual economic burden per family and its lack of cure, aligning with global awareness efforts. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct policy impact but seeks to highlight the condition’s challenges.

Maddy summarySB 540 bans employers from asking job applicants about their past pay or using that information in hiring decisions. It also protects employees’ right to discuss, share, or ask about their own or coworkers’ pay without employer interference. Violations can be reported to the labor department or pursued in court, with remedies including back pay, reinstatement, and capped damages up to $300,000 based on employer size. The law directly affects all employers and employees in the state, aiming to reduce pay discrimination by promoting transparency.