Sen. Dianne Hesselbein

Maddy summarySB 264 requires health insurance plans and the Medical Assistance program to cover specific breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. It defines two key types of screenings: "diagnostic breast examinations" (used to evaluate symptoms or abnormalities, like mammograms) and "supplemental breast screening examinations" (for high-risk individuals without symptoms, using MRI or ultrasound). The bill prohibits cost-sharing (such as copays) for all diagnostic screenings and for the first supplemental screening per year, while allowing limited cost-sharing for additional supplemental screenings in the same year. This directly affects individuals with health insurance or Medical Assistance who require these screenings, particularly those at higher risk for breast cancer.

Maddy summarySB 23 extends Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days (one year) after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. The bill modifies eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family income above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if medical expenses for family members are covered, extending this eligibility to all family members. The bill requires federal approval for the 365-day extension to take effect.

Maddy summarySJR 92 is a ceremonial resolution that directs the Wisconsin Legislature to officially proclaim October 2025 as "Filipino American History Month" within the state. It recognizes the historical contributions of Filipino Americans, including their early settlements in the U.S., their growth in Wisconsin (over 22,000 residents), and their roles in fields like healthcare, education, and military service. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges this history to promote awareness and appreciation. It aligns with the national observance established in 1991 and follows Wisconsin's tradition of recognizing cultural heritage months.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals to obtain written permission from patients before performing pelvic exams for educational purposes on patients who are unconscious (e.g., under anesthesia). It directly affects hospitals, medical staff, and patients undergoing such exams during medical training. The key provision mandates that hospitals create written policies ensuring patients provide explicit, prior consent for these specific exams. The law, now Wisconsin Act 22, applies to all facilities conducting such educational procedures on unconscious individuals.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 24 creates specific exceptions for Tax Incremental District Number 6 in the city of Middleton. It exempts this particular district from state-mandated limitations on the total value of taxable property that can be included within it. Additionally, the bill removes a specific statutory lifespan limit for this same district. The exemption for the property value limit applies if the district is established by June 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 32 designates the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. This resolution aims to raise awareness about Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), a condition causing involuntary movements often linked to antipsychotic medication use, and to encourage early detection and intervention for individuals prescribed these medications.

Maddy summarySJR 24 is a joint resolution that proclaims April 26, 2025, as Shared Parenting Day in Wisconsin. This resolution recognizes the importance of shared parenting for children with separated parents.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 23 proclaims the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week in Wisconsin. This resolution recognizes the significant contributions of school nutrition professionals to the health and well-being of students across the state.

Maddy summarySJR 22 designates April 2025 and April 2026 as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to raise awareness about testicular cancer, which is common among younger men, to encourage early detection and healthy habits.

Maddy summarySJR 29 is a joint resolution that officially designates April 2025 and April 2026 as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Months in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about Parkinson's disease, its impact, and the need for ongoing research, education, and community support.