Sen. Dianne Hesselbein

Maddy summaryThis bill would prohibit the state from seeking reimbursement from alleged fathers for pregnancy and birth expenses already paid by the Medical Assistance program for unmarried mothers who were recipients of that program at the time of birth. The legislation amends existing statutes to prevent courts from ordering alleged fathers to repay these specific costs, while still allowing the state to pursue other medical support obligations from parents. By creating a new statute section and modifying several existing sections, the bill ensures that state-funded birth expenses for eligible unmarried mothers cannot be recovered through paternity judgments or court orders. The changes apply to paternity orders issued on or after the bill's effective date, leaving other medical support requirements intact for cases not covered by this specific provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the state constitution to require that all stationery and printing contracts for state use be awarded to the lowest bidder operating within the state, unless federal law or international agreements prohibit it. It allows the legislature to set a maximum price for these contracts and prohibits any state legislators or officers from having a financial interest in such agreements. The measure would be submitted to voters at the next general election after a three-month public notice period.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal penalties and civil remedies for intentionally disrupting access to reproductive health service facilities or places of religious worship. It prohibits actions such as using force or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere with individuals seeking or providing reproductive health services, as well as damaging property at these locations. Violations are classified as a Class A misdemeanor for first offenses and a Class I felony for repeat offenses. The legislation also allows affected individuals and entities to file civil lawsuits seeking injunctive relief, damages, and attorney fees, while permitting prosecutors to seek civil forfeitures ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Wisconsin to provide reasonable break time and a private, shielded space for breastfeeding employees to express breast milk for children under one year of age. The law mandates access to electrical outlets, running water, and refrigeration for milk storage, while allowing unpaid break time unless the employee remains partially on duty. Employers with fewer than 50 employees may claim an undue hardship exemption if compliance would cause significant difficulty or expense. The bill also prohibits discrimination or retaliation against employees who take these breaks and establishes a complaint process through the state department for enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 20 percent purchasing goal for state agencies and local governments to buy products and services from businesses with a principal place of business in Wisconsin. It requires state departments and purchasing agents to attempt to meet this target each fiscal year, while also ensuring the percentage does not fall below the previous year's level. The legislation mandates that agencies collect and publicly report data on vendor locations and evaluate their progress toward meeting these goals. Local governments are given the option to opt out of the reporting requirements through a formal resolution. The bill also defines "local products or services" and includes exemptions for commercial resale items and situations where foreign vendors face similar government purchasing restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "qualified applicants" for buyer identification cards as licensed motor vehicle dealers, wholesalers, salvage dealers, school districts, and their employees. The legislation clarifies that dealers licensed in other jurisdictions are also included in this definition. By amending the relevant statute, the bill establishes who is eligible to obtain these identification cards. The measure does not create new programs or change existing procedures beyond this definitional clarification.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors the life and legacy of Anne Arnesen, a longtime advocate for children and families who passed away in January 2026. The resolution recognizes her contributions as a community leader, school board member, and activist who served in various roles including leading the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families for 22 years. It formally acknowledges her dedication to civil service, women's rights, and social justice through her work with multiple organizations and her years of public service. The bill is a commemorative measure intended to recognize her impact on Wisconsin rather than to change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates the U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team on winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. It specifically highlights the achievements of Wisconsin-affiliated players and staff, including former and current University of Wisconsin athletes who competed on the team. The resolution formally commends the athletes, coaches, and support staff for their success and wishes them continued success. The bill is a ceremonial measure with no regulatory or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution directs the Wisconsin Senate to schedule additional floor sessions between April 14 and April 16, 2026, and to hold extraordinary sessions through December 31, 2026, to consider bills aimed at reducing costs for Wisconsinites. The measure specifically calls for passing legislation introduced by minority party members that address affordability issues such as utility rates, health care premiums, child care costs, and agricultural expenses. It was introduced in March 2026 by a bipartisan group of senators and referred to the Committee on Senate Organization, where it later failed to adopt following a vote to withdraw from committee. The resolution does not create new laws itself but establishes procedural requirements for the Senate to convene additional voting periods during the 2025-26 legislative session.

Maddy summarySB 992 clarifies and expands eligibility for Wisconsin's child care subsidy program (Shares) to include "like-kin" caregivers - non-biological individuals who have formed family-like bonds with children. It directly affects caregivers who provide regular care for children under court orders but aren't blood relatives, such as close family friends or guardians. Key changes include updating definitions to explicitly include "like-kin" in subsidy eligibility, adjusting income calculations to count certain court-ordered payments, and ensuring these caregivers qualify for subsidies when meeting income thresholds. The bill makes no new funding commitments but streamlines access to existing child care support for these families.