Sen. Dianne Hesselbein

Maddy summarySB 1043 requires state legislators to annually verify their residency in their elected district through sworn statements and proof of address, with updates needed within 10 days of moving. It mandates that legislators file these documents with legislative offices at the start of each session and annually while in office. Failure to comply triggers an investigation and potential quo warranto legal action to vacate the seat, initiated by the attorney general or a district elector. The bill also requires all residency records to remain confidential under state privacy laws.

Maddy summarySB 1029 repeals Section 66.0104 of the statutes, which previously allowed local governments to regulate landlords. This bill directly affects cities and counties that had authority under this statute to create local rules for rental housing. The key provision is the removal of this specific legal authority, meaning local governments would no longer be able to enact ordinances under this section. The bill does not create new regulations but eliminates an existing framework for local landlord oversight.

Maddy summarySB 1041 creates an Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman within the Department of Financial Institutions to assist student loan borrowers in the state. The office will handle complaints, resolve issues with loan servicers, analyze borrower data, and provide information about borrowers' rights under student education loans. It directly affects student loan borrowers (including residents and those sharing repayment responsibility) and student loan servicers (non-state entities managing loans). Key provisions require the ombudsman to monitor loan servicing practices, collaborate with schools and servicers, and make recommendations to improve borrower protections.

Maddy summarySB 925 creates a system for automatic voter registration by requiring the election commission to match driver's license and ID data from the Department of Transportation with existing voter registration lists. It directs the commission to obtain names, addresses, birth dates, license numbers, and verified citizenship proof from the DMV to identify eligible voters not yet registered. The bill mandates that the commission contact voters to resolve discrepancies, add eligible unregistered individuals to the list, and send multilingual notices informing them of their registration and providing opt-out instructions. Voters can request removal from the list, and the commission must send notices for any removals (except for duplicates or deceased individuals). This law directly affects all state residents who interact with the DMV and meet voter eligibility requirements.

Maddy summarySB 934 requires municipalities to obtain governing body approval after a public hearing before discontinuing a polling place location. It also mandates that municipal clerks or election boards send written notice to all affected residents at least 30 days before an election if a polling place is discontinued after the previous election. This bill directly affects local election officials and municipalities managing polling locations. The key changes are: 1) requiring public hearings for proposed discontinuations, and 2) enforcing advance mail notifications to voters. These provisions aim to improve transparency and voter awareness about polling place changes.

Maddy summarySB 923 reduces the residency requirement for voting in Wisconsin from 28 consecutive days to 10 consecutive days before an election. It directly affects voters who move within the state shortly before an election, allowing them to vote in their new district if they meet the 10-day requirement, or at their previous address if they cannot. The bill also creates a special affidavit process for voters with less than 10 days of residency to vote only for president and vice president, while maintaining the 10-day standard for all other elections. Key provisions include updated registration forms and penalties for false statements on residency affidavits. This bill modifies existing voting statutes to shorten the residency period for most voting purposes.

Maddy summarySB 931 allows student identification cards issued by accredited Wisconsin universities, colleges, or technical colleges to be used as valid voter ID. The bill requires these cards to include the cardholder's signature, date of issuance, and an expiration date no later than two years after issuance. If a card is expired, voters must prove current student enrollment at the time of voting. This applies to all University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, which must issue qualifying IDs by August 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 933 requires social media platforms serving users in this state to display a clear mental health warning each time a user accesses the platform. The warning must note potential negative mental health effects and provide access to crisis resources like the 988 suicide hotline. Platforms cannot hide the warning, make it less visible, or disable it except under specified conditions. Violations could result in fines up to $5,000 per incident or lawsuits by affected users seeking damages or injunctions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 117) honoring the late Representative Rudolph L. "Rudy" Silbaugh, who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1991 to 1997 representing the 46th District. It recognizes his 30+ years of public service, including his work on committees related to aging, small business, and seniors' healthcare, as well as his community involvement. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the Legislature's commemoration of his life and service.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 118) that formally congratulates the Grafton Black Hawks high school football team for winning the 2025 Wisconsin State Football Championship. It recognizes their perfect 14-0 season, championship victory at Camp Randall Stadium, and the team's emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship. The resolution does not create any new laws, policies, or funding - it solely offers symbolic recognition from the Wisconsin Legislature to the team, coaches, and community. It directly affects the Grafton Black Hawks football program and the Grafton community by publicly honoring their championship achievement.