Sen. Julian Bradley

Maddy summarySB 536 clarifies that real estate brokers licensed under Wisconsin law can qualify for a sales tax exemption on memberships they purchase. The bill specifies that these memberships must allow brokers to share property listings and compensation offers with other brokers. This change directly affects licensed real estate brokers who use such memberships to collaborate on property sales. The exemption applies only when the membership agreement explicitly enables brokers to exchange listing information and payment terms with other brokers.

Maddy summarySB 400 restricts state and local government employees from using official electronic devices to access social media, apps, or AI tools owned by entities based in designated "foreign countries of concern" (as defined by federal regulations). It directly affects state agencies and local governmental units (like cities, school districts, and special districts) by prohibiting non-law enforcement personnel from downloading or using these foreign-owned technologies on government-owned devices. The bill allows for limited exceptions through written waivers granted by the secretary of administration for specific work purposes. This is a policy change focused on limiting government use of foreign-owned digital tools, not a procedural or commemorative measure.

Maddy summarySB 553 clarifies that certain medical procedures performed to save a pregnant woman's life do not count as "abortion" under state law. The bill creates specific definitions for terms like "anembryonic pregnancy," "ectopic pregnancy," and "molar pregnancy," and explicitly states that abortion does not include procedures like emergency cesarean sections, removal of a dead fetus, or treatment for these specific conditions when doctors make reasonable efforts to preserve both the mother's and unborn child's life. This directly affects healthcare providers who perform these emergency procedures and pregnant patients facing medical crises. The law updates multiple statutes to ensure these scenarios are excluded from the legal definition of abortion.

Maddy summarySB 473 requires local governments to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per single-family lot as a "permitted use" without special permits, directly affecting homeowners in residential and mixed-use zones. Localities may still set reasonable limits on ADU size (capped at the main house's square footage), height, and setbacks, but cannot impose additional approvals for standard ADUs. The bill also prohibits new ADUs created after its effective date from being used as short-term rentals (like Airbnb), while allowing existing ADUs to remain unaffected. This standardizes ADU access across the state while giving communities flexibility to manage development.

Maddy summarySJR 87 is a resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature to commemorate the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary on November 10, 2025, marking the date the Continental Congress authorized its founding in 1775. It recognizes the Corps' historical service and acknowledges Marines training at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, including their role in activities like the Cold Weather Operations Course. The resolution expresses legislative appreciation but does not create new laws, funding, or legal obligations. It is a symbolic gesture celebrating military heritage without imposing concrete policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 288 allows the lead vehicle in a funeral procession, or all vehicles in a procession, to use flashing amber or purple lights during the procession. It requires that if any vehicle in the procession uses such lights, all vehicles must be equipped with them. This change directly affects funeral home operators and drivers participating in funeral processions by standardizing lighting rules for safety and visibility.

Maddy summarySB 132 upgrades penalties for impersonating emergency personnel, changing the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony. It applies to anyone pretending to be a police officer, firefighter, paramedic (emergency medical services practitioner), or emergency medical responder with intent to deceive. The bill creates a new felony classification under state law, replacing current misdemeanor penalties for these specific impersonation acts. This directly affects individuals who falsely pose as these professionals, increasing potential criminal consequences.

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts minor league baseball players covered by collective bargaining agreements from Wisconsin's minimum wage, overtime pay, and recordkeeping requirements. Specifically, it creates new statute 103.023 and amends statutes 104.01(2)(b)6 and 104.09 to remove these labor protections for players whose contracts are governed by a collective bargaining agreement that already specifies wages and working conditions. The exemption applies only to players under such agreements and does not affect other workers. Employers are no longer required to track hours or pay overtime for these exempt players. This change directly affects minor league baseball players in Wisconsin whose contracts include collective bargaining terms.

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 summaryThis bill exempts eligible families of Wisconsin military members killed in action (known as "gold star families") from paying fees for special registration plates. It removes the $15 annual or $30 biennial maintenance fees, as well as the $15 reissuance fee, that typically apply to personalized plates. Families qualifying under statute §341.14(6r)(f)19m will no longer pay these costs for initial issuance or ongoing plate maintenance. The law takes effect 7 months after publication, ensuring immediate cost savings for this group.