Sen. Tim Carpenter

Maddy summarySJR 3 is a non-binding resolution that proclaims January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose legal obligations. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, defined as exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion, and aligns with statewide efforts to combat this issue. The proclamation is intended for general public education and community engagement, not specific policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 50 establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board to address prescription drug costs, requiring it to meet quarterly and include balanced representation from pharmaceutical manufacturers, health insurers, healthcare providers, and the public. The bill allocates $500,000 annually for state operations related to this board and funds a pilot project to create value-based diabetes medication arrangements with pharmacy benefit managers. It also modifies Medicaid copayment rules to prevent providers from denying care due to inability to pay copays, while creating a new tool for prescribers to disclose drug costs to patients. Additionally, the bill authorizes partnerships with out-of-state drug repositories and allows pharmacists to count free clinic volunteer hours toward continuing education requirements.

Maddy summarySB 54 prohibits state and local government officials, including law enforcement, from assisting federal authorities in detaining individuals solely based on immigration status at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, places of worship, or childcare facilities. It also bans the use of state funds for such detentions and explicitly allows cooperation only when required by a valid judicial warrant. The bill directly affects state agencies, local governments, and facilities providing essential services by restricting their involvement in immigration enforcement actions. Key provisions create clear boundaries for state/local entities to avoid complicity in immigration detentions without court authorization.

Maddy summarySB 60 expands the homestead income tax credit for homeowners in Wisconsin starting in 2026. It creates new income-based limits: households earning $8,060 or less receive an 80% credit on property taxes for their primary home, while those earning between $8,060 and $35,000 get a reduced credit based on income above the threshold. The bill repeals older provisions that restricted the credit for people without earned income or disabled claimants, and adds automatic annual inflation adjustments to the income thresholds and credit amounts. This directly affects Wisconsin homeowners with household income under $35,000 who claim the homestead tax credit.

Maddy summarySB 135 designates February 18 as "Vel R. Phillips' birthday" for special observance days in public schools. This bill adds a specific date to school calendars to honor Vel R. Phillips, a notable historical figure, requiring schools to observe this day annually. It does not create new programs, funding, or mandates beyond the designated observance date. The bill applies to the school year following its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 17), not a policy bill. It formally honors April 22, 2025, as the 55th anniversary of Earth Day by urging the Wisconsin Legislature to recognize this milestone. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any specific group; it is purely symbolic, referencing Earth Day's history and encouraging citizens to support environmental preservation. It was introduced by multiple legislators and passed as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summarySB 90 amends Wisconsin's tax code to limit the sales and use tax exemption for residential electricity and natural gas to the winter months of November through April. This change directly affects homeowners and renters who use these utilities for heating during the colder months. The bill modifies an existing statute to specify that the tax exemption applies only during these six months, rather than year-round. It does not alter the tax rate itself but restricts the period when the exemption applies. The bill is currently in committee review after being introduced in March 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 19 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late Representative Jonathan Brostoff, who served in the Wisconsin Assembly (2014-2023) and Milwaukee Common Council (2022-2024). The resolution recognizes his advocacy for criminal justice reform, disability rights, and community service, including his volunteer work with youth and veterans' organizations. It formally expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's condolences to his family and extends recognition for his public service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summarySJR 10 is a ceremonial resolution proposing that the Wisconsin Legislature officially proclaim February 2025 as Black History Month. It does not create new laws or allocate funding; instead, it formally recognizes the significance of Black History Month through symbolic legislative action. The resolution cites historical context, including Wisconsin's early African American presence, and highlights local contributions by figures like Milwaukee community leader Elisterine Clayton and Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Paul Higginbotham. This resolution directly affects the state's official recognition of Black History Month but has no binding policy impact.

Maddy summarySJR 9 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Justice David T. Prosser Jr., a former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice and state legislator who died in December 2024. It commemorates his 40+ years of public service, including 18 years in the Wisconsin Legislature and 18 years on the Supreme Court. The resolution, introduced by multiple legislators, expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's tribute to his career and legacy without creating any new laws or policy changes.