Sen. Tim Carpenter

Maddy summarySJR 57 designates the month of May as "Older Americans Month" in Wisconsin through a symbolic resolution. It recognizes Wisconsin's over 1.45 million residents aged 60+ (25% of the state's population) and honors their contributions, aligning with the federal Older Americans Act's focus on community-based services like Meals on Wheels and senior center programs. The resolution does not create new programs or alter funding - it solely serves as a formal acknowledgment to promote awareness of seniors' roles and encourage community engagement. This ceremonial measure affects no specific individuals or policies, instead emphasizing recognition of older adults' value to Wisconsin society.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJR 60) is a symbolic resolution that formally proclaims June 6, 2025, as "Gun Violence Awareness Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but uses the legislature's authority to recognize gun violence as a critical public health issue, citing statistics on firearm deaths and injuries in Wisconsin (including 741 annual gun deaths, 64% suicides, and 1,500 annual injuries). The resolution aims to raise public awareness and align with broader efforts to address gun violence, as noted in its "whereas" clauses referencing national and state data. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by designating a specific day for community reflection and education on the topic.

Maddy summarySB 292 creates a new statutory provision (94.701 (3) (b) 9) that requires local governments to regulate pesticides specifically to protect pollinators - defined as insects that pollinate flowers - and their habitats. The bill directly affects local pesticide regulations, requiring communities to consider pollinator safety when adopting rules. It establishes a clear legal framework for local action but does not specify particular pesticide restrictions or enforcement methods. This is a procedural bill defining regulatory scope, not a detailed policy measure.

Maddy summarySB 293 requires all state agencies to prioritize using native prairie and forage plants in their projects to support native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It creates a new statute (20.935) defining "state agency" broadly and mandating that agencies use these native plants where appropriate. The Department of Natural Resources must provide requested information to help agencies implement this requirement. The bill directly affects every state agency that manages land or projects, with no financial or regulatory changes beyond the preference for native plants.

Maddy summarySJR 61 designates June 2025 as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about the importance of pollinators like bees and butterflies to agriculture and ecosystems. It highlights Wisconsin's existing efforts, such as "No Mow May" initiatives, which have demonstrated positive impacts on bee populations. The resolution encourages community engagement in pollinator-friendly practices, such as planting native species and reducing pesticide use, without imposing new requirements on residents or organizations.

Maddy summarySB 298 prohibits Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources from using neonicotinoid insecticides on state lands acquired and maintained under section 23.09(2)(d). This directly affects the department's land management practices on public parks, preserves, and conservation areas. The ban includes three key exceptions: existing farming agreements entered before the law's effective date, forest insect control on state forests/nurseries, and designated infestation zones under existing forest management rules. The bill creates a clear policy change by restricting a specific pesticide class on most state lands while preserving necessary forestry applications.

Maddy summarySB 2 expands veterans' burial benefits to cover individuals who served in Laos supporting U.S. efforts during the Vietnam War. It directly affects eligible veterans (including those covered by the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000) who previously did not qualify for national cemetery burial under existing rules. The bill adds a new provision (45.61 (2) (e)) to state law, linking eligibility for burial benefits to the federal naturalization act for these veterans. This change creates a concrete policy update to include a specific group of veterans in existing burial benefit programs. The bill is currently referred to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 71 ratifies the Dietitian Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement designed to streamline the licensing process for dietitians. This bill allows licensed dietitians in participating states to practice in other compact member states by obtaining a "compact privilege" instead of a full separate license. It establishes a dietitian licensure compact commission and amends various state statutes to recognize this new privilege, affecting dietitians and their ability to practice across state lines.

Maddy summarySB 64 increases penalties for harming police or fire department animals used in official duties. It creates three escalating offenses: intentional injury causing harm is a Class A misdemeanor, intentional injury causing death is a Class H G felony, and intentional injury causing death is a Class I H felony. The law specifically targets individuals who knowingly harm working animals (like police dogs or fire department horses) while aware of their official role. This directly affects anyone who intentionally harms these animals during their service, with penalties based on the severity of the outcome (injury or death). The bill does not cover accidental harm or animals not performing official duties.

Maddy summarySB 233 prohibits offering or giving anything of value (like money or items worth over $1, or $5 for specific petitions) to influence someone to sign or avoid signing certain political petitions during election periods. It directly affects individuals circulating or signing petitions related to candidate nominations, recall efforts, referendums, or propositions during defined election windows (e.g., spring, general, or special elections). Key provisions define "election period" and specifically ban inducements for petitions supporting or opposing candidates, referendums, or recall efforts. The bill creates new statutory language (12.11(1m)(a) 5-6) to clarify these restrictions and applies to nomination papers and recall petitions. It aims to prevent financial incentives from influencing petition participation in elections.