Sen. Tim Carpenter

Maddy summarySJR 93 is a ceremonial resolution designating November 2025 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but symbolically recognizes the impact of pancreatic cancer through official proclamation. The resolution cites statistics including an estimated 1,060 pancreatic cancer deaths in Wisconsin this year and notes pancreatic cancer could become the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the state by 2025. It encourages Wisconsin residents to increase awareness and education about pancreatic cancer and support services for patients. This resolution directly affects all Wisconsin citizens by formally acknowledging a public health issue through legislative recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 90 is a symbolic resolution that declares January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Wisconsin. It aims to increase public awareness about human trafficking, which the resolution describes as modern-day slavery targeting vulnerable groups like youth (with an average victim age of 12-15), people with disabilities, and those disconnected from support networks. The resolution emphasizes statewide recognition of trafficking in all 72 counties and encourages education to identify victims and support prevention efforts. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a formal statement of the state's commitment to addressing human trafficking.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJR 83) is a symbolic resolution recognizing November 10, 2025, as the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior. It commemorates the loss of all 29 crew members in the 1975 storm and acknowledges the impact on families, particularly noting eight Wisconsin residents among the crew. As a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill), it has no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or regulations. The resolution serves solely to honor the tragedy and the maritime industry's ongoing service.

Maddy summarySJR 99 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 14, 2025, as "First Responders Appreciation Day" in Wisconsin. It honors all professional and volunteer police, fire, and emergency medical services personnel (including Wisconsin's over 4,800 career firefighters, 20,600 volunteer firefighters, 14,700 law enforcement officers, and 17,426 EMS personnel) for their daily service and risks. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it merely declares a day of recognition through legislative proclamation. It does not create new requirements, funding, or changes to laws affecting first responders.

Maddy summarySB 463 would repeal Section 104.001 of the statutes, which currently allows local governments (like cities or counties) to establish their own minimum wage rates higher than the state minimum. This bill directly affects local jurisdictions that have enacted or plan to enact higher local minimum wage ordinances. The key mechanism is the removal of this statutory provision, effectively preventing cities or counties from setting their own minimum wage rates above the state level. If passed, it would eliminate the legal basis for local minimum wage ordinances across the state.

Maddy summarySB 530 removes restrictions that previously limited Wisconsin counties from holding advisory referendums on most issues. It amends statute 59.52(25) to eliminate the exception requiring specific approval for advisory votes, except for those about capital expenditures funded by property taxes, and repeals the related statute 66.0144. This change directly affects county boards, allowing them to seek voter input on a broader range of local policy matters through non-binding advisory votes. The bill makes no changes to binding referendums or voting outcomes, only expanding the scope of advisory input available to local governments.

Maddy summarySJR 86 is a ceremonial resolution that commemorates the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary on October 13, 2025, marking the date the Continental Congress authorized the first naval vessels in 1775. The resolution recognizes the Navy's historical service and legacy, with specific acknowledgment of Wisconsin's naval contributions, including shipbuilding history and vessels named after the state. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or groups - it is purely symbolic. The Wisconsin Legislature formally resolves to celebrate this milestone.

Maddy summarySB 511 (2026 Legislature) amends Wisconsin statute 6.87(9) to clarify that municipal clerks must return absentee ballots with incomplete or missing voter certification to the voter. The bill requires clerks to return the ballot (inside its sealed envelope, if applicable) with a new envelope, allowing voters time to correct the error and resubmit before the deadline. This directly affects absentee voters who make mistakes on their ballot certificates and municipal clerks handling ballot processing. The change aims to reduce ballot disqualification due to minor administrative errors.

Maddy summarySB 520 prohibits foreign nationals from contributing money to referendum committees and bans referendum committees from accepting such contributions. The bill adds a specific provision (11.1208(4)(b)) to state law, defining "foreign national" per federal election regulations (11 CFR 110.20(a)(3) and 52 USC 30121(b)). This directly affects referendum committees organizing ballot measure campaigns and foreign nationals seeking to influence state-level referendums. The policy change explicitly bars foreign funding in referendum committee finances without altering broader campaign finance rules.

Maddy summarySJR 97 designates September 25, 2025, as First Amendment Day for all Wisconsin residents to commemorate the anniversary of the U.S. Congress proposing the Bill of Rights in 1789. This symbolic resolution has no legal effect and does not create new laws or obligations. It aims to honor the First Amendment's protections of free speech, assembly, and press, as highlighted in the resolution's preamble. The bill serves as a commemorative gesture, not a policy change.