Sen. Tim Carpenter

Maddy summarySB 664 lowers the disability rating requirement for veterans and surviving spouses to qualify for the state property tax credit. Previously, claimants needed a 100% service-connected disability rating; this bill reduces that threshold to 70% or higher. It also creates a new provision allowing the credit amount to be calculated as a percentage of the full credit based on the veteran's actual disability rating (e.g., a 70% rating would yield 70% of the full credit). The bill directly affects veterans and surviving spouses with service-connected disabilities rated between 70% and 99%, who now qualify for a proportional tax credit. The change applies to taxable years beginning in the year the bill takes effect.

Maddy summarySB 574 creates a state funding mechanism to maintain Wisconsin's WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program benefits during federal government shutdowns. It requires the Department of Health Services to continue providing WIC benefits at pre-shutdown levels if federal funding lapses, specifically referencing the October 1, 2025 funding gap. The bill ensures uninterrupted access to nutrition support for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children who rely on WIC. This temporary provision expires on October 1, 2026, and is repealed upon federal funding restoration. The measure directly affects WIC participants and state budgeting during federal funding interruptions.

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 264 requires health insurance plans and the Medical Assistance program to cover specific breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. It defines two key types of screenings: "diagnostic breast examinations" (used to evaluate symptoms or abnormalities, like mammograms) and "supplemental breast screening examinations" (for high-risk individuals without symptoms, using MRI or ultrasound). The bill prohibits cost-sharing (such as copays) for all diagnostic screenings and for the first supplemental screening per year, while allowing limited cost-sharing for additional supplemental screenings in the same year. This directly affects individuals with health insurance or Medical Assistance who require these screenings, particularly those at higher risk for breast cancer.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin Senate Resolution honors U.S. service members who died during the initial phase of the conflict with Iran, specifically those killed in strikes on Kuwait and Saudi Arabia or who died in an aircraft crash in Iraq. The measure formally acknowledges the bravery of seven fallen soldiers and extends condolences to their families while expressing gratitude to the approximately 400 Wisconsin National Guard members currently deployed in the Middle East. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the sacrifices made by American troops in the region. It focuses on commemorating specific individuals and supporting those still serving in harm's way during the ongoing military operations.

Maddy summarySJR 92 is a ceremonial resolution that directs the Wisconsin Legislature to officially proclaim October 2025 as "Filipino American History Month" within the state. It recognizes the historical contributions of Filipino Americans, including their early settlements in the U.S., their growth in Wisconsin (over 22,000 residents), and their roles in fields like healthcare, education, and military service. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges this history to promote awareness and appreciation. It aligns with the national observance established in 1991 and follows Wisconsin's tradition of recognizing cultural heritage months.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin legislative resolution (SJR 103) condemns Russia's abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, citing violations of international law under the Genocide Convention. It specifically states that Russia's actions - including forced adoptions, re-education programs, and policies like declaring children born in occupied Ukraine as Russian citizens - aim to erase Ukrainian identity and culture. The resolution declares these acts constitute genocide and holds Russia's government responsible, while noting increased risks of child exploitation due to the invasion. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal force but formally expresses the legislature's stance against Russia's actions.

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.

Maddy summarySB 278 prevents the automatic expiration (sunset) of Wisconsin's Community-Oriented Policing-House Grant Program by changing its funding mechanism. The bill amends state law to establish the program as a "continuing appropriation" that receives biennial funding without requiring annual legislative action to renew it. This change directly affects local law enforcement agencies and community organizations that receive these grants to fund policing initiatives focused on community engagement. The policy shift ensures stable, ongoing funding for the program starting July 1, 2025, rather than requiring renewal each biennium. The bill was enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 27 and signed into law on August 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals to obtain written permission from patients before performing pelvic exams for educational purposes on patients who are unconscious (e.g., under anesthesia). It directly affects hospitals, medical staff, and patients undergoing such exams during medical training. The key provision mandates that hospitals create written policies ensuring patients provide explicit, prior consent for these specific exams. The law, now Wisconsin Act 22, applies to all facilities conducting such educational procedures on unconscious individuals.