Sen. Jamie Wall

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 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 summarySJR 20 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Representative Jim Soletski, who served Wisconsin's 88th Assembly District as a Democrat from 2006-2010. It commemorates his career as a legislator (including committee leadership roles on Energy, Clean Energy Jobs, and Tribal Relations), his work in the energy industry, and his community service. The resolution formally recognizes his life, public service, and passing on August 20, 2024, and extends condolences to his family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely symbolic.

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.

Maddy summarySB 458 would eliminate the state's right-to-work law, removing a provision that allowed employees to work without joining a union. The bill requires employers to obtain majority worker approval before implementing union security agreements (where union membership is mandatory for all employees in a workplace). It also mandates that employees personally authorize dues deductions, rather than automatic withholding. These changes directly affect private-sector employees, employers, and labor organizations across the state.

Maddy summarySB 483 requires property tax bills sent to homeowners to include specific information about reductions in state aid to their local school district. It mandates details on the dollar amount and percentage change of any aid reduction from the previous year and current year, and if the reduction stems from state choice programs (like Milwaukee or Racine Choice) or scholarship payments, it requires a clear statement about that cause. The bill also notes that school districts could choose to offset such aid cuts by raising local property taxes. This applies only in years when a state aid reduction actually occurs. The summary focuses solely on the mandated disclosure in property tax bills, not on policy impacts or advocacy.

Maddy summarySB 543 updates Wisconsin's appraiser licensing rules by raising the maximum transaction value for residential appraisals from $250,000 to $500,000, allowing appraisers to handle more expensive properties without additional certification. It revises reciprocity agreements to streamline certification for out-of-state appraisers, requiring mutual agreements between Wisconsin and other states' regulatory bodies. The bill also clarifies the title appraisers must display on reports, permitting "Wisconsin certified residential appraiser" for commercial properties up to $500,000 or residential properties. These changes primarily affect residential appraisers, appraisal management companies, and the process for obtaining or renewing credentials.