Sen. Jeff Smith

Maddy summarySB 762 creates a state grant program to fund testing and mapping of privately owned wells to assess groundwater quality and contamination. It provides up to $10,000 per grant to counties, cities, villages, or towns for well testing and geologic studies, and up to $10,000 to health departments for public education on well testing. The bill requires grant recipients to submit anonymized testing results to the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, while directing municipalities to inform residents about well testing importance. The program is funded with $2.5 million annually from the environmental fund, with rule-making authority granted to the Department of Natural Resources.

Maddy summarySB 67 creates a state reimbursement program for schools providing universal free meals to all students. It directly affects public schools, charter schools, private schools, tribal schools, and residential care centers participating in federal meal programs. The bill establishes a 15-cent-per-breakfast reimbursement rate from state funds (using existing appropriations) for schools meeting federal meal requirements, while matching federal reimbursement rates for lunches. It repeals the previous school meal reimbursement statute (115.341) and requires schools to serve free meals to all students without cost during school days. Payments begin for meals served in the 2025-26 school year, with reimbursements calculated based on federal rates and prorated by meal counts.

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 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 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 summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2) designates March 2025 and March 2026 as "Women’s History Months" in Wisconsin. It is a ceremonial resolution with no new policies, funding, or direct impact on specific groups or legislation. The resolution uses historical context about women's contributions in Wisconsin (including suffrage milestones and notable figures) to support the symbolic designation. It does not change any laws or create new obligations. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to recognize and honor women's historical and ongoing roles in the state.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 148 establishes a "right to repair" for agricultural equipment. It requires manufacturers of farm machinery, such as tractors and combines, to make available repair information, parts, and tools to equipment owners and independent repair shops. Manufacturers must provide diagnostic documentation, embedded software, and replacement parts at fair costs and under fair terms. This aims to allow farmers and unaffiliated technicians to diagnose, maintain, and repair their own equipment.