Sen. Jeff Smith

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 40 (SJR 40) is a procedural bill that formally recognizes Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It acknowledges the significant contributions of Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history and diversity of Wisconsin and the United States.

Maddy summarySJR 33 is a Senate Joint Resolution that declares an "Economic Justice Bill of Rights" for the people of Wisconsin. This resolution outlines ten fundamental rights, including the right to a job that pays a living wage, adequately funded public education, affordable healthcare, and a clean and sustainable environment. It serves as a legislative declaration affirming these principles for all Wisconsinites, regardless of background.

Maddy summarySJR 13 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Patrick Fuller, former Wisconsin Assembly Chief Clerk, who passed away in January 2025. It recognizes his 25-year U.S. military career (including service in the Marines and Army, with combat deployments) and his 20-year tenure managing Assembly operations across multiple legislative sessions. The resolution, introduced by numerous legislators, formally expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and extends tribute to his public service. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 54 designates May 2025 and May 2026 as Food Allergy Awareness Months in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to increase public understanding and awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis within the state.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 56 proclaims April 20 to 26, 2025, as National Infertility Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The resolution highlights that infertility affects one in six individuals and recognizes it as a disease, impacting women and men equally. It affirms the legal right of patients with infertility to undergo treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility options. The resolution also rejects the concept of embryonic or fetal "personhood" and encourages participation with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

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 summarySB 319 designates the rusty patched bumble bee (*Bombus affinis*) as Wisconsin's official state native insect. The bill amends state statutes to add this designation to the list of official state symbols included in the Wisconsin Blue Book. This is a ceremonial change with no regulatory impact, affecting only the state's official documentation. It does not alter conservation policies or impose new requirements on any individuals or entities.

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.