Sen. Jeff Smith

Maddy summarySB 352 creates a $5 million annual grant program to help school districts hire mental health professionals who are members of racial minority groups. It directly affects school districts (which apply for grants) and mental health professionals from specified racial minority groups, including Black Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and multiracial individuals. The bill requires the state education department to administer the grants and develop rules for implementation, with funding allocated for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years. The policy change focuses on increasing access to culturally representative mental health support in schools through targeted hiring.

Maddy summarySB 340 creates a dedicated $2 million annual appropriation for stipend payments to school social worker interns in Wisconsin public schools. It directly affects graduate students enrolled in school social work licensure programs who are placed as interns in public schools under school board governance. The bill establishes that the Department of Public Instruction must provide these stipends starting in the 2026-27 school year, using funds allocated under the new statutory section 20.255(3)(cm). This policy change formalizes funding for intern stipends without altering eligibility requirements for the program.

Maddy summarySB 344 creates a refundable income tax credit of up to $200 per dependent for bicycle (including electric bicycle) purchases by low-income residents. It directly affects families with dependents whose income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty line, allowing them to claim the credit against their state income tax or receive a cash payment if the credit exceeds their tax liability. Key provisions require claimants to submit purchase documentation, restrict eligibility to full-year residents, and cap the credit at $200 per dependent annually. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and is funded through a new appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 345 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders, and personal delivery devices (like delivery robots) who have begun crossing at intersections with traffic signals or crosswalks. It clarifies that vehicles must remain stopped until these road users complete crossing, applying to both marked and unmarked crosswalks. The bill specifically amends traffic statutes to include new mobility devices and reinforces existing rules about yielding at signalized intersections. This directly affects drivers operating vehicles at intersections and crosswalks, particularly during green pedestrian signals.

Maddy summarySJR 68 proposes to repeal Section 13 of the state constitution, which currently defines marriage as only between one man and one woman and bans legal recognition of similar status for unmarried couples. If approved by voters, this constitutional amendment would eliminate the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and allow all marriages to be recognized equally under state law. The bill directly affects all state residents by removing a legal barrier to marriage equality for same-sex couples. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the next general election following a three-month publication period, as required by the proposed process.

Maddy summarySJR 76 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late Wisconsin State Senator Bruce S. Peloquin, who died in October 2024. The resolution formally recognizes his 34 years of public service, including his time in the Wisconsin Assembly (1965-1971) and Senate (1971-1979), and highlights his legislative work on child abuse laws, special education, and school funding. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal tribute from the Wisconsin Legislature to his life and career. The resolution was introduced in July 2025 and referred to the Senate Organization Committee.

Maddy summarySB 324 prohibits mental health providers from offering conversion therapy to individuals under 18 years old. The bill defines conversion therapy as any attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, while exempting counseling supporting gender transition, providing acceptance/support, or addressing unsafe behaviors without intent to change orientation/identity. Violations could result in disciplinary actions against providers, including license suspension or revocation by state licensing boards. The law applies to licensed psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals covered under state licensing statutes.

Maddy summarySB 351 allocates $11 million annually for improved student mental and behavioral health services at the University of Wisconsin System. It directly affects UW System students by funding additional staffing, training, operations, assessment, and prevention programs in this area. The bill creates a new funding line (20.285(1)(cm)) in the state budget, specifying these funds must support mental and behavioral health services. The appropriation applies to the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years.

Maddy summarySB 380 eliminates three specific criminal defenses (adequate provocation, self-defense, and not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect) when a defendant claims the defense was based on the victim’s actual or perceived gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Key provisions explicitly bar these defenses in cases involving romantic advances without force, past relationships, or disclosures of the victim’s identity. The bill directly affects criminal defendants who attempt to justify violence using prejudice against LGBTQ+ identities as a legal argument. It applies to offenses committed on or after the bill’s effective date, removing these defenses from Wisconsin’s criminal code without altering the underlying crimes.

Maddy summarySJR 73 is a symbolic resolution recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the state's history of LGBTQ equality efforts and the ongoing importance of Pride Month. The resolution highlights Wisconsin's 1982 anti-discrimination law, its LGBTQ legislative representation, and the significance of Pride Month for fostering inclusion. It has no direct impact on individuals or existing laws, as it is purely a ceremonial recognition.