Sen. Jeff Smith

Maddy summarySB 332 prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of undetectable firearms (those not detectable by standard metal detectors or security scanners) and unmarked firearm frames/receivers (the core components of a gun). It creates new felony penalties: Class G for possessing undetectable firearms, Class H for sharing manufacturing plans, and Class I for possessing unmarked frames/receivers. The law applies to the general public but includes exemptions for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and licensed manufacturers acting within their official duties. This directly affects individuals who own or attempt to build such firearms, aiming to enhance public safety through stricter firearm tracking and detection requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program by creating a governing board with specific membership requirements, including representatives from environmental groups, hunting/fishing organizations, tribal nations, and local government. It establishes annual funding for grants to nonprofit conservation organizations and a tribal co-management program, with set spending limits for the program through 2031. The bill also adjusts debt authorization and funding mechanisms for the program's capital improvement fund. These changes directly affect the program's operations and the organizations receiving financial support.

Maddy summarySB 488 requires employers and third parties posting job openings to include the salary range (minimum and maximum) and details about benefits like health insurance or retirement plans. Employers must also keep these job posting records for two years and allow department reviews. Penalties include written warnings for first violations, with fines ranging from $300 to $2,000 for repeat offenses based on company size (under 50 vs. 50+ employees), and third parties face identical fines. The bill applies to all covered employers and job postings, aiming to increase transparency in compensation offers.

Maddy summarySB 477 creates a statewide suicide prevention program within the Department of Health Services, allocating $250,000 annually for its implementation. The program requires public awareness campaigns, training for law enforcement, healthcare providers, school staff, and others who interact with at-risk individuals, and coordination with community groups and crisis services. It mandates county-level advisory groups, enhanced crisis services, and annual reports to the legislature detailing program activities. The bill directly affects state agencies, community organizations, and professionals working with vulnerable populations like youth, rural residents, and Native Americans.

Maddy summarySB 468 reduces costs for trade license applicants by appropriating $181,900 annually to offset fees for third-party-administered examinations required for occupational licenses (e.g., plumbing, electrical work). It directly affects individuals seeking state-licensed trades by lowering their examination expenses through state funding. The bill creates a new statute section (20.165 (2) (b)) authorizing this cost reduction using General Purpose Revenue (GPR) funds. This change applies specifically to exams administered by external providers, not state-run tests.

Maddy summarySB 487 modifies training requirements for concealed carry license applicants and renewers in this state. It expands acceptable proof of training to include out-of-state licenses that document required training, and adds new mandatory training components like suicide prevention, de-escalation techniques, and firearm safety storage practices. The bill requires applicants to submit proof of continuing training (including specific topics like live-fire practice and de-escalation) when renewing licenses. These changes apply to all new applications or renewals submitted on the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 495 would require charter schools and private schools participating in state school choice programs (under sections 115.7915, 118.60, or 119.23) to comply with Wisconsin's public records and open meetings laws. This means these schools would need to follow rules for public access to meetings and certain records, such as financial documents. However, the bill explicitly exempts student pupil records from public inspection under state law. The legislation expands the scope of existing public records statutes to include these schools as "authorities" and "governmental bodies" for compliance purposes. This change directly affects participating schools by adding transparency requirements while maintaining confidentiality for individual student records.

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 summarySB 407 creates a grant program to fund Rogers Behavioral Health's new integrated mental health facility in the Chippewa Valley. The bill requires Rogers to submit detailed certification plans for all service levels (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care) to meet state licensing requirements before receiving funds. It also mandates that the facility accept Medical Assistance recipients (Wisconsin's Medicaid program), admit involuntary patients within two years, and provide annual reports to the Department of Health Services for five years. This bill directly affects Rogers Behavioral Health and mental health patients in the Chippewa Valley region seeking comprehensive care.

Maddy summarySB 530 removes restrictions that previously limited Wisconsin counties from holding advisory referendums on most issues. It amends statute 59.52(25) to eliminate the exception requiring specific approval for advisory votes, except for those about capital expenditures funded by property taxes, and repeals the related statute 66.0144. This change directly affects county boards, allowing them to seek voter input on a broader range of local policy matters through non-binding advisory votes. The bill makes no changes to binding referendums or voting outcomes, only expanding the scope of advisory input available to local governments.