Sen. Jeff Smith

Maddy summarySJR 101 is a symbolic resolution declaring November 2025 as Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It highlights Wisconsin's veteran suicide statistics (134 deaths in 2023, accounting for 15% of state adult suicides) and aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges veterans face during civilian transitions. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but encourages the state to recognize veterans' service and promote existing resources like the Veterans Crisis Line. It directly affects Wisconsin veterans by drawing attention to their mental health needs through official state recognition.

Maddy summarySB 550 requires the Department of Natural Resources to provide metal containers for hunters to dispose of deer carcasses at state locations and mandates regular disposal of carcasses from these containers. It also allocates $500,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to fund these disposal sites and an additional $250,000 annually for hunter education about chronic wasting disease (a deer illness) and proper carcass disposal. The bill directly affects hunters who must use designated disposal sites and the Department of Natural Resources, which must implement and manage the program. Funding increases are specified in the state budget schedule under existing appropriation statutes.

Maddy summarySB 549 allocates $3 million annually from the general fund to research and manage chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk (cervids). The bill creates a new budget line item under the Department of Natural Resources specifically for CWD research, management, and testing. It authorizes the department to conduct studies, implement management strategies, and fund testing for the disease in wildlife. This funding directly supports state wildlife agencies and researchers working to address CWD, which affects deer and elk populations.

Maddy summarySB 548 establishes a state program for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing in deer. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to set up sampling stations - including self-service kiosks - where hunters can drop off deer tissue for CWD testing. The department may contract with private entities to conduct the testing, paying per sample. The bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $500,000 for 2026-27 to fund this program, directly affecting hunters who submit samples and the state agency administering the testing.

Maddy summarySB 500 amends Wisconsin's unemployment insurance law to make it easier for workers who quit jobs to qualify for benefits. It extends the timeframe for employees to voluntarily terminate work without losing benefits from 30 days to 10 weeks after starting a job. The bill also revises the definition of "suitable work" for weeks 7-11 of unemployment, requiring wages to be above the lowest quartile for similar jobs in the area, rather than requiring relevant experience or training. These changes directly affect unemployed workers who leave jobs due to unsuitable work conditions.

Maddy summarySB 634 eliminates a legal exception that previously allowed spouses to avoid prosecution for sexual crimes against minor spouses. It amends statutes (948.09 and 948.093) to remove language stating that sexual assault laws do not apply when the victim is the defendant’s spouse, making it a crime for a spouse to engage in sexual activity with a minor regardless of marriage age. This change directly affects minors who married as children and their spouses, ensuring such acts can now be prosecuted under standard sexual assault laws. The bill also adds a new provision (767.185) allowing minors under 18 to file for divorce.

Maddy summarySB 605 restructures funding for multiple social services programs. It creates a new lead service line replacement program for public water systems, establishes an emergency rental assistance program for households earning ≤80% of county median income (with $5 million allocated for 2026-27), and expands indigent civil legal services funding by $43 million annually. The bill also mandates annual reports on improving homeless services access and creates new grants for housing support, workforce development, and internet assistance programs. These changes directly affect low-income residents, homeless individuals, and legal aid clients through specific funding allocations and program requirements.

Maddy summarySB 598 would require the state health department to seek a federal Medicaid waiver enabling coverage for incarcerated individuals in the Medical Assistance program (state Medicaid) up to 90 days before release. It specifically covers case management, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, and a 30-day supply of prescription medications for those already eligible for Medical Assistance. If approved, the federal government would fund the program’s share of these services, with the state covering its portion. This bill directly affects incarcerated individuals transitioning to community care, aiming to improve continuity of health services upon release.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the hen-of-the-woods mushroom (*Grifola frondosa*) as Wisconsin's official state mushroom. It adds this designation to Wisconsin's list of state symbols by creating a new subsection (1.10 (3) (w)) in the statutes and amending another section to include "mushroom" in the list of symbols covered by the Wisconsin Blue Book. The bill does not create new policies or affect any regulations, programs, or funding - it is purely symbolic recognition. The change would appear in the state's official publications like the Blue Book, similar to existing symbols like the state song or tree.

Maddy summarySB 642 creates a program providing grants to residential landlords for fire safety upgrades, including installing sprinklers and fire extinguishers in rental properties. Landlords can receive grants covering up to 50% of eligible costs, with a total program cap of $10 million. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and the Department of Insurance will establish eligibility rules and application procedures. The $10 million funding is allocated from a new budget appropriation for the 2025-26 fiscal year.