Sen. Jeff Smith

Primary SB 574

Failed · Wisconsin Senate · Lead sponsor

Relating to: funding for the supplemental food program for women, infants and children during the federal government shutdown and making an appropriation. (FE)

Maddy summarySB 574 creates a state funding mechanism to maintain Wisconsin's WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program benefits during federal government shutdowns. It requires the Department of Health Services to continue providing WIC benefits at pre-shutdown levels if federal funding lapses, specifically referencing the October 1, 2025 funding gap. The bill ensures uninterrupted access to nutrition support for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children who rely on WIC. This temporary provision expires on October 1, 2026, and is repealed upon federal funding restoration. The measure directly affects WIC participants and state budgeting during federal funding interruptions.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state appropriation to fund WIC benefits during federal shutdown, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential nutrition program for vulnerable populations.95% confidence HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill secures state funding to maintain WIC nutrition benefits during federal shutdowns, protecting access to healthcare services for pregnant women, infants, and children.95% confidence

Failed Mar 23, 2026 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 255

Signed into law · Wisconsin Senate · Lead sponsor

Relating to: regulation of the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company.

Maddy summarySB 255 regulates tolls charged by the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company to water power operators using reservoirs it manages. The bill sets a cap on tolls at reasonable operational costs plus a 6% annual return on capital invested (defined as paid-in capital and bond par value), and requires the company to report semiannually on costs and recommended tolls. It prohibits tolls from covering initial reservoir construction costs and establishes that tolls create a lien on the water power properties. The law directly affects water power operators below the reservoirs and the company itself, ensuring tolls fund maintenance while protecting the company’s capital value.

Signed into law Aug 11, 2025 0 co-sponsors

Primary SB 675

Failed · Wisconsin Senate · Lead sponsor

Relating to: waiting period for purchase of handguns.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the waiting period required before a person can purchase a handgun in Wisconsin. It extends the mandatory wait time from 48 hours to five working days when a background check yields unclear results and the state justice department needs more time to determine if the buyer is prohibited from owning a firearm. The law applies to all handgun sales occurring on or after the effective date of the legislation.

Failed Oct 7, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 528

Failed · Wisconsin Senate · Lead sponsor

Relating to: top-five primaries and instant runoff voting for the offices of U.S. senator and U.S. representative in Congress. (FE)

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing how voters select candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives by implementing ranked-choice voting in the general election and allowing voters to rank up to five candidates. Under the new system, ballots would permit voters to list their preferences in order, with the winner determined through an instant runoff process if no single candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes. The legislation also modifies primary election rules to allow voters to cast ballots for candidates from multiple political parties in certain consolidated voting scenarios. Additionally, the bill requires election officials to post clear signs warning voters that votes for candidates from different parties will not be counted unless a specific party preference is selected.

Failed May 16, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SJR 119

Passed · Wisconsin Senate · Lead sponsor

Relating to: honoring the life and legacy of the late Senator Herb Kohl.

Passed May 1, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 1107

Failed · Wisconsin Senate · Lead sponsor

Relating to: authorizing a local government to require advance payment from a presidential or vice-presidential campaign for certain expected public event costs. (FE)

Failed May 1, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 1103

Failed · Wisconsin Senate · Lead sponsor

Relating to: grants for LGBTQIA+ rights training for school counselors and school social workers and making an appropriation. (FE)

Failed Apr 23, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SB 636

Failed · Wisconsin Senate · Lead sponsor

Relating to: prohibition against undetectable firearms, possessing a frame or receiver of a firearm without a serial number, and providing a penalty.

Failed Apr 15, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SJR 22

Failed · Wisconsin Senate · Lead sponsor

Relating to: observing Wednesday, March 15, 2023, as Equal Pay Day in Wisconsin.

Failed Apr 15, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track

Primary SJR 99

Failed · Wisconsin Senate · Lead sponsor

Relating to: proclaiming January 2024 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in the state of Wisconsin.

Failed Apr 15, 2024 0 co-sponsors Track