Maddy summarySB 113 creates a pilot program to help farmers transition to managed grazing systems, which rotate livestock between pasture sections to reduce soil erosion and improve forage quality. It directly affects farmers adopting new managed grazing systems or improving existing ones, excluding support for current practices. The program provides grants covering infrastructure (fencing, water systems), technical assistance from specialists, and incentive payments for the first three years of transition, with a $40,000 annual cap per farmer. Funded by $500,000 annually from the environmental fund, grants are paid as 75% in year one and 12.5% each subsequent year. The bill also defines "marginal areas" (land unsuitable for crops like floodplains) as eligible for supplemental feed development.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 285 creates a state grant program to incentivize households earning at least $55,000 annually to relocate from outside Wisconsin to participating municipalities. Municipalities, counties, or qualifying nonprofits can apply for grants to fund recruitment programs, with each receiving up to $500,000 annually. Grant funds are disbursed in two installments, tied to meeting specific household relocation goals outlined in the program plan. Recipients must report on outcomes like household income, costs, and economic impact, including tax revenue and spending changes. The program requires applicants to cover at least 20% of program costs and ensures funds target new residents relocating from outside the state.
Maddy summarySJR 74 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin. It formally declares this date to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, referencing the historical event when Union troops announced freedom to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The resolution highlights Wisconsin's longstanding Juneteenth celebration tradition, dating to Milwaukee's first observance in 1971, and acknowledges Juneteenth's national significance as a federal holiday since 2021. This resolution has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition and does not create new laws or funding.
Maddy summarySB 322 creates a new Child Care Quality Improvement Program within the Department of Children and Families. It provides $221 million in annual funding (for 2025-26) to make monthly payments and per-child payments to certified child care providers, licensed child care centers, and school-based child care programs. The bill establishes rules for eligibility, payment amounts, and how funds must be used, while repealing outdated sections of law related to child care funding. The program is funded through specific appropriations in the state budget, with rules to be developed by the Department of Children and Families.
Maddy summarySB 350 creates state funding to help schools increase mental health staff. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, school districts, charter schools, and participating private schools can receive 50% reimbursement for additional spending on counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses compared to the prior year. The bill adds $16.5 million for 2025-26 and $18 million for 2026-27 to this program. This directly supports schools seeking to expand mental health services for students.
Maddy summarySB 328 requires county fairs, agricultural societies, and similar organizations seeking state aid to submit two annual reports. Within 30 days after each fair, they must file an itemized statement confirming all gambling devices, alcohol sales (except fermented malt beverages and wine), and "immoral exhibitions" were prohibited at the event. By January 31 each year, they must also submit a finance report detailing receipts, disbursements, attendance, and other required data. State aid payments are tied to the timely submission of these reports. This bill directly affects fair organizers receiving state funding by establishing specific reporting obligations.
Maddy summarySB 342 requires certain health insurance plans - including preferred provider plans, limited service health organizations, and government health plans (like those for state/local employees) - to cover at least 28 mental health or substance use treatment visits per year, or as many as needed to meet a patient’s treatment goals. It prohibits insurers from requiring pre-approval (prior authorization) for this coverage. If an actuarial analysis shows the policy changes would raise costs for insurers by more than 10%, the requirement may be delayed. The bill applies to policies starting in the first policy year after its effective date, with specific timelines for government plans affected by collective bargaining agreements.
Maddy summarySB 347 creates a new state grant program to reimburse school districts and charter schools for comprehensive mental health services provided to students. It covers eligible costs like mental health literacy programs, telehealth services, parent training, mental health navigators, and equipment for telehealth, but excludes direct treatment costs or staff salaries for non-mental health roles. Reimbursement is capped at $100,000 per school or $100 per enrolled student annually, with a $83.888 million appropriation for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The bill directly affects public schools and charter schools by providing funding for in-school and out-of-school mental health support.
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 179 expands an existing tax credit for fuel suppliers to cover diesel fuel, creates a refund for fuel lost to evaporation during storage, and adds new rules for delayed tax payments. It requires fuel distributors to pay taxes electronically if delaying payments to suppliers and may mandate a bond equal to three times their monthly tax liability. The bill directly affects fuel suppliers and distributors handling motor vehicle fuel. It passed the legislature in June 2025 with a 19-13 vote.