Sen. Brad Pfaff

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 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 summarySB 271 establishes a fundamental right to abortion under Wisconsin law (253.094), stating individuals have the right to bodily autonomy and access abortion at any pregnancy stage if medically necessary. It mandates abortion coverage in all state health plans offering maternity care (40.51(9m)), repeals parental consent requirements for minors (46.245), and eliminates gestational age limits and "medical emergency" restrictions (253.107, 253.10). The bill directly affects patients seeking abortion care, healthcare providers, and insurers offering state-sponsored health plans. It removes existing regulatory barriers while requiring coverage for abortion services without new funding mandates.

Maddy summarySB 372 creates standardized crime victim notification cards to help victims of crime stay informed about court proceedings involving offenders. The bill requires the director of state courts to design these cards, which victims can complete with their contact information and the offender's details, and send to the relevant court clerk. County courts and victim/witness offices must provide these cards at no cost to victims, and the law protects victim mailing addresses from public inspection under state law. This directly affects crime victims in Wisconsin who need to receive updates about offender sentencing or probation modifications.

Maddy summarySB 219 limits foreign-owned entities from owning more than 50 acres of agricultural land in the state, targeting corporations, trusts, or partnerships with over 25% foreign ownership. It also prohibits foreign-owned entities from owning real property within 10 miles of military installations, with exceptions for inheritance, treaty rights, and agricultural research leases. Owners exceeding these limits must sell excess land within three years, and violations result in land forfeiture to the state. The bill affects foreign investors, corporations, and trusts holding agricultural land or property near military bases, aiming to restrict foreign control of sensitive land uses.

Maddy summarySB 318 creates a temporary pilot program to provide training grants to small law enforcement agencies (those employing 25 or fewer full-time equivalent officers). Agencies qualify if they face imminent retirements, have 20%+ vacancies, or need to train new officers. Grants cover preparatory training for future officers and up to six months of on-the-job training costs for new recruits. Recipients must commit to working at the agency for one year after training, with repayment required if they leave early; the program ends 18 months after all funds are distributed.

Maddy summarySB 321 updates legal language across numerous statutes to use gender-neutral terms, replacing references like "husband and wife" with "spouses" or "parents." It directly affects marriage, family, and parental rights by ensuring laws apply equally regardless of gender identity. Key provisions include amending provisions related to fishing licenses, marriage certificates, adoption, and child custody to remove gender-specific language. The bill makes no new policy changes but aligns existing legal terminology with inclusive language. This affects all residents covered by the amended statutes, including same-sex couples and non-binary individuals.

Maddy summarySB 404 creates a Task Force on Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls, directly affecting African American women and girls experiencing violence in Wisconsin. The task force, established by the attorney general within 45 days, will examine systemic causes of violence against this group, data collection methods, policing and institutional practices, and prevention strategies. It must submit a report by December 15, 2026, with recommendations for policy changes, violence reduction, and victim support. The bill appropriates $80,200 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $99,500 for 2026-27 to fund the task force, which terminates on January 1, 2027, or after the report is submitted.