Sen. Chris Kapenga

Maddy summarySB 475 modifies Wisconsin's building code rules for public buildings, structures, and places of employment (like government offices, schools, or public facilities). It specifies that most commercial building code chapters (SPS 361-366) apply to these public spaces, but excludes one specific provision (SPS 361.03(7)) from applying if building plans are submitted to the department or local government by April 1, 2026. The bill takes effect for projects where plans are submitted by that deadline, altering which code requirements govern public building construction. This change directly affects public construction projects requiring building code compliance.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 196 proposes various changes to unemployment insurance law, primarily affecting individuals receiving benefits and employers. It allows employers to report to the state unemployment department if an individual declines job interviews or offers, or fails to respond to or attend them. The bill also tightens work search requirements for benefit recipients, specifying that actions like declining a job interview may mean a claimant did not conduct a reasonable job search. Furthermore, it mandates the department to recover overpaid benefits from claimants who fail to meet work search requirements or whose security credentials are misused due to their actions.

Maddy summarySB 499 clarifies Wisconsin's legal definition of "hemp" to align with federal standards, specifying that hemp includes the *Cannabis sativa* plant and its derivatives (like seeds and cannabinoids) with no more than 0.3% THC (or up to 1% under federal law, whichever is greater), tested via approved methods. The bill creates new definitions for "hemp-derived cannabinoid products" (excluding synthetic cannabinoids and FDA-approved drugs) and "industrial hemp" (covering non-cannabinoid products like stalk fiber, seed oil, and grain). This directly affects hemp farmers, manufacturers, and retailers by establishing clear regulatory boundaries for products, ensuring consistency with federal law. The changes update existing statutes to prevent confusion between hemp and marijuana under state law.

Maddy summarySB 310 sets a 60-day maximum limit on emergency proclamations issued by local government leaders in Wisconsin, including mayors, county executives, village presidents, and town board chairs. After 60 days, the local governing body (such as a city council or county board) must act to extend, modify, or revoke the proclamation as soon as they can meet. The law requires that any extension or change be approved by the governing body, not just the chief executive officer. This directly affects all local units of government across Wisconsin that use emergency proclamations during crises.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require all qualified voters to present valid photographic identification to cast a ballot in any election. This identification must be issued by the state, federal government, a federally recognized American Indian tribe, or a college or university. The bill allows the legislature to specify acceptable forms of identification and establish exceptions to this requirement. Voters unable to present valid ID on election day would be permitted to cast a provisional ballot, which would only be counted if they present valid identification at a later time. If agreed to by the legislature on this second consideration, the proposed amendment will be submitted to the people for ratification.