Sen. Dora Drake

Maddy summarySenate Bill 217 modifies the process for individuals seeking to change their name. This bill specifically removes the requirement for public publication of a name change petition if the petitioner is seeking to conform their name with their gender identity. Currently, courts can require public notice unless a petitioner demonstrates potential danger from publication and confirms they are not avoiding debt or a criminal record. This change allows individuals to keep their name change petition confidential when it aligns with their gender identity, provided they meet other existing criteria.

Maddy summarySJR 15 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature expressing disapproval of pardons and sentence commutations granted to individuals convicted of assaulting U.S. Capitol Police officers during the January 6, 2021, attack. It specifically condemns President Trump's 2025 actions pardoning or commuting sentences for those involved in violent assaults against law enforcement. The resolution states the legislature believes such individuals should be held accountable and aligns with support from police organizations. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect anyone but formally records the legislature's position.

Maddy summarySJR 12 designates the month of March as Endosalpingiosis Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to increase public understanding of Endosalpingiosis, a rare disease primarily affecting women, and support those impacted by it.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 223 aims to expand anti-discrimination protections within the state. It proposes to add "gender identity," "gender expression," and "sexual orientation" to the list of characteristics protected by state law. The bill amends numerous statutes to prohibit discrimination based on these categories across various sectors, including employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and insurance coverage. It also extends these protections to areas such as the National Guard, jury duty, and adoption processes.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 38 proposes an advisory referendum for Wisconsin voters during the November 2026 general election. The referendum asks voters if they support a U.S. Constitutional amendment to address the Citizens United decision. This proposed amendment would state that only human beings are endowed with constitutional rights, not corporations or other artificial entities. It would also declare that money is not speech, allowing for limits on political contributions and spending. The results of this vote would be advisory, intended to guide Wisconsin's congressional delegation and state legislature on supporting and ratifying such an amendment.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 37 (SJR 37) proposes to amend the Wisconsin Constitution by creating a new section that establishes a right to a clean, safe, and healthy natural environment. This constitutional right would apply to all people in the state, including future generations, and specifically mentions clean water, air, healthy soils, and a stable climate. The proposed amendment dictates that these rights shall never be infringed, be subject to strict scrutiny in court, and be protected equitably across all communities. Additionally, it designates the state as a trustee responsible for protecting Wisconsin's natural resources for its citizens.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 41 is a commemorative resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, the Secret War in Laos, and the Fall of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. It honors the strength, resilience, and contributions of Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese communities, particularly those who resettled in Wisconsin.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 46 honors the distinguished life and public service of Representative Frederick P. Kessler, recognizing his extensive career in the Wisconsin State Assembly and as a Milwaukee County judge. The resolution acknowledges his contributions to areas such as language immersion schools, redistricting reform, and civil rights, and directs that a copy be provided to his family.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 47 is a commemorative resolution that recognizes Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as Equal Pay Day in Wisconsin. This resolution acknowledges the ongoing efforts to achieve pay equity for all working women in the state.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 40 (SJR 40) is a procedural bill that formally recognizes Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. It acknowledges the significant contributions of Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history and diversity of Wisconsin and the United States.