Sen. Dora Drake

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 36) expressing legislative congratulations to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women’s gymnastics team for winning the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA) championship. It formally recognizes their achievement of an 18th national title (first since 2016) and highest-scoring championship in program history. The resolution has no policy impact or binding requirements - it simply serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 57 designates the month of May as "Older Americans Month" in Wisconsin through a symbolic resolution. It recognizes Wisconsin's over 1.45 million residents aged 60+ (25% of the state's population) and honors their contributions, aligning with the federal Older Americans Act's focus on community-based services like Meals on Wheels and senior center programs. The resolution does not create new programs or alter funding - it solely serves as a formal acknowledgment to promote awareness of seniors' roles and encourage community engagement. This ceremonial measure affects no specific individuals or policies, instead emphasizing recognition of older adults' value to Wisconsin society.

Maddy summarySB 212 requires ballot questions for referendums and constitutional amendments to be written in plain language and avoid misleading phrasing (e.g., requiring a "no" vote to approve a proposal). It mandates that questions clearly state whether any part of a constitutional amendment is already part of current law. This bill affects all future voter referendums in the state by standardizing ballot language to improve clarity for voters.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJR 60) is a symbolic resolution that formally proclaims June 6, 2025, as "Gun Violence Awareness Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but uses the legislature's authority to recognize gun violence as a critical public health issue, citing statistics on firearm deaths and injuries in Wisconsin (including 741 annual gun deaths, 64% suicides, and 1,500 annual injuries). The resolution aims to raise public awareness and align with broader efforts to address gun violence, as noted in its "whereas" clauses referencing national and state data. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by designating a specific day for community reflection and education on the topic.

Maddy summarySB 231 creates a tax credit program for film production companies in Wisconsin, providing credits for eligible expenses like wages and capital investments incurred within the state. It establishes a State Film Office within the Department of Tourism to administer the program, set accreditation standards for productions (requiring minimum spending thresholds of $50,000 for short productions or $100,000 for longer ones), and issue tax credits. The bill caps annual program spending at $10 million total and $1 million per company, mandates that accredited productions include a state acknowledgment in the final product, and requires annual reports on program usage and efficiency. This directly affects film production companies operating in Wisconsin that meet the accreditation criteria and seek to reduce costs through state tax incentives.

Maddy summarySB 292 creates a new statutory provision (94.701 (3) (b) 9) that requires local governments to regulate pesticides specifically to protect pollinators - defined as insects that pollinate flowers - and their habitats. The bill directly affects local pesticide regulations, requiring communities to consider pollinator safety when adopting rules. It establishes a clear legal framework for local action but does not specify particular pesticide restrictions or enforcement methods. This is a procedural bill defining regulatory scope, not a detailed policy measure.

Maddy summarySB 293 requires all state agencies to prioritize using native prairie and forage plants in their projects to support native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It creates a new statute (20.935) defining "state agency" broadly and mandating that agencies use these native plants where appropriate. The Department of Natural Resources must provide requested information to help agencies implement this requirement. The bill directly affects every state agency that manages land or projects, with no financial or regulatory changes beyond the preference for native plants.

Maddy summarySB 319 designates the rusty patched bumble bee (*Bombus affinis*) as Wisconsin's official state native insect. The bill amends state statutes to add this designation to the list of official state symbols included in the Wisconsin Blue Book. This is a ceremonial change with no regulatory impact, affecting only the state's official documentation. It does not alter conservation policies or impose new requirements on any individuals or entities.

Maddy summarySJR 61 designates June 2025 as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about the importance of pollinators like bees and butterflies to agriculture and ecosystems. It highlights Wisconsin's existing efforts, such as "No Mow May" initiatives, which have demonstrated positive impacts on bee populations. The resolution encourages community engagement in pollinator-friendly practices, such as planting native species and reducing pesticide use, without imposing new requirements on residents or organizations.

Maddy summarySB 298 prohibits Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources from using neonicotinoid insecticides on state lands acquired and maintained under section 23.09(2)(d). This directly affects the department's land management practices on public parks, preserves, and conservation areas. The ban includes three key exceptions: existing farming agreements entered before the law's effective date, forest insect control on state forests/nurseries, and designated infestation zones under existing forest management rules. The bill creates a clear policy change by restricting a specific pesticide class on most state lands while preserving necessary forestry applications.