Sen. Dora Drake

Maddy summarySJR 62 is a ceremonial joint resolution that formally proclaims January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, as the "Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary." It commemorates 125 years of the state park system, established in 1900 with Interstate Park, now encompassing over 307,000 acres and welcoming approximately 20 million annual visitors. This resolution has no policy impact or cost; it is purely symbolic recognition of the park system's history, conservation efforts, and economic contributions (e.g., $11.2 billion in state GDP). It affects no individuals or entities through new requirements or funding.

Maddy summarySJR 53 is a symbolic resolution designating May 2025 and May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the importance of mental well-being for all Wisconsinites, aiming to promote dialogue, reduce stigma, and highlight existing mental health challenges across the state. The resolution affects all residents by encouraging community awareness during this designated month.

Maddy summarySJR 50 is a ceremonial joint resolution congratulating the Milwaukee Rufus King Cheer and Stunt Team for winning Wisconsin Association of Cheer and Pom Coaches (WACPC) championships in both the Non-Tumble and Cheer Dance divisions during the 2025 season. It recognizes their historic achievement as the first Milwaukee Public Schools team to win two state cheer championships in a single season, marking their sixth overall title and fourth consecutive win. The resolution, introduced by multiple senators and representatives, formally expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's appreciation for the team's "determination, perseverance, and talent" without creating any new policies or affecting funding. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legislative impact beyond ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summarySB 246 designates April 24 as "Armenian Genocide Awareness Day" for public schools to observe during Genocide Awareness Month. The bill requires schools to recognize this day through educational activities, directly affecting public school districts and students. It takes effect for the school year following its implementation date, creating a formal observance without altering existing curricula or funding.

Maddy summarySB 258 modifies statutes to allow certified licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to certify physical disabilities for permit applications, expanding the list of eligible professionals alongside physicians and other healthcare providers. Specifically, it amends sections 29.193 to permit APRNs to prepare and sign medical reports verifying physical disabilities for applicants seeking permits, replacing "licensed physician" with a broader list that includes APRNs in these contexts. The bill also makes technical changes to other statutes related to APRNs' practice authority but does not alter core scope-of-practice rules. This directly affects applicants for disability permits who may now use APRNs for required medical certifications. The bill focuses on administrative updates rather than new policy mandates.

Maddy summarySJR 63 is a symbolic resolution that officially designates June as "Dairy Month" in Wisconsin. It recognizes the state's long history with dairy, from early 19th-century farmers to modern contributions, including the industry's $45.6 billion annual economic impact and over 6,000 dairy farms. The resolution has no new requirements or funding - it simply honors dairy farmers' role in Wisconsin's heritage and identity through a formal proclamation. It directly affects the state's dairy industry and its cultural recognition, but does not create new laws or policies. This is a ceremonial gesture, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summarySB 386 regulates virtual currency kiosks in the state, requiring operators to obtain a license and directly affecting both kiosk businesses and customers using these services. Key provisions include mandatory fraud warnings displayed physically and electronically before every transaction, strict identity verification (requiring government ID copies, photos, and personal details for each customer), and daily transaction limits of $1,000 in traditional money. The bill also caps fees at $5 or 3% of the transaction amount and mandates refunds for customers fraudulently induced into transactions within 30 days. These rules aim to enhance consumer protection while establishing clear operational standards for kiosk operators.

Maddy summarySB 490 amends Wisconsin's prevailing wage laws to establish a statewide standard for construction projects funded by public entities. It creates new privacy protections (Section 1), prohibiting authorities from sharing employee names or personally identifiable information without consent on projects subject to prevailing wage rules. The bill also defines key terms like "prevailing wage rate" (Section 6), clarifies that local governments cannot impose stricter wage requirements than the state standard (Section 8), and specifies which projects qualify for prevailing wage coverage (Sections 2-9). These changes directly affect contractors bidding on public works projects and local governments administering construction contracts.

Maddy summarySB 617 designates November 11 (Veterans Day) as an official state holiday when offices of Wisconsin state government must close. It adds November 11 to the list of required closing days in state statute (230.35(4)(a)5m) and amends existing provisions to include Veterans Day as a paid holiday for state employees. The bill specifies that all state employees (except limited-term hires) will receive 9-10 paid holidays annually, with Veterans Day now counting toward that total. This change takes effect January 1 following publication, aligning Wisconsin state government operations with Veterans Day observance.

Maddy summarySB 586 creates a new "Tuition Promise Grant Program" to help Wisconsin residents cover the gap between other financial aid and the full cost of academic fees and course-related fees at University of Wisconsin campuses (excluding Madison). It directly affects eligible undergraduate students who are Wisconsin residents, enrolled in their first bachelor’s program at a non-Madison UW campus, and have household income at or below $71,000 annually. The program provides grants for up to 8 consecutive semesters (for freshmen) or 4 consecutive semesters (for transfer students), with initial funding of $11.86 million for 2025-26 and $28.11 million for 2026-27. The UW Board of Regents will administer the program and set rules, but grants cannot cover summer terms or be awarded to students with unaddressed child support liens or selective service registration issues.