Sen. Dora Drake

Maddy summarySJR 108 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group legally, but formally acknowledges the historical and ongoing presence of Wisconsin's eleven federally recognized tribes. The resolution highlights the state's responsibility to honor Indigenous contributions and work toward reconciliation, referencing the history of dispossession and resilience of Native nations. It serves as a symbolic gesture to promote appreciation and partnership with Indigenous communities. The resolution was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to a committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $1 million every two years to help licensed child care centers purchase and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs). It requires centers to contribute 33% of the grant amount as matching funds. The Department of Children and Families will administer the grants, distributing funds to eligible centers under state licensing rules. This policy directly affects all licensed child care centers in the state by improving emergency cardiac response capabilities.

Maddy summarySB 408 creates an agricultural purchase program that allocates $30 million in state funds to support local food assistance organizations purchasing Wisconsin-grown or made food. The program provides grants to nonprofit food banks, pantries, and local food distributors to buy food produced within the state. It establishes new staff positions (a program specialist and grants specialist) within the Department of Agriculture to manage the program, funded by the same appropriation. The bill directly affects Wisconsin food assistance providers and local agricultural producers by creating a dedicated funding stream for regional food purchases.

Maddy summarySB 643 requires the Department of Safety and Professional Services to audit fire sprinkler systems in specific residential buildings - defined as apartment buildings, rowhouses, townhouses, or condos with 8+ attached units and at least 2 stories above ground (excluding some licensed facilities). The audit must determine if automatic sprinklers are installed, with a report due to the governor and legislature by September 30, 2026. The bill appropriates $75,000 for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to fund two staff positions dedicated to conducting this audit. This affects building owners/managers of the specified properties by triggering a state review of existing fire safety systems.

Maddy summarySJR 87 is a resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature to commemorate the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary on November 10, 2025, marking the date the Continental Congress authorized its founding in 1775. It recognizes the Corps' historical service and acknowledges Marines training at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, including their role in activities like the Cold Weather Operations Course. The resolution expresses legislative appreciation but does not create new laws, funding, or legal obligations. It is a symbolic gesture celebrating military heritage without imposing concrete policy changes.

Maddy summarySJR 111 is a joint resolution designating October 2025 and October 2026 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It formally asks the Wisconsin State Legislature to recognize these months for public education on cybersecurity threats like phishing and identity theft. This resolution does not create new laws or impose obligations - it is a symbolic designation to raise awareness, consistent with the national observance since 2003. The resolution was introduced by multiple senators and representatives in November 2025.

Maddy summarySB 494 repeals two statutes (66.0134 and 947.21) that currently prohibit state and local governments from regulating labor practices. This change would allow cities and counties to establish their own workplace standards, such as minimum wage requirements or safety rules, without state restrictions. The bill directly affects local governments by removing barriers to creating tailored labor regulations for their jurisdictions. It is a procedural bill focused solely on removing existing prohibitions, with no new regulations created.

Maddy summarySB 598 would require the state health department to seek a federal Medicaid waiver enabling coverage for incarcerated individuals in the Medical Assistance program (state Medicaid) up to 90 days before release. It specifically covers case management, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, and a 30-day supply of prescription medications for those already eligible for Medical Assistance. If approved, the federal government would fund the program’s share of these services, with the state covering its portion. This bill directly affects incarcerated individuals transitioning to community care, aiming to improve continuity of health services upon release.

Maddy summarySB 642 creates a program providing grants to residential landlords for fire safety upgrades, including installing sprinklers and fire extinguishers in rental properties. Landlords can receive grants covering up to 50% of eligible costs, with a total program cap of $10 million. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and the Department of Insurance will establish eligibility rules and application procedures. The $10 million funding is allocated from a new budget appropriation for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Maddy summarySB 264 requires health insurance plans and the Medical Assistance program to cover specific breast cancer screenings without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. It defines two key types of screenings: "diagnostic breast examinations" (used to evaluate symptoms or abnormalities, like mammograms) and "supplemental breast screening examinations" (for high-risk individuals without symptoms, using MRI or ultrasound). The bill prohibits cost-sharing (such as copays) for all diagnostic screenings and for the first supplemental screening per year, while allowing limited cost-sharing for additional supplemental screenings in the same year. This directly affects individuals with health insurance or Medical Assistance who require these screenings, particularly those at higher risk for breast cancer.