Sen. Dora Drake

Maddy summarySB 1078 designates "manoomin" (Ojibwe for wild rice) as Wisconsin's state native grain. The bill adds this designation to Wisconsin statutes and requires the Wisconsin Blue Book to list "native grain" among other state symbols like the state song and tree. This is a symbolic, non-regulatory change that recognizes wild rice's cultural significance to Native American communities in Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates clear rules for rent reductions when rental properties have health or safety hazards, requiring the state agency to establish a standardized schedule for how much rent can be reduced based on specific issues. It also strengthens tenant protections by making it illegal for landlords to retaliate - such as by raising rent, cutting services, or threatening eviction - after a tenant legally requests repairs or rent abatement within the past year. The law specifies that landlords cannot use these actions to punish tenants for exercising rights under the new rules. These changes apply to all residential rental properties in the state.

Maddy summarySB 951 creates the Office of Financial Technology Innovation within the Department of Financial Institutions to support emerging financial technologies. The bill establishes a $2 million cryptocurrency pilot project to help businesses navigate regulations, secure licenses, and expand operations. Key provisions include granting the office authority to coordinate regulatory activities across departments and providing guidance to businesses offering innovative financial products. This directly affects financial technology companies, particularly those developing cryptocurrency services, by streamlining state regulatory processes. The pilot project will include grant awards and administrative support for eligible businesses under the new office's oversight.

Maddy summarySB 1058 requires landlords to offer tenants the option to have their on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus. Landlords must provide written offers (via mail or email) to all tenants by July 1, 2026, detailing the option, any fee (capped at $10/month or actual cost), and how to accept or opt out. Tenants may accept the offer at any time, but must wait six months to restart reporting after opting out. Landlords cannot charge fees for reporting, deduct fees from security deposits, or treat non-payment of the optional fee as lease breach. The bill directly affects renters seeking to build credit and landlords managing reporting systems.

Maddy summarySB 1057 limits landlords' ability to use credit reports when screening tenants. It caps fees for credit checks at $25 (with prior notice) and requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of the report. Crucially, it prohibits landlords from demanding access to a tenant's credit score or report, instead mandating that landlords offer an alternative screening method if a tenant declines to share this information. The bill directly affects landlords and prospective tenants in housing applications, shifting the process to prioritize tenant choice while maintaining screening options.

Maddy summarySB 1041 creates an Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman within the Department of Financial Institutions to assist student loan borrowers in the state. The office will handle complaints, resolve issues with loan servicers, analyze borrower data, and provide information about borrowers' rights under student education loans. It directly affects student loan borrowers (including residents and those sharing repayment responsibility) and student loan servicers (non-state entities managing loans). Key provisions require the ombudsman to monitor loan servicing practices, collaborate with schools and servicers, and make recommendations to improve borrower protections.

Maddy summarySB 1008 creates a baby bond program for newborns in the state, automatically enrolling infants through birth records submitted to the Department of Financial Institutions. It establishes a "baby bond fund" funded by state agency deposits, donations, and investment earnings, which will provide distributions to account beneficiaries when they reach adulthood. Funds can be used for specific eligible expenses like college tuition, home purchases, starting a business, childcare, or retirement savings. The program directly affects newborns born in the state, with distributions administered by the Department of Financial Institutions based on defined eligibility criteria.

Maddy summarySB 931 allows student identification cards issued by accredited Wisconsin universities, colleges, or technical colleges to be used as valid voter ID. The bill requires these cards to include the cardholder's signature, date of issuance, and an expiration date no later than two years after issuance. If a card is expired, voters must prove current student enrollment at the time of voting. This applies to all University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, which must issue qualifying IDs by August 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 852 adjusts the state's reimbursement rate for special education and school-age parent programs costs. For the 2025-26 school year, eligible costs will be reimbursed at 42% of total costs; starting in 2026-27, this rate increases to 45%. The bill directly affects school districts and programs that provide special education services and school-age parent programs under specific statutes. This change modifies how state funds are distributed to cover these eligible costs, without altering the total appropriation amount.

Maddy summarySB 801 modifies Wisconsin election laws to require early canvassing of absentee ballots by municipal boards in certain jurisdictions, shifting processing from polling places to dedicated canvassing meetings. It sets a strict 8 p.m. election day deadline for delivering absentee ballots to election inspectors or canvassing boards, with specific procedures for military and overseas voters. The bill also establishes penalties for violations, though the exact penalties aren't detailed in the provided text. These changes directly affect municipal clerks, election boards, and voters requesting absentee ballots.