Sen. LaTonya Johnson

Maddy summarySB 350 creates state funding to help schools increase mental health staff. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, school districts, charter schools, and participating private schools can receive 50% reimbursement for additional spending on counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses compared to the prior year. The bill adds $16.5 million for 2025-26 and $18 million for 2026-27 to this program. This directly supports schools seeking to expand mental health services for students.

Maddy summarySJR 67 is a resolution honoring Anna Mae Robertson, a Milwaukee resident and member of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (the "Six Triple Eight") during World War II. It recognizes her service in clearing a 17-million-piece mail backlog in England in 1945, her post-war work as a nurse's aide in Milwaukee, and her legacy as one of the last surviving members of the all-Black, all-female battalion. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions, extends condolences to her family following her death at age 101, and commemorates her recognition with service medals and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2025.

Maddy summarySB 342 requires certain health insurance plans - including preferred provider plans, limited service health organizations, and government health plans (like those for state/local employees) - to cover at least 28 mental health or substance use treatment visits per year, or as many as needed to meet a patient’s treatment goals. It prohibits insurers from requiring pre-approval (prior authorization) for this coverage. If an actuarial analysis shows the policy changes would raise costs for insurers by more than 10%, the requirement may be delayed. The bill applies to policies starting in the first policy year after its effective date, with specific timelines for government plans affected by collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summarySB 346 creates a state grant program to help prospective school social workers cover education costs for licensure. It specifically targets individuals from racial minority groups (including Black Americans, American Indians, Hispanic individuals, Asian/Pacific Islander individuals, or multiracial people) who are either school employees or enrolled in relevant graduate programs. The bill appropriates $5 million annually for 2025-26 and 2026-27 to fund these grants, with the Department of Public Instruction administering the program and establishing necessary rules. This directly affects eligible prospective school social workers seeking licensure, not current professionals or other school staff.

Maddy summarySB 352 creates a $5 million annual grant program to help school districts hire mental health professionals who are members of racial minority groups. It directly affects school districts (which apply for grants) and mental health professionals from specified racial minority groups, including Black Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and multiracial individuals. The bill requires the state education department to administer the grants and develop rules for implementation, with funding allocated for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years. The policy change focuses on increasing access to culturally representative mental health support in schools through targeted hiring.

Maddy summarySB 347 creates a new state grant program to reimburse school districts and charter schools for comprehensive mental health services provided to students. It covers eligible costs like mental health literacy programs, telehealth services, parent training, mental health navigators, and equipment for telehealth, but excludes direct treatment costs or staff salaries for non-mental health roles. Reimbursement is capped at $100,000 per school or $100 per enrolled student annually, with a $83.888 million appropriation for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The bill directly affects public schools and charter schools by providing funding for in-school and out-of-school mental health support.

Maddy summarySB 340 creates a dedicated $2 million annual appropriation for stipend payments to school social worker interns in Wisconsin public schools. It directly affects graduate students enrolled in school social work licensure programs who are placed as interns in public schools under school board governance. The bill establishes that the Department of Public Instruction must provide these stipends starting in the 2026-27 school year, using funds allocated under the new statutory section 20.255(3)(cm). This policy change formalizes funding for intern stipends without altering eligibility requirements for the program.

Maddy summarySJR 75 is a symbolic resolution recognizing June 2025 as Black Music Month in Wisconsin. It honors the historical and cultural contributions of Black musicians to American music genres and society, citing figures like Beyoncé, B.B. King, and Quincy Jones. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it solely serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment by the state legislature, with no direct impact on individuals or funding. It was introduced in July 2025 and referred to a committee for review.

Maddy summarySJR 68 proposes to repeal Section 13 of the state constitution, which currently defines marriage as only between one man and one woman and bans legal recognition of similar status for unmarried couples. If approved by voters, this constitutional amendment would eliminate the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and allow all marriages to be recognized equally under state law. The bill directly affects all state residents by removing a legal barrier to marriage equality for same-sex couples. The amendment must be submitted to voters in the next general election following a three-month publication period, as required by the proposed process.

Maddy summarySB 324 prohibits mental health providers from offering conversion therapy to individuals under 18 years old. The bill defines conversion therapy as any attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, while exempting counseling supporting gender transition, providing acceptance/support, or addressing unsafe behaviors without intent to change orientation/identity. Violations could result in disciplinary actions against providers, including license suspension or revocation by state licensing boards. The law applies to licensed psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other mental health professionals covered under state licensing statutes.