Sen. LaTonya Johnson

Maddy summarySB 329 creates a $700,000 annual grant program to train law enforcement on filing extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. The bill amends background check requirements to include searches for active ERPOs under Section 813.124, ensuring courts and law enforcement verify if applicants are subject to such orders before firearm purchases. It also clarifies court procedures for ERPO cases, including venue rules and extensions of temporary orders when judges are reassigned. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (through training grants), courts (via updated procedures), and individuals subject to ERPOs.

Maddy summarySB 330 extends the waiting period for handgun purchases from 48 hours to a maximum of 5 working days when a background check reveals uncertainty about a buyer's eligibility under state or federal law. It requires the Department of Justice to complete its verification within this 5-day window and notify the firearms dealer of the results. This change directly affects handgun buyers whose background checks initially show unclear eligibility and firearms dealers who must wait for the department's final determination. The bill modifies existing statutes to clarify the timeline for resolving ambiguous background check results.

Maddy summarySB 349 increases state reimbursement for school medical services from 60% to 100% of the federal share for eligible school districts, cooperative educational service agencies, and specialized programs like the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It also raises reimbursement for allowable administrative costs from 90% to 100% of the federal share. The bill applies to all entities providing school medical services that meet federal requirements and allows claims for transportation costs as part of these services. This change directly affects school districts and specialized educational programs by increasing state funding for these services.

Maddy summarySB 396 increases funding for the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program by $512,900 for fiscal year 2025-26 (adding 7 staff positions) and $602,800 for fiscal year 2026-27. This directly expands services provided to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs by authorizing additional staff to support outreach and recovery efforts. The bill makes specific appropriations to the department without creating new program requirements or altering eligibility. It affects veterans seeking outreach services and the department’s capacity to deliver them.

Maddy summarySB 385 increases funding for Wisconsin's Veterans Housing and Recovery Program. It adds $900,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $1,050,000 for 2026-27 to cover program supplies, services, and leasing a new facility in Chippewa Falls. The additional funds address space limitations and facility deficiencies at the current location. This bill directly affects veterans participating in the housing program by ensuring continued support through improved resources and accommodations. The changes are purely fiscal, with no new policy requirements for veterans or service providers.

Maddy summarySB 398 creates a tax credit for small businesses to install universal changing stations in certain buildings. The credit covers 50% of installation costs, up to $5,125, for businesses with annual gross receipts under $1 million or 30 or fewer full-time employees. The bill amends tax statutes to allow this credit against state income tax, with credits calculated based on entity payments and distributed to owners proportionally for partnerships and similar entities. It requires stations to meet specific standards defined in the law and includes funding through an appropriation account.

Maddy summarySB 332 prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of undetectable firearms (those not detectable by standard metal detectors or security scanners) and unmarked firearm frames/receivers (the core components of a gun). It creates new felony penalties: Class G for possessing undetectable firearms, Class H for sharing manufacturing plans, and Class I for possessing unmarked frames/receivers. The law applies to the general public but includes exemptions for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and licensed manufacturers acting within their official duties. This directly affects individuals who own or attempt to build such firearms, aiming to enhance public safety through stricter firearm tracking and detection requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program by creating a governing board with specific membership requirements, including representatives from environmental groups, hunting/fishing organizations, tribal nations, and local government. It establishes annual funding for grants to nonprofit conservation organizations and a tribal co-management program, with set spending limits for the program through 2031. The bill also adjusts debt authorization and funding mechanisms for the program's capital improvement fund. These changes directly affect the program's operations and the organizations receiving financial support.

Maddy summarySB 145 establishes a process for Wisconsin to add federal newborn screening recommendations to its state-required list. It requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to evaluate new federal disorders within 18 months, conduct annual reviews of excluded disorders, and begin rule-making to include them if appropriate. The bill grants DHS authority to create new screening rules and exempts these rules from standard emergency rule procedures. It directly affects newborns in Wisconsin by potentially expanding screening tests for certain disorders, with testing for newly added disorders required to begin within six months of rule publication. The law applies to federal recommendations approved after January 1, 2025, and includes specific timelines for evaluation and implementation.

Maddy summarySB 488 requires employers and third parties posting job openings to include the salary range (minimum and maximum) and details about benefits like health insurance or retirement plans. Employers must also keep these job posting records for two years and allow department reviews. Penalties include written warnings for first violations, with fines ranging from $300 to $2,000 for repeat offenses based on company size (under 50 vs. 50+ employees), and third parties face identical fines. The bill applies to all covered employers and job postings, aiming to increase transparency in compensation offers.