Maddy summarySJR 34 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Wisconsin's child support program on its 50th anniversary, specifically commemorating January 4, 2025 - the date President Ford signed the 1975 federal law establishing the program. It recognizes the program's role in serving 341,000 children and collecting $841 million in support during fiscal year 2023, while highlighting its anti-poverty impact and collaboration between county, state, and tribal agencies. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it solely expresses legislative commendation for program staff and the program's national leadership in child support collection. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct policy changes or new obligations for affected parties.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals to obtain written permission from patients before performing pelvic exams for educational purposes on patients who are unconscious (e.g., under anesthesia). It directly affects hospitals, medical staff, and patients undergoing such exams during medical training. The key provision mandates that hospitals create written policies ensuring patients provide explicit, prior consent for these specific exams. The law, now Wisconsin Act 22, applies to all facilities conducting such educational procedures on unconscious individuals.
Maddy summarySJR 29 is a joint resolution that officially designates April 2025 and April 2026 as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Months in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to raise public awareness about Parkinson's disease, its impact, and the need for ongoing research, education, and community support.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the waiting period required before a person can purchase a handgun in Wisconsin. It extends the mandatory wait time from 48 hours to five working days when a background check yields unclear results and the state justice department needs more time to determine if the buyer is prohibited from owning a firearm. The law applies to all handgun sales occurring on or after the effective date of the legislation.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program to distribute funds from vapor product taxes to local health departments and tribal health centers for violence prevention initiatives. The legislation explicitly prohibits these grant funds from being given to law enforcement agencies or any entities working directly with them, focusing the resources on health-based prevention strategies instead. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Health Services to hire staff to administer the grant program, providing specific funding increases for these administrative positions.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires anyone living with a child to store firearms in a locked container or with a trigger lock engaged when the child is present, unless the person is actively using the weapon. It establishes penalties for breaking these rules, classifying a first offense as a misdemeanor and subsequent violations as a felony. Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement officers wait at least seven days before making an arrest related to an accidental shooting involving a child, while also allowing district attorneys to consider the impact on the family when deciding whether to file charges.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Workforce Development to study the feasibility of creating a grant program that funds guaranteed jobs in the care economy, such as healthcare, child care, and public infrastructure. The proposed program would provide grants to public and nonprofit entities to offer positions lasting at least 100 days at a rate of $20 per hour, with eligibility restricted to specific groups including young adults, people with disabilities, low-income households, long-term unemployed individuals, and formerly incarcerated people. The study must analyze the number of jobs needed, associated costs, training strategies, and pathways to full-time employment, with results reported to the governor and legislature within 18 months. To support this research, the bill appropriates an additional $250,000 from the state's fiscal year 2023-24 budget for the Department of Workforce Development.