Sen. Chris Larson

Maddy summarySB 54 prohibits state and local government officials, including law enforcement, from assisting federal authorities in detaining individuals solely based on immigration status at sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, places of worship, or childcare facilities. It also bans the use of state funds for such detentions and explicitly allows cooperation only when required by a valid judicial warrant. The bill directly affects state agencies, local governments, and facilities providing essential services by restricting their involvement in immigration enforcement actions. Key provisions create clear boundaries for state/local entities to avoid complicity in immigration detentions without court authorization.

Maddy summarySB 60 expands the homestead income tax credit for homeowners in Wisconsin starting in 2026. It creates new income-based limits: households earning $8,060 or less receive an 80% credit on property taxes for their primary home, while those earning between $8,060 and $35,000 get a reduced credit based on income above the threshold. The bill repeals older provisions that restricted the credit for people without earned income or disabled claimants, and adds automatic annual inflation adjustments to the income thresholds and credit amounts. This directly affects Wisconsin homeowners with household income under $35,000 who claim the homestead tax credit.

Maddy summarySB 135 designates February 18 as "Vel R. Phillips' birthday" for special observance days in public schools. This bill adds a specific date to school calendars to honor Vel R. Phillips, a notable historical figure, requiring schools to observe this day annually. It does not create new programs, funding, or mandates beyond the designated observance date. The bill applies to the school year following its effective date.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 17), not a policy bill. It formally honors April 22, 2025, as the 55th anniversary of Earth Day by urging the Wisconsin Legislature to recognize this milestone. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any specific group; it is purely symbolic, referencing Earth Day's history and encouraging citizens to support environmental preservation. It was introduced by multiple legislators and passed as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summarySJR 19 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late Representative Jonathan Brostoff, who served in the Wisconsin Assembly (2014-2023) and Milwaukee Common Council (2022-2024). The resolution recognizes his advocacy for criminal justice reform, disability rights, and community service, including his volunteer work with youth and veterans' organizations. It formally expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's condolences to his family and extends recognition for his public service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Maddy summarySJR 10 is a ceremonial resolution proposing that the Wisconsin Legislature officially proclaim February 2025 as Black History Month. It does not create new laws or allocate funding; instead, it formally recognizes the significance of Black History Month through symbolic legislative action. The resolution cites historical context, including Wisconsin's early African American presence, and highlights local contributions by figures like Milwaukee community leader Elisterine Clayton and Wisconsin Court of Appeals Judge Paul Higginbotham. This resolution directly affects the state's official recognition of Black History Month but has no binding policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution (SR 2) designates March 2025 and March 2026 as "Women’s History Months" in Wisconsin. It is a ceremonial resolution with no new policies, funding, or direct impact on specific groups or legislation. The resolution uses historical context about women's contributions in Wisconsin (including suffrage milestones and notable figures) to support the symbolic designation. It does not change any laws or create new obligations. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to recognize and honor women's historical and ongoing roles in the state.

Maddy summarySB 142 bans the use of algorithmic software by landlords to set rental rates or occupancy levels in residential housing. It prohibits selling, licensing, or providing such software (defined as tools using private competitor data on rent/occupancy to inform pricing decisions) to landlords, with exceptions for aggregated rental data publications and affordable housing tools. The law imposes penalties of up to $1,000 per violation per unit, allowing tenants to sue for actual damages or $1,000 per violation, and enables state enforcement through the attorney general. It directly affects landlords, property management companies, and software providers that develop or sell such tools.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 148 establishes a "right to repair" for agricultural equipment. It requires manufacturers of farm machinery, such as tractors and combines, to make available repair information, parts, and tools to equipment owners and independent repair shops. Manufacturers must provide diagnostic documentation, embedded software, and replacement parts at fair costs and under fair terms. This aims to allow farmers and unaffiliated technicians to diagnose, maintain, and repair their own equipment.

Maddy summarySJR 25 is a joint resolution that commends the IBS Patient Support Group for recognizing April 17-19, 2025, as World IBS Days. It encourages all Wisconsin residents to support and participate in events that raise awareness of irritable bowel syndrome.