Sen. Chris Larson

Maddy summarySB 353 creates a procedure for Wisconsin to pause state payments to the federal government if federal aid to the state is withheld under a presidential executive order or court order. The state secretary must calculate the lost federal aid, report it to the governor and legislature within 60 days, and then withhold up to that amount from upcoming state payments to the federal government over the next year. Payments to the federal government are restored once the withheld federal aid is fully returned. This bill directly affects state financial transactions with the federal government and applies when federal aid is blocked through specific legal or executive actions.

Maddy summarySB 355 creates a new legal pathway for individuals whose constitutional rights (under U.S. or state law) were violated by government actors acting "under color of law" (e.g., police, officials). It allows affected people to sue for damages, injunctions, or other relief against the violating party, including government entities. The bill specifically requires courts to award reasonable attorney fees to winning plaintiffs and sets a 6-year deadline to file such lawsuits. This directly affects anyone facing rights violations by government officials, providing a clear legal remedy where none existed previously under the cited statutes.

Maddy summarySB 354 authorizes the state to place liens on federal properties within the state if federal aid is unlawfully withheld under a presidential executive order or court order violation. The bill requires the state secretary to calculate the withheld aid amount, identify eligible federal properties, and request the attorney general to secure liens up to that value. It mandates a 60-day report to the legislature detailing the aid loss and property locations. The liens would automatically release once the withheld federal aid is restored.

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 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 summarySB 344 creates a refundable income tax credit of up to $200 per dependent for bicycle (including electric bicycle) purchases by low-income residents. It directly affects families with dependents whose income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty line, allowing them to claim the credit against their state income tax or receive a cash payment if the credit exceeds their tax liability. Key provisions require claimants to submit purchase documentation, restrict eligibility to full-year residents, and cap the credit at $200 per dependent annually. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and is funded through a new appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 345 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooter riders, and personal delivery devices (like delivery robots) who have begun crossing at intersections with traffic signals or crosswalks. It clarifies that vehicles must remain stopped until these road users complete crossing, applying to both marked and unmarked crosswalks. The bill specifically amends traffic statutes to include new mobility devices and reinforces existing rules about yielding at signalized intersections. This directly affects drivers operating vehicles at intersections and crosswalks, particularly during green pedestrian signals.

Maddy summarySB 265 requires Wisconsin state parks to waive all daily admission fees and related charges on April 22 each year to honor Earth Day and its founder, Gaylord Nelson. This policy change directly affects all visitors to state parks on April 22, eliminating the cost of entry for that specific day. The bill creates a new statutory provision (27.01(9)(b)) that automatically applies the fee waiver without requiring additional action. The change affects the Department of Natural Resources, which must implement the waiver for all state parks under its management.