Sen. Chris Larson

Maddy summarySB 99 creates a Spinal Cord Injury Council to oversee research grants and allocates $2.5 million biennially for spinal cord injury research in Wisconsin. The council, composed of researchers, individuals with spinal cord injuries, veterans, family members, and medical professionals, develops grant criteria and reviews applications. Researchers receiving grants must present findings at department-hosted symposia every two years and report annual progress to the legislature. The bill specifically funds innovative treatments and rehabilitative approaches, with grants allowing up to 8% for administrative costs.

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 summarySB 453 changes the earliest date nomination papers can be circulated for spring elections from December 1 to November 16. This adjustment applies to local elections in towns, villages, and counties, affecting candidates seeking office and election officials who manage nomination deadlines. The bill amends multiple statutes (including those governing nomination paper circulation, filing deadlines, and special election timing) to implement this November 16 start date. It does not alter voting requirements or eligibility but updates procedural election schedules. This is a technical timing change affecting local spring election processes.

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 484 prohibits state and local governments from using public facilities (like jails or detention centers) to detain people solely based on their immigration status. It also bans state or local funding from being used to establish or operate immigrant detention facilities. This directly affects cities, counties, sheriffs' offices, and state agencies that manage public facilities or funds. The bill prevents local governments from participating in immigration enforcement through detention or funding, while allowing detention for other legal reasons.

Maddy summarySB 493 prohibits state and local government agencies, including law enforcement, from detaining individuals solely because they are not lawfully present in the United States. The bill also bans state and local entities from entering into or continuing agreements with the federal government for immigration enforcement under 8 USC 1357(g). However, it does not prevent cooperation with federal authorities when required by a valid judicial warrant. This law directly affects all state agencies and local governmental units in the state.

Maddy summarySB 369 prohibits state agencies from sharing personally identifiable information (PII) with the federal government unless the data is first masked or made anonymous. It directly affects state agencies (like departments, courts, and commissions), requiring them to anonymize PII before federal data sharing, except for limited exceptions like complying with other laws or carrying out official duties. The bill also creates a civil lawsuit option for individuals harmed by negligent violations, allowing claims for actual damages, up to $1,000 in punitive damages, and attorney fees. This law aims to strengthen data privacy protections for residents by limiting how state data can be shared federally.