Sen. Chris Larson

Maddy summarySJR 62 is a ceremonial joint resolution that formally proclaims January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, as the "Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary." It commemorates 125 years of the state park system, established in 1900 with Interstate Park, now encompassing over 307,000 acres and welcoming approximately 20 million annual visitors. This resolution has no policy impact or cost; it is purely symbolic recognition of the park system's history, conservation efforts, and economic contributions (e.g., $11.2 billion in state GDP). It affects no individuals or entities through new requirements or funding.

Maddy summarySJR 50 is a ceremonial joint resolution congratulating the Milwaukee Rufus King Cheer and Stunt Team for winning Wisconsin Association of Cheer and Pom Coaches (WACPC) championships in both the Non-Tumble and Cheer Dance divisions during the 2025 season. It recognizes their historic achievement as the first Milwaukee Public Schools team to win two state cheer championships in a single season, marking their sixth overall title and fourth consecutive win. The resolution, introduced by multiple senators and representatives, formally expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's appreciation for the team's "determination, perseverance, and talent" without creating any new policies or affecting funding. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legislative impact beyond ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summarySB 246 designates April 24 as "Armenian Genocide Awareness Day" for public schools to observe during Genocide Awareness Month. The bill requires schools to recognize this day through educational activities, directly affecting public school districts and students. It takes effect for the school year following its implementation date, creating a formal observance without altering existing curricula or funding.

Maddy summarySB 490 amends Wisconsin's prevailing wage laws to establish a statewide standard for construction projects funded by public entities. It creates new privacy protections (Section 1), prohibiting authorities from sharing employee names or personally identifiable information without consent on projects subject to prevailing wage rules. The bill also defines key terms like "prevailing wage rate" (Section 6), clarifies that local governments cannot impose stricter wage requirements than the state standard (Section 8), and specifies which projects qualify for prevailing wage coverage (Sections 2-9). These changes directly affect contractors bidding on public works projects and local governments administering construction contracts.

Maddy summarySB 617 designates November 11 (Veterans Day) as an official state holiday when offices of Wisconsin state government must close. It adds November 11 to the list of required closing days in state statute (230.35(4)(a)5m) and amends existing provisions to include Veterans Day as a paid holiday for state employees. The bill specifies that all state employees (except limited-term hires) will receive 9-10 paid holidays annually, with Veterans Day now counting toward that total. This change takes effect January 1 following publication, aligning Wisconsin state government operations with Veterans Day observance.

Maddy summarySB 602 prohibits virtual schools (online-only schools) from participating in Wisconsin's parental choice programs, such as school voucher initiatives. It adds new requirements to statutes governing these programs, stating that participating private schools must not be classified as "virtual schools" under state law. This rule applies to the 2026-27 school year, directly affecting private schools seeking to join choice programs by excluding those that operate entirely online. The bill changes eligibility rules without altering funding amounts or creating new financial mechanisms.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 107) is a symbolic resolution recognizing that nature possesses inherent rights - such as the right to exist, flourish, and regenerate - and affirming Wisconsin’s duty to protect these rights as part of its conservation legacy. It does not create new legal obligations but calls for future exploration of policies that align with rights-of-nature principles, including collaboration with Indigenous communities, scientists, and the public. The resolution specifically urges local governments and state agencies to consider adopting rights-of-nature approaches in land use, conservation, and planning, while affirming that local governments may independently adopt such measures. It directly affects Wisconsin’s environmental governance framework and future legislative efforts, though it has no binding legal effect.

Maddy summarySB 604 requires teachers and administrators in private schools participating in Wisconsin’s parental choice programs (like voucher programs) and the Special Needs Scholarship Program to hold state-issued teaching licenses starting July 1, 2027. It creates a 5-year temporary waiver for current staff with at least five years of experience who don’t yet meet licensing requirements, valid until July 1, 2032. The bill exempts teachers of rabbinical studies from the license requirement. It amends existing laws to enforce these standards while granting the state education department rule-making authority to implement the changes.

Maddy summarySB 613 grants Devil’s Lake State Park (in Baraboo, Sauk County) legal rights to exist, flourish, and maintain a healthy environment, including clean water, natural ecosystems, and biodiversity. It prohibits state agencies, businesses, and government entities from activities that infringe on these rights, requiring agencies to review all relevant policies within one year and complete full park restoration within five years. Violations carry $1,000 fines per offense and require court-ordered damages paid to a conservation fund for park restoration. The bill directly affects state agencies, businesses operating near the park, and the park itself as a legal entity, with enforcement by the attorney general or private citizens. It explicitly preserves tribal rights and does not impose liabilities on the park.

Maddy summarySB 547 eliminates specific abortion-related regulations in Wisconsin statutes. It repeals requirements for parental consent for minors seeking abortions (repealing 253.10), mandatory ultrasounds (repealing 441.07), and certain medical certification rules (repealing 457.26 and 940.15). The bill also amends provisions related to medical emergency definitions and updates references to "induced abortion" in other laws. These changes directly affect healthcare providers by removing reporting burdens and minors seeking abortion services by eliminating parental consent and ultrasound mandates. The bill takes effect March 1, 2026, after repeal of the referenced statutes.