Sen. Chris Larson

Maddy summarySB 780 establishes a "percentage of income payment program" to help low-income households manage electricity and gas costs. It caps utility payments at 2% of a household's annual income (divided by 12) for those spending 2-4% of income on utilities ("energy burdened") or 4%+ ("severely energy burdened"), prioritizing households earning ≤300% of federal poverty guidelines. The program is funded by an existing "energy burden relief fund" and requires automatic enrollment for eligible households, with utilities prohibited from disconnecting service for qualifying households due to nonpayment. Key provisions include online enrollment, outreach to historically impacted communities, and annual reporting on program effectiveness.

Maddy summarySB 367 requires health insurance companies to notify healthcare providers if an additional fee may be charged for using virtual credit card payments. This directly affects insurers who must disclose such fees to providers accepting this payment method. The bill amends policy language to mandate this clear notification about potential extra costs. It does not change insurance coverage or payment amounts, only the disclosure requirement for virtual credit card transactions. The bill passed on November 18, 2025, after being amended to include this notification provision.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health care plans to publicly disclose which medical services require prior authorization and the specific rules governing those requirements. It mandates that these lists be posted on websites in plain language without requiring users to create accounts, and it sets standards for how clinical review criteria must be developed and updated. The legislation also grants the state insurance commissioner authority to create rules for certain limited service health organizations and includes provisions to prevent claims denials when prior authorization requirements were not in effect at the time of service.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to protect patients from unexpected medical bills by establishing rules for how health insurance plans must handle emergency care and services provided by out-of-network providers. It requires insurance plans to cover emergency medical services without prior authorization and ensures that cost-sharing amounts for out-of-network emergency care are no higher than what would apply for in-network care. Additionally, the bill mandates that plans pay out-of-network providers directly for services rendered at participating facilities and counts patient cost-sharing payments toward in-network deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. These provisions apply to defined network plans, preferred provider plans, and self-insured governmental plans that have networks of participating providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes designating April 2026 as Family Strengthening Month in Wisconsin to raise awareness about preventing child abuse and neglect. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic resolution to highlight the importance of family support and community involvement. The measure references research on protective factors like parental resilience and social connections that help build safe environments for children. Ultimately, the bill aims to encourage public and government commitment to strengthening families through awareness rather than policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows private individuals, families, and private employers to choose health care coverage through plans offered by the Group Insurance Board, expanding options beyond traditional state employee plans. It creates new statutory provisions for health savings accounts for both state employees and private sector participants who select high-deductible health plans, with separate accounts established to track funds from each group. The legislation grants the Group Insurance Board rule-making authority to manage enrollment, premium collection, and coverage procedures for these expanded options. Additionally, the bill authorizes the collection of administrative fees from state agencies, individuals, and private employers to fund the operation of these health savings account programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits employers from including postemployment nonsolicitation clauses in employment contracts, which would prevent former employees from recruiting their current coworkers for other jobs. The law declares such provisions illegal, void, and unenforceable because they impose an unreasonable restraint on trade after employment ends. Employers must post notices in conspicuous locations and on their websites explaining that these clauses are unenforceable. The restrictions apply to contracts entered into, extended, modified, or renewed on the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill, titled the "Our Care, Our Options Act," would create a legal process allowing mentally capable adults with terminal illnesses to request medication to end their lives within six months of diagnosis. It requires patients to make both oral and written requests to their doctors, with a 15-day waiting period between the initial and final requests, though this wait can be waived if death is expected within 15 days. Two separate medical providers must confirm the patient's diagnosis, prognosis, and mental capacity, while also ensuring the patient understands all treatment options and risks before proceeding. The legislation defines specific protections against coercion or undue influence and establishes penalties for violations, while also clarifying that providers who object to participating may refer patients to other qualified providers without facing disciplinary action.

Maddy summarySB 1182 prohibits cosmetic manufacturers from conducting or contracting for animal testing of cosmetics within the state after December 31, 2026, and bans the manufacture or import of products developed using such testing after that date. The law also prevents the sale of cosmetics containing ingredients tested on animals after the deadline, with limited exceptions for testing required by federal or state regulations, foreign jurisdictions, or specific federal laws. Penalties for violations include a $5,000 forfeiture plus $1,000 for each day the violation continues. This legislation directly affects cosmetic manufacturers, importers, and sellers operating in the state by establishing clear restrictions on animal testing practices and product sourcing.

Maddy summarySB 947 requires firearm owners to report lost or stolen guns to local law enforcement within 24 hours. Law enforcement must then forward these reports to a state database for tracking, and owners must report recovery of a firearm as soon as possible. Failure to report a lost or stolen firearm carries penalties: a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense, escalating to a Class I felony for repeat violations. Additionally, sellers must provide new buyers written notice of these reporting requirements and penalties at the time of sale. The bill directly affects firearm owners, sellers, and law enforcement agencies.