Sen. Chris Larson

Maddy summarySJR 108 is a non-binding resolution recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or affect any specific group legally, but formally acknowledges the historical and ongoing presence of Wisconsin's eleven federally recognized tribes. The resolution highlights the state's responsibility to honor Indigenous contributions and work toward reconciliation, referencing the history of dispossession and resilience of Native nations. It serves as a symbolic gesture to promote appreciation and partnership with Indigenous communities. The resolution was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to a committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $1 million every two years to help licensed child care centers purchase and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs). It requires centers to contribute 33% of the grant amount as matching funds. The Department of Children and Families will administer the grants, distributing funds to eligible centers under state licensing rules. This policy directly affects all licensed child care centers in the state by improving emergency cardiac response capabilities.

Maddy summarySB 538 prevents law enforcement from using statements about prostitution as evidence in prosecution if those statements were gathered while someone sought medical care or reported another crime (not prostitution). It protects individuals who contact police, medical providers, or emergency services for reasons unrelated to prostitution, as well as those reporting crimes or seeking care on behalf of others. The bill creates a clear rule that statements obtained during these unrelated interactions cannot be used to prosecute a person for prostitution. This change directly affects people interacting with authorities for medical or non-prostitution-related crime reporting, ensuring such statements remain inadmissible in prostitution cases.

Maddy summarySB 660 creates a statewide public information campaign to reduce aggressive driving behaviors like excessive speeding, illegal racing, and fleeing police. The campaign, funded with $500,000 over two fiscal years, must run for 1-2 years and prioritize local governments with the highest rates of these incidents. It requires using billboards, radio, TV, and digital ads, while partnering with local creative agencies and community groups (like schools and churches) to share real stories from affected drivers and families. The law mandates that materials reflect the experiences of high-risk drivers and target communities most impacted by aggressive driving.

Maddy summarySB 643 requires the Department of Safety and Professional Services to audit fire sprinkler systems in specific residential buildings - defined as apartment buildings, rowhouses, townhouses, or condos with 8+ attached units and at least 2 stories above ground (excluding some licensed facilities). The audit must determine if automatic sprinklers are installed, with a report due to the governor and legislature by September 30, 2026. The bill appropriates $75,000 for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to fund two staff positions dedicated to conducting this audit. This affects building owners/managers of the specified properties by triggering a state review of existing fire safety systems.

Maddy summarySB 356 requires the state department to partner with healthcare providers (including obstetricians/gynecologists) and community health centers to educate women about perimenopause and menopause symptoms, management, and related issues. The bill mandates creation of informational materials covering symptoms, treatments, biological processes, when to consult a provider, and communication strategies for family/friends. These materials - available electronically and physically - will be distributed through healthcare providers to women identified as experiencing or nearing perimenopause or menopause. The law directly affects women navigating these health transitions by providing standardized, accessible education resources.

Maddy summarySJR 101 is a symbolic resolution declaring November 2025 as Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It highlights Wisconsin's veteran suicide statistics (134 deaths in 2023, accounting for 15% of state adult suicides) and aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges veterans face during civilian transitions. The resolution does not create new programs or funding but encourages the state to recognize veterans' service and promote existing resources like the Veterans Crisis Line. It directly affects Wisconsin veterans by drawing attention to their mental health needs through official state recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 87 is a resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature to commemorate the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary on November 10, 2025, marking the date the Continental Congress authorized its founding in 1775. It recognizes the Corps' historical service and acknowledges Marines training at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, including their role in activities like the Cold Weather Operations Course. The resolution expresses legislative appreciation but does not create new laws, funding, or legal obligations. It is a symbolic gesture celebrating military heritage without imposing concrete policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 552 increases annual funding for Wisconsin's birth defect prevention and monitoring system from $95,000 to $500,000. It also authorizes 3.3 additional full-time staff positions at the Department of Health Services to maintain this system. The bill allocates an extra $405,000 for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 from the state health services budget. This directly affects the Department of Health Services, which will use the funds to strengthen birth defect monitoring and prevention efforts. The changes are purely fiscal, with no new policy requirements beyond the specified funding and staffing adjustments.

Maddy summarySB 661 creates a $6 million program to fund safety improvements at high-crash intersections in cities and counties. Local governments can apply for reimbursement or grants to upgrade signalized and stop-sign intersections identified as having excessive crash rates, using data from 2019-2024. The program prioritizes projects in the 10% of counties with the highest intersection crash rates. This is a direct appropriation from the transportation budget for fiscal year 2025-26, with no new legal requirements.