Sen. Chris Larson

Maddy summarySB 23 extends Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days (one year) after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. The bill modifies eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family income above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if medical expenses for family members are covered, extending this eligibility to all family members. The bill requires federal approval for the 365-day extension to take effect.

Maddy summarySB 466 raises the age threshold for issuing a Missing Child Alert from under 10 to under 12 years. It directly affects minors aged 10 or 11 who go missing and are deemed unable to return home without assistance due to a disability or condition. The bill amends statute 175.51(1m)(a)2 to change the age requirement from "not attained the age of 10 years" to "not attained the age of 12 years." This adjustment ensures children in this age group qualify for alerts when their safety is at risk. The change applies to alerts issued when a minor's location is unknown and other alert criteria aren't met.

Maddy summarySJR 92 is a ceremonial resolution that directs the Wisconsin Legislature to officially proclaim October 2025 as "Filipino American History Month" within the state. It recognizes the historical contributions of Filipino Americans, including their early settlements in the U.S., their growth in Wisconsin (over 22,000 residents), and their roles in fields like healthcare, education, and military service. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges this history to promote awareness and appreciation. It aligns with the national observance established in 1991 and follows Wisconsin's tradition of recognizing cultural heritage months.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin legislative resolution (SJR 103) condemns Russia's abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, citing violations of international law under the Genocide Convention. It specifically states that Russia's actions - including forced adoptions, re-education programs, and policies like declaring children born in occupied Ukraine as Russian citizens - aim to erase Ukrainian identity and culture. The resolution declares these acts constitute genocide and holds Russia's government responsible, while noting increased risks of child exploitation due to the invasion. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal force but formally expresses the legislature's stance against Russia's actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals to obtain written permission from patients before performing pelvic exams for educational purposes on patients who are unconscious (e.g., under anesthesia). It directly affects hospitals, medical staff, and patients undergoing such exams during medical training. The key provision mandates that hospitals create written policies ensuring patients provide explicit, prior consent for these specific exams. The law, now Wisconsin Act 22, applies to all facilities conducting such educational procedures on unconscious individuals.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 23 proclaims the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week in Wisconsin. This resolution recognizes the significant contributions of school nutrition professionals to the health and well-being of students across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the waiting period required before a person can purchase a handgun in Wisconsin. It extends the mandatory wait time from 48 hours to five working days when a background check yields unclear results and the state justice department needs more time to determine if the buyer is prohibited from owning a firearm. The law applies to all handgun sales occurring on or after the effective date of the legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a program to distribute funds from vapor product taxes to local health departments and tribal health centers for violence prevention initiatives. The legislation explicitly prohibits these grant funds from being given to law enforcement agencies or any entities working directly with them, focusing the resources on health-based prevention strategies instead. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Health Services to hire staff to administer the grant program, providing specific funding increases for these administrative positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires anyone living with a child to store firearms in a locked container or with a trigger lock engaged when the child is present, unless the person is actively using the weapon. It establishes penalties for breaking these rules, classifying a first offense as a misdemeanor and subsequent violations as a felony. Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement officers wait at least seven days before making an arrest related to an accidental shooting involving a child, while also allowing district attorneys to consider the impact on the family when deciding whether to file charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Workforce Development to study the feasibility of creating a grant program that funds guaranteed jobs in the care economy, such as healthcare, child care, and public infrastructure. The proposed program would provide grants to public and nonprofit entities to offer positions lasting at least 100 days at a rate of $20 per hour, with eligibility restricted to specific groups including young adults, people with disabilities, low-income households, long-term unemployed individuals, and formerly incarcerated people. The study must analyze the number of jobs needed, associated costs, training strategies, and pathways to full-time employment, with results reported to the governor and legislature within 18 months. To support this research, the bill appropriates an additional $250,000 from the state's fiscal year 2023-24 budget for the Department of Workforce Development.