Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin

Maddy summarySB 482 extends the carryover period for unused research income tax credits from 15 to 50 taxable years. This change directly affects businesses that claim research tax credits but cannot fully utilize them in a single tax year. The bill modifies multiple sections of tax law to allow these unused credits to be carried forward and applied against future tax liabilities over a longer timeframe. The key provision (Section 7) updates the specific timeframe for crediting unused amounts against Wisconsin income taxes in subsequent years.

Maddy summarySB 387 amends state license and ID laws to allow veterans to indicate their service status on driver's licenses or state ID cards. It defines eligible veterans as former U.S. armed forces members discharged honorably, or reserve/guard members who completed their service with honorable conditions. This change directly affects veterans applying for or renewing licenses/ID cards in this state. The bill updates specific sections of the law (343.14 and 343.17) to implement this requirement, with no new benefits or costs specified.

Maddy summaryThis bill would allow Wisconsin school districts to increase their revenue limits when they spend money on energy efficiency projects. If a school board chooses to participate, the district's spending on energy-saving measures, including debt payments for bonds or loans used to finance those projects, would count toward raising the revenue cap for that school year. To qualify, projects must reduce energy or operational costs, follow a performance contract, and have financing terms of 20 years or less. The legislation also defines eligible projects as facility upgrades, training programs, or services that lower energy use, conserve water, or improve metering accuracy.

Maddy summarySB 729 imposes annual fees on large energy customers (primarily large data centers) based on their peak electricity demand: $2 million for 100-250 MW, $3 million for 250-500 MW, and $1 million more for each additional 250 MW. Fifty percent of these fees fund the Green Innovation Fund via the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The bill also requires data centers to report actual water usage annually and certify compliance with sustainable building standards (like LEED or BREEAM) within three years of operation. It defines "large-scale data centers" as projects costing $250 million+ in construction or equipment over 60 months.

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 1045 legalizes recreational cannabis possession for adults, establishes a new Division of Cannabis Regulation within the Department of Agriculture, and creates a Cannabis Conviction Review Unit to expunge or adjust past marijuana-related convictions. It allocates $30 million annually for cannabis regulation operations, funds a medical cannabis registry program with $5 million per year, and creates new tax revenue streams for enforcement and research. The bill repeals outdated marijuana laws, regulates cannabis production and sales through licensing, and sets up a system for individuals to seek conviction expungement. These changes directly affect all Wisconsin residents, particularly those with prior cannabis convictions, and establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the state's cannabis industry.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally recognizes the life and leadership of Bob Harlan, the former president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers. The bill highlights his contributions to the franchise, including hiring key personnel, leading the team to a Super Bowl victory, and overseeing a major stadium redevelopment. It serves as a commemorative tribute rather than enacting new policy or funding. The resolution was adopted by the Wisconsin Senate but did not receive concurrence from the Assembly.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that formally honors the life and public service of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a civil rights activist and politician who passed away in February 2026. The resolution recognizes his contributions to the American civil rights movement, his founding of Operation PUSH, his political campaigns, and his advocacy for racial equity and social justice. It also acknowledges his connections to Wisconsin, including his visits to lead prayers in the state assembly. The bill expresses the legislature's condolences to Jackson's family and community while commemorating his legacy of pursuing freedom and justice.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state minimum wage of $15 per hour while allowing local governments to enact their own minimum wage ordinances. It creates a system where the state department of labor can set lower wages for specific groups like agricultural workers, camp counselors, and students, and can exempt certain casual employment arrangements. The minimum wage will automatically adjust annually based on changes in the consumer price index, unless inflation shows no increase. The legislation also prohibits the state from setting different minimum wages for men and women.