Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin

Maddy summarySB 1017 allocates $2.17 million annually for workforce training programs for child care providers and prospective providers. The bill creates a new funding line (20.437(2)(d)) to support contracts under section 49.137(4) focused specifically on training. This direct funding affects licensed child care facilities and individuals seeking to work in early childhood education. The measure provides concrete financial support for professional development but does not change eligibility rules or service requirements.

Maddy summarySB 1016 creates a new child care subsidy program specifically for custodial parents who work as child care employees in Wisconsin. It establishes separate eligibility rules (under section 49.155(2s)) allowing these parents to qualify for subsidies even if they don't meet standard income or asset requirements, provided they work for a child care provider. The bill appropriates $1.2 million for administrative costs to implement this new program. This directly affects low-income parents employed in the child care sector who need subsidized care for their own children.

Maddy summarySB 1011 expands eligibility for Wisconsin Shares child care subsidies to families with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty line but below 100% of the state median income for their family size. It creates a new eligibility category (via 20.437(2)(ct)) allowing subsidies for individuals who qualify under specific provisions but not under the standard 200% threshold, and adjusts income calculation rules to include certain child support payments. The bill modifies existing income guidelines in statutes to clarify eligibility for families who previously lost subsidies due to modest income increases. It appropriates an additional $1.25 million for fiscal year 2026-27 to fund these expanded subsidies. The changes directly affect low-to-moderate-income families seeking child care assistance in Wisconsin.

Maddy summarySB 958 creates a dedicated "Water Fund for Our Future" with $250 million transferred from the general fund for state water infrastructure and emergency response. It establishes a rapid response account within the fund to cover costs for natural disasters and public health emergencies, including remediation, relocation, and assistance for affected individuals. A joint legislative committee oversees fund spending, ensuring money is only used for clean water activities and requiring written recommendations for funding requests. The fund also includes provisions for transferring unspent balances to the budget stabilization fund during fiscal shortages.

Maddy summarySJR 137 is a non-binding resolution recognizing January 27, 2026, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Wisconsin. It formally acknowledges the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and commemorates the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, along with millions of other persecuted groups. The resolution encourages Wisconsin citizens to reflect on Holocaust history, participate in educational activities, and support efforts to combat antisemitism and hatred. It does not create new laws, programs, or funding, but serves as a symbolic commitment to honoring survivors and preventing future atrocities through remembrance.

Maddy summarySB 1079 establishes income-based limits on out-of-pocket costs for families using Wisconsin Shares child care subsidies. It prevents families from paying more than 7% of their gross income in copayments and exempts those with incomes below 150% of the federal poverty line from any copayment. The bill also increases annual funding for the program by $22.93 million for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to cover these changes. These provisions directly affect low-income families receiving child care assistance under Wisconsin Shares.

Maddy summarySB 1029 repeals Section 66.0104 of the statutes, which previously allowed local governments to regulate landlords. This bill directly affects cities and counties that had authority under this statute to create local rules for rental housing. The key provision is the removal of this specific legal authority, meaning local governments would no longer be able to enact ordinances under this section. The bill does not create new regulations but eliminates an existing framework for local landlord oversight.

Maddy summarySB 1060 modifies how sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits are managed and funded. It directs $7 from each permit's processing fee toward permit administration and grouse management/research (specifically under new section 20.370). The bill also updates permit allocation rules: applicants earn preference points for prior unissued permits, with random selection used when demand exceeds supply, and establishes separate resident/nonresident permit quotas that can be reallocated if demand is low in one category. Processing fees for these permits are adjusted to $9.75 (section 29.563 (14)(a) 3.).

Maddy summarySB 933 requires social media platforms serving users in this state to display a clear mental health warning each time a user accesses the platform. The warning must note potential negative mental health effects and provide access to crisis resources like the 988 suicide hotline. Platforms cannot hide the warning, make it less visible, or disable it except under specified conditions. Violations could result in fines up to $5,000 per incident or lawsuits by affected users seeking damages or injunctions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 118) that formally congratulates the Grafton Black Hawks high school football team for winning the 2025 Wisconsin State Football Championship. It recognizes their perfect 14-0 season, championship victory at Camp Randall Stadium, and the team's emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship. The resolution does not create any new laws, policies, or funding - it solely offers symbolic recognition from the Wisconsin Legislature to the team, coaches, and community. It directly affects the Grafton Black Hawks football program and the Grafton community by publicly honoring their championship achievement.