SJR 63 is a symbolic resolution that officially designates June as "Dairy Month" in Wisconsin. It recognizes the state's long history with dairy, from early 19th-century farmers to modern contributions, including the industry's $45.6 billion annual economic impact and over 6,000 dairy farms. The resolution has no new requirements or funding - it simply honors dairy farmers' role in Wisconsin's heritage and identity through a formal proclamation. It directly affects the state's dairy industry and its cultural recognition, but does not create new laws or policies. This is a ceremonial gesture, not a substantive legislative change.
SJR 51 is a ceremonial resolution declaring May as Eye Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws but formally designates the month to highlight the importance of eye health. The resolution encourages all Wisconsin residents to prioritize eye care through regular exams and protective measures like wearing sunglasses, while urging public and private organizations to support related education and resources. This resolution directly affects Wisconsin residents and community entities by promoting awareness of preventable vision conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.
SB 252 amends eligibility rules for state benefit programs by excluding up to $40,000 in inherited assets when calculating an individual's total assets. It directly affects people applying for or receiving state benefits (like Medicaid or food assistance) who inherit assets, allowing them to retain more inheritance without losing eligibility. The bill modifies existing rules to clarify that inherited assets up to $40,000 will not count toward asset limits, while requiring individuals to deposit earned income into designated accounts. This is a procedural adjustment to benefit eligibility criteria, not a new program.
SB 254 creates a $9 million annual appropriation to fund war memorials in populous counties. Memorial boards must provide at least 50% matching funds to request support for operations, maintenance, construction, or improvements of memorial facilities. The Department of Veterans Affairs reviews requests within 60 days and disburses approved funds within 30 days. Boards must submit annual reports detailing fund usage to the legislature.
SB 34 requires candidates for specific offices (including governor, state legislators, U.S. representatives, and presidential/vice presidential tickets) to submit a sworn withdrawal statement with identity verification and pay fees ($250 for state offices, $500 for U.S. representatives, $2,500 for statewide offices) no later than seven business days before an election. Candidates must provide acceptable ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) and have their withdrawal witnessed by county officials. The bill ensures withdrawals don’t alter ballot order if processed before the commission finalizes ballots, and specifies that withdrawing for president automatically withdraws the vice presidential ticket. This procedural bill establishes clear administrative steps for candidate withdrawals.
SB 70 allows minors aged 14 or older who are unaccompanied youth (without adult supervision) to consent to essential health services without parental permission, provided they are verified as such by specific professionals like school counselors or shelter staff. The bill defines "medically necessary care" as services that prevent, diagnose, or treat illness or injury while meeting standard medical criteria, excluding experimental or duplicative treatments. Healthcare providers who follow this process are protected from liability for providing such care, though existing mandatory reporting laws and other consent rights (e.g., under Chapter 51) remain unchanged. This directly affects vulnerable minors in school, shelters, or transitional living programs who lack parental oversight.
AB 492 creates a new Music Therapy Examining Board within the Department of Safety and Professional Services to regulate the practice of music therapy. The bill requires music therapists to register with this board (replacing previous certification requirements), mandates renewal based on maintained national certification, and sets specific renewal dates (October 1 of odd-numbered years). It defines music therapy as evidence-based use of music interventions within a therapeutic relationship but explicitly excludes diagnosing physical or mental disorders. The law also clarifies that music therapists cannot perform psychotherapy without an additional license, and it establishes penalties for unlicensed practice. This directly affects licensed music therapists seeking to legally practice in the state.
AB 511 classifies tobacco products into two categories for tax purposes: traditional cigarettes (burning tobacco) and "heating tobacco" products (tobacco heated without combustion, excluding vapor products). It imposes a $0.63 per cigarette tax on lighter heating tobacco products (≤3 pounds per thousand) and $1.26 on heavier ones, while traditional cigarettes face lower base rates ($0.126/$0.252) with federal tax adjustments. The bill also requires distributors to pay an inventory tax on existing stock when rates increase, due within 30 days of the rate change. This directly affects tobacco manufacturers, distributors, and retailers selling these products in the state. The legislation modifies existing tax structures without banning products or making health claims.
Assembly Bill 464 revises state laws concerning prevailing wages for public works projects. It establishes new definitions for terms related to wage determination areas, types of projects, and specific work classifications, directly affecting local governmental units and contractors. The bill aims to create uniform prevailing wage requirements across the state, explicitly stating that local ordinances requiring prevailing wages are inconsistent with state law. It also outlines the applicability of these wage rules to various public works projects, including infrastructure and facilities acquired by local units, and adds a provision to protect employees' personally identifiable information on these projects.
SB 505 allows resident disabled veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating to hunt deer of either sex during any open firearm deer hunting season in the state. To qualify, veterans must provide proof of their veteran status (per 38 U.S.C. § 101) and receive disability compensation at the required rating level (under 38 U.S.C. §§ 1114, 1134, or 38 C.F.R. § 4.16). The bill amends hunting regulations to remove restrictions on deer sex during firearm seasons for this specific group. It directly affects disabled veterans meeting these documented criteria, expanding their hunting opportunities under existing seasons.
AB 249 prohibits the abandonment of boats on state waters or adjacent land without landowner consent. It defines abandonment as leaving a boat unattended for over 7 days without intent to return, or leaving a neglected boat that poses navigation, safety, or environmental hazards. The bill requires law enforcement to issue a 30-day removal notice to owners; if not complied with, or if the boat presents an immediate hazard, authorities may remove it without notice. Violators face fines up to $10,000, up to 9 months in jail, or both, plus liability for removal costs. This directly affects boat owners who leave vessels unattended in waterways.
SB 393 allows school bus drivers over 70 or those whose endorsement was canceled due to medical conditions to reinstate their license by providing a healthcare provider's certification confirming they can safely operate a school bus. It requires drivers aged 70 or older to submit annual medical certification and undergo a medical review every four years to maintain their school bus endorsement. The bill establishes a clear reinstatement process: the department must reinstate the endorsement upon receiving proper medical documentation unless a reviewing board determines it's inappropriate. This directly affects school bus drivers in these categories by modifying medical review and reinstatement procedures.
