Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changing how voters select candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives by implementing ranked-choice voting in the general election and allowing voters to rank up to five candidates. Under the new system, ballots would permit voters to list their preferences in order, with the winner determined through an instant runoff process if no single candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes. The legislation also modifies primary election rules to allow voters to cast ballots for candidates from multiple political parties in certain consolidated voting scenarios. Additionally, the bill requires election officials to post clear signs warning voters that votes for candidates from different parties will not be counted unless a specific party preference is selected.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to help Wisconsin municipalities and community water systems address perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. It allows public utilities to use up to half of their water or sewer service funds to pay for pretreatment or source reduction measures if these costs are lower than upgrading treatment facilities at the endpoint. Additionally, the bill creates a specific grant fund for testing PFAS levels in municipal water and wastewater systems, ensuring that funding is available to every eligible applicant without requiring them to provide matching funds. The legislation also includes provisions to prioritize projects that address the most serious health risks and assist small or disadvantaged applicants when ranking projects for assistance.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wisconsin statutes to require the state Department of Natural Resources to establish a specific goal for the statewide wolf population. The law applies to wolves that are not currently listed as endangered at the federal or state level. Under this provision, the department must create a management plan that sets a target number for the wolf population and may limit the number of hunters and trappers allowed to take wolves to meet that goal. The bill was passed by the Senate but ultimately failed to become law after the Governor's veto was not overridden by the legislature.
Maddy summaryThis bill primarily updates Wisconsin statutes to expand the scope of medical professionals who can perform specific administrative and clinical tasks. It allows licensed chiropractors, podiatrists, and physician assistants to review applications for permits related to physical and visual disabilities, tasks previously reserved for physicians. Additionally, the legislation grants advanced practice registered nurses the authority to issue prescriptions under existing laws and clarifies the definition of a health care provider to include these expanded roles. The bill also modifies procedures for emergency rule-making, extending time limits and creating exemptions for certain rule changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Wisconsin Elections Commission to verify the U.S. citizenship status of individuals on the voter registration list by accessing data from the Department of Transportation. Under the new rules, the commission must check this information immediately whenever someone registers to vote or updates their registration details. Additionally, the bill mandates that driver's licenses and identification cards issued to non-citizens must display a clear statement such as "Not valid for voting purposes" to indicate they cannot be used for voter identification. These changes directly affect the state's election administration processes and the design of identification documents issued to residents.
Maddy summaryThis bill would have allowed owners of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles in Wisconsin to install vertical light bars, known as whip lights, that display any color or pattern. The legislation specifically permitted these lights to show any color in a fixed display or sequence, but it prohibited them from flashing red or blue. If passed, the law would have created a new legal category for these devices while maintaining a ban on red and blue flashing lights to prevent confusion with emergency vehicles. Although the bill was enacted by the legislature, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposed changes to Wisconsin's aquatic plant management laws, specifically creating a permit exemption for treating invasive plants in private ponds smaller than five acres. Under the plan, a certified commercial applicator could use EPA-approved chemicals on these small ponds without a permit if they followed label instructions and notified all neighboring property owners. Additionally, the bill would have allowed permits for larger ponds over five acres to remain valid for at least five years and established a fee structure for managing aquatic plants on privately owned water bodies. Although the legislation included provisions for using certain biological agents to improve water quality, the Governor vetoed the bill, and it did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis bill would require owners of hybrid and nonhybrid electric vehicles in Wisconsin to display specific decals on their license plates to indicate the vehicle type. The legislation allows the Department of Transportation to issue new registration plates with "EV" markings instead, which would exempt those vehicles from the decal requirement. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a commission to manage Wisconsin's social work licensure compact, which allows licensed social workers to practice across multiple participating states. It creates a new section in state statutes to define the commission's structure and membership, ensuring representation from various professional groups and consumer advocates. The legislation also clarifies the definition of "licensed treatment professional" to include specific mental health practitioners while excluding those with suspended or restricted licenses. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.
Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill, SB 21, establishes specific monetary limits on the personal property that prisoners and residents of state correctional facilities are allowed to own. Under the proposed rules, inmates could possess musical instruments or electronic items up to a value of $350, while other non-medical items would be capped at $150 each. The legislation also sets the legal framework for these allowances by creating a new section in the state statutes. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.