Sen. Jesse James

Maddy summarySB 975 regulates virtual currency kiosks - machines that exchange cash for cryptocurrency or vice versa - by requiring operators to obtain licenses and implement strict fraud prevention measures. It mandates a prominent, upfront warning about scams (e.g., impersonating officials), verifies customer identities via ID and photos, and limits daily transactions to $500 with fees capped at $5 or 3% of the amount. Operators must provide refunds for fraudulent transactions reported within 30 days and display customer service contact information. The law directly affects kiosk businesses and their customers, focusing on transparency and reducing scam-related losses through concrete operational rules.

Maddy summarySB 956 authorizes three new staff positions within the Department of Justice to strengthen Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) enforcement. It adds 2.0 full-time criminal analyst positions, 1.0 outreach specialist position, and 1.0 digital evidence examiner position. These roles will be funded using existing appropriations designated under section 20.455(2)(a). The bill directly affects the Department of Justice's staffing capacity for ICAC investigations and victim support.

Maddy summarySB 954 requires the Department of Justice to create and run a public awareness campaign focused on children's online safety. The campaign will educate parents and caregivers about internet risks for children and share practical steps to prevent exposure to harmful content, using digital platforms (websites, social media, newsletters) and print materials. Schools, as defined by statute, can request free copies of the campaign materials upon request. The bill does not create new funding or penalties, but mandates existing agency resources for this specific outreach effort.

Maddy summarySB 953 defines sexual extortion involving child victims as a violation under existing statute 942.095. It specifically applies when the victim is a child, as defined in statute 948.01(1), clarifying that such cases fall under this legal category. The bill creates a new statutory reference (165.505(1)(bg)3.) to ensure these offenses are properly categorized under current law. This procedural change directly affects law enforcement and prosecutors handling internet crimes against children.

Maddy summarySB 974 creates a program to reimburse community paramedics and community emergency medical services practitioners (or their employers) for tuition and materials costs paid toward state-approved training programs required for licensure. It directly affects individuals seeking initial certification as community paramedics (under §256.205) or community EMS practitioners (under §256.21), and their employers who covered these costs. To qualify, applicants must complete approved training and receive department approval, with employers needing to verify their employees met these requirements. The reimbursement requires a formal application to the board using a prescribed form.

Maddy summarySB 1004 ratifies the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact), enabling licensed massage therapists to practice across state lines in participating states without needing separate licenses. It creates an interstate commission and defines key terms like "multistate license" (allowing therapists to practice in compact states) and "authorization to practice" (for license holders from other compact states). The bill also updates licensing rules to prevent employment discrimination based on certain criminal convictions when granting multistate licenses and adjusts fingerprinting requirements for credentialing. This directly affects licensed massage therapists, the state credentialing board, and healthcare providers seeking cross-state practice opportunities.

Maddy summarySB 1003 updates licensing and regulation for massage therapy and bodywork therapy businesses. It creates new definitions for "mobile massage service" (using vehicles/mobile units) and "out-call service" (traveling to client locations), while clarifying that "sole practitioner" businesses have no employees or other providers. The bill also establishes reduced licensing fees for certain establishments under common ownership or operated by sole practitioners, and clarifies that fingerprinting is generally not required for licensure except in specific cases. This directly affects massage therapy businesses, practitioners, and their establishments by changing how they are licensed and regulated.

Maddy summarySB 843 requires data centers in Wisconsin to use recycled water cooling systems and report annual water usage. It mandates that renewable energy facilities primarily serving a data center must be located on-site, and prohibits utility customers from paying for infrastructure built for data centers. Operators must post financial bonds equal to reclamation costs before operating and restore land to its original condition if construction stops. The bill applies to all data centers built or operated in Wisconsin under new construction or operational requirements.

Maddy summarySB 882 amends Wisconsin sentencing laws to specifically address individuals under 18 convicted of crimes. It requires courts to consider designated mitigating factors and relevant information (such as youth-related circumstances) when determining release eligibility for "youthful offenders" under sections 973.014 and 973.018. The bill creates new procedural requirements for parole commissions, including mandatory consideration of these factors and written reasons for denials with reconsideration timelines. These changes apply to juvenile offenders sentenced under the specified statutes, focusing on release decisions rather than sentencing ranges.

Maddy summarySB 834 creates a new $2 million grant program to support parent and guardian volunteer programs in schools, beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The bill directs the Department of Public Instruction to award grants to public school districts, charter schools, and participating private schools that meet specific program criteria. These grants will fund initiatives designed to encourage or allow parents and guardians to volunteer in elementary and secondary schools. The program requires the department to develop implementing rules and is funded through an appropriation in the 2026-27 state budget.