Sen. Jeff Smith

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 1039 modifies state grant programs to support broadband expansion in underserved areas. It repeals outdated sections of law and amends statutes to allow cities, villages, towns, and counties to apply for grants covering infrastructure construction, project planning (including feasibility reports), and up to 50% of costs for hiring a dedicated broadband director. The bill directly affects local governments seeking to expand high-speed internet access in areas without reliable service. Grants will be funded from specific state appropriations allocated for broadband projects. This bill focuses on streamlining funding mechanisms for local broadband development.

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 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 summarySB 1153 amends Wisconsin campaign finance laws to adjust contribution limits for various election candidates and political entities. The bill establishes specific dollar caps on how much individuals, political action committees, other organizations, and political parties can donate to candidates for state and local offices. Key provisions set maximum amounts ranging from $500 for state representatives to $86,000 for governor candidates, with different limits for judicial positions and local offices based on population. The legislation also modifies how contribution limits are calculated for local office candidates, using a formula based on jurisdiction population with a $2,500 maximum cap. This bill was introduced in March 2026 but failed to pass the Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill restores the ability for private individuals to file qui tam lawsuits against those who knowingly submit false claims for medical assistance, such as Medicaid fraud. It establishes penalties requiring violators to pay three times the damages caused to the state, while also allowing for reduced penalties if the violator cooperates with the attorney general and reports the fraud promptly. The law outlines procedures for filing complaints, including a 60-day sealing period and the attorney general's option to intervene or take over the case, while also granting the state authority to settle cases with approval from the governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes constitutional changes to establish direct democracy tools for voters, allowing them to reject laws passed by the legislature and propose new laws or amendments independently. Under the referendum provision, citizens could gather signatures equal to at least 4% of the last gubernatorial vote to place existing legislation on the ballot for public rejection. The initiative provision would let citizens propose new laws or constitutional amendments by collecting signatures ranging from 6% for laws to 8% for amendments, with strict rules requiring single-subject proposals and paper-based signature collection. Once approved, initiative laws would take effect 30 days after certification and could only be repealed by a two-thirds legislative vote or another initiative, while rejected initiatives could not be resubmitted for five years. The bill also prohibits payment based on the number of signatures collected for these petitions, though it allows compensation for signature gathering work itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state premium assistance tax credit for Wisconsin residents who pay monthly premiums for qualified health plans during the 2026 tax year. The credit allows eligible individuals to claim a refund equal to the federal premium assistance amount they would have qualified for between 2021 and 2025, but only if they are not already eligible for similar federal tax credits. The legislation applies only to full-year residents who file claims within the standard tax filing deadline and requires state funding to cover any credit amounts exceeding the taxpayer's tax liability.

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.