Sen. Jeff Smith

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to how Wisconsin calculates and distributes state funding for special education and related school programs. It would adjust the reimbursement rate for special education costs to distribute the full appropriated amount, capping reimbursement at 60 percent of eligible costs, and modifies how certain special education funds are excluded from per-pupil payment calculations. The legislation also increases the general school aid appropriation by approximately $446 million for the 2026-27 fiscal year. These changes would affect the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and school districts receiving state education funding. The bill was introduced in March 2026 but failed to pass the Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires prescription drug manufacturers to report price increases and new drug introductions to the state health department and insurance office, affecting companies that sell brand-name or generic drugs in the state. Manufacturers must notify regulators at least 30 days before raising prices by more than 25 percent over two years or introducing high-cost drugs, providing justification including cost-effectiveness data and comparisons to similar medications. The bill also mandates annual reports on manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs and requires posting of pricing documentation online with public hearings to review trends. Failure to submit required notices or reports can result in daily penalties of up to $10,000. The legislation authorizes funding for two additional state staff positions to administer these reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to help owners of mobile or manufactured home communities meet licensing standards and assists individual homeowners with repairs and improvements. It creates a new statute that defines key terms and authorizes a state authority to distribute funds for community compliance and home upgrades. The legislation also introduces a penalty system that imposes a $5,000 annual forfeiture on community owners who fail to meet reporting or other requirements, with unpaid penalties creating a lien on the property. All collected forfeitures are directed to fund the grant program, linking enforcement revenue directly to assistance for affected homeowners.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities in the state to send notices to their customers whenever they file for rate changes or when the Public Service Commission issues a final decision on those changes. The notices must explain that rates are being requested, estimate how much bills will change for average residential and commercial customers, and inform customers where to find the full application documents and request detailed explanations. Utilities must deliver these notices both on their websites and through the same method they use to send customer bills, such as mail or email. The law applies to rate cases filed after the bill takes effect, ensuring customers receive clear information about proposed or approved rate adjustments.

Maddy summaryThis bill would limit how much electric utility rates can increase for retail customers, capping annual rate hikes at 5 percent. It directly affects Wisconsin retail electric service providers and their customers by establishing a statutory ceiling on rate increases. The legislation creates a new provision in state statutes that would prevent the public service commission from approving rate increases exceeding this threshold. The bill would take effect on January 1, 2029, after repealing an existing provision that is scheduled to be removed on that date.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes reporting requirements for political committees that make mass communications, such as distributing 500 or more identical pieces of material, sending 500 or more identical emails, making 500 or more identical phone calls, or disseminating messages during the 60 days before an election. It requires political action committees, independent expenditure committees, political parties, and legislative campaign committees to file registration statements and detailed expenditure reports when they spend money on these mass communications. The bill defines specific thresholds and timing for when committees must register and report, ensuring transparency around spending on large-scale communications that appeal to voters to support or oppose candidates.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Wisconsin to provide reasonable break time and a private, shielded space for breastfeeding employees to express breast milk for children under one year of age. The law mandates access to electrical outlets, running water, and refrigeration for milk storage, while allowing unpaid break time unless the employee remains partially on duty. Employers with fewer than 50 employees may claim an undue hardship exemption if compliance would cause significant difficulty or expense. The bill also prohibits discrimination or retaliation against employees who take these breaks and establishes a complaint process through the state department for enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Wisconsin's property tax deferral loan program to increase the maximum loan amount from $3,525 to $5,000 annually. It also establishes an annual adjustment mechanism that ties the loan limit to changes in the consumer price index, ensuring the amount keeps pace with inflation. The legislation applies these changes to loans where applications are filed after the bill's effective date. Additionally, the bill allows the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority to use up to 5 percent of allocated funds for marketing the program. Eligible participants must still meet existing income requirements, earning no more than $20,000 or 80 percent of the area median income.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution honors the life and legacy of Anne Arnesen, a longtime advocate for children and families who passed away in January 2026. The resolution recognizes her contributions as a community leader, school board member, and activist who served in various roles including leading the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families for 22 years. It formally acknowledges her dedication to civil service, women's rights, and social justice through her work with multiple organizations and her years of public service. The bill is a commemorative measure intended to recognize her impact on Wisconsin rather than to change any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates the U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team on winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. It specifically highlights the achievements of Wisconsin-affiliated players and staff, including former and current University of Wisconsin athletes who competed on the team. The resolution formally commends the athletes, coaches, and support staff for their success and wishes them continued success. The bill is a ceremonial measure with no regulatory or policy changes.