Sen. Jeff Smith

Maddy summarySB 1043 requires state legislators to annually verify their residency in their elected district through sworn statements and proof of address, with updates needed within 10 days of moving. It mandates that legislators file these documents with legislative offices at the start of each session and annually while in office. Failure to comply triggers an investigation and potential quo warranto legal action to vacate the seat, initiated by the attorney general or a district elector. The bill also requires all residency records to remain confidential under state privacy laws.

Maddy summarySB 1042 limits local government restrictions on routine maintenance and remodeling of structures near shorelands. It prohibits counties and the state department from requiring fees, approvals, or regulations for activities like repairs, replacements, or restorations - as long as the structure's footprint doesn't expand. The bill creates a new provision (59.692(1k)(ag)) allowing fees for these permitted activities, while repealing existing sections that previously restricted such work. This directly affects landowners with properties near shorelines and local governments enforcing shoreland zoning rules.

Maddy summarySB 1038 establishes a legislative study committee to examine implementation strategies for a "Dig Once Law," which would require installing empty conduit lines during infrastructure projects to support future fiber-optic internet expansion. The committee will focus on practical details like communication protocols between municipalities and contractors, ownership of conduit infrastructure, maintenance cost responsibilities, and optimal installation timing during road or utility work. It must submit recommendations to the legislature by January 1, 2027, addressing how such a law could be structured. This bill does not create new law but prepares for potential future legislation.

Maddy summarySB 1037 establishes requirements for state broadband expansion grants to improve internet access in underserved areas. It defines "broadband infrastructure" as requiring minimum speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload (or federal standards), and mandates that grant recipients report construction progress and service speeds after completion. If projects fail to meet these speed standards or aren’t completed, recipients must reimburse the state. The bill also requires biennial performance audits of the grant program starting in 2027 to ensure accountability. This directly affects grant applicants (like internet providers or local governments) and residents in areas designated as lacking adequate broadband service.

Maddy summarySB 1029 repeals Section 66.0104 of the statutes, which previously allowed local governments to regulate landlords. This bill directly affects cities and counties that had authority under this statute to create local rules for rental housing. The key provision is the removal of this specific legal authority, meaning local governments would no longer be able to enact ordinances under this section. The bill does not create new regulations but eliminates an existing framework for local landlord oversight.

Maddy summarySB 1036 requires internet service providers to accurately advertise broadband speeds and use standardized labels. It prohibits claiming a service meets certain speeds unless it consistently delivers at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload (or federal standards), and mandates that providers give consumers a federally approved label before sale. If an ISP misrepresents speeds, consumers can demand a refund and cancel their contract after a 30-day notice period. This bill directly affects internet providers and protects consumers from misleading speed claims.

Maddy summarySB 1040 creates a new priority category in the state's broadband grant program for projects installing fiber optic lines directly to farms. It defines "farm" using existing agricultural land classifications (Wis. Adm. Code § Tax 18.05) and specifies that such projects will be prioritized under statute 196.504 (2)(c)1.i. This bill directly affects farm owners seeking broadband infrastructure funding by changing how grant applications are evaluated. The bill does not create new funding but alters the selection criteria for existing broadband expansion grants.

Maddy summarySB 1049 requires commercial trampoline parks to obtain an annual license and maintain $1 million in liability insurance. It mandates safety standards including first aid/CPR-certified staff on-site with an AED, proper signage, injury reporting systems, and compliance with industry guidelines for equipment, staff training, and participant behavior. The bill exempts schools operating incidental playgrounds, training facilities (like gymnastics studios) with specific revenue or ratio requirements, and inflatable equipment used exclusively for exercise. These requirements directly affect trampoline park operators, while participants must follow posted safety rules regarding conduct and health conditions.

Maddy summarySB 1041 creates an Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman within the Department of Financial Institutions to assist student loan borrowers in the state. The office will handle complaints, resolve issues with loan servicers, analyze borrower data, and provide information about borrowers' rights under student education loans. It directly affects student loan borrowers (including residents and those sharing repayment responsibility) and student loan servicers (non-state entities managing loans). Key provisions require the ombudsman to monitor loan servicing practices, collaborate with schools and servicers, and make recommendations to improve borrower protections.

Maddy summarySB 925 creates a system for automatic voter registration by requiring the election commission to match driver's license and ID data from the Department of Transportation with existing voter registration lists. It directs the commission to obtain names, addresses, birth dates, license numbers, and verified citizenship proof from the DMV to identify eligible voters not yet registered. The bill mandates that the commission contact voters to resolve discrepancies, add eligible unregistered individuals to the list, and send multilingual notices informing them of their registration and providing opt-out instructions. Voters can request removal from the list, and the commission must send notices for any removals (except for duplicates or deceased individuals). This law directly affects all state residents who interact with the DMV and meet voter eligibility requirements.