SB 316 modifies funding rules for Wisconsin's land acquisition programs that support parks and recreational lands. It reduces the maximum grant percentage from 50% to 40% for local governments applying for funds after purchasing land (instead of before), while maintaining a 30% cap on using grants for the remaining costs. The bill also sets aside $2 million annually from fiscal years 2026-27 through 2029-30 specifically for the state to acquire land directly, and preserves a $38,000 grant for Upper Whiting Park development. These changes directly affect cities, counties, and conservation groups seeking state funding for land acquisitions under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program.
AB 593 amends Wisconsin statutes to clarify and strengthen collective bargaining processes for University of Wisconsin System employees covered by union contracts. It requires pay increases to align with existing compensation plans or collective bargaining agreements, prohibits closed-session negotiations for finalizing agreements, and updates funding mechanisms for grievance arbitrations and training. The bill directly affects UW System employees in unionized positions and their bargaining representatives. Key provisions include revised rules for pay adjustments, transparency in negotiation procedures, and specific appropriations for dispute resolution services under existing labor laws.
SB 641 allows counties, cities, villages, and towns to create local ordinances for fire detection, prevention, and suppression in residential buildings. Specifically, it enables local governments to adopt rules for "public buildings that contain a dwelling" (as defined by state law), directly affecting residential building owners and local fire safety planning. The bill repeals an existing statute and adds a new provision (101.02 (7r) (h)) to permit these local ordinances without overriding state requirements. This change gives communities more flexibility to address fire safety needs in multi-unit residential structures.
AB 200 creates a refund program for retail fuel sellers (like gas stations) who experience fuel loss from evaporation or shrinkage. It allows retailers to claim a 0.5% refund on the motor vehicle fuel tax they paid when purchasing fuel, based on their tax-paid amount. Retailers must submit detailed invoices showing the tax amount separately, and file claims within 12 months of purchase. The refund applies to all motor vehicle fuels, including diesel, and requires suppliers to provide specific purchase documentation.
AB 270 establishes a state-funded loan program for graduate students pursuing school psychologist careers in Wisconsin. It provides up to $10,000 annually (maximum $30,000 total) for eligible Wisconsin residents enrolled at least half-time in state graduate programs leading to school psychologist licensure, requiring a 3.0 GPA. Loans carry a 5% interest rate, but 25% of the loan and interest is forgiven each year a recipient works full-time as a school psychologist in a public or private school within an urbanized area or a designated rural county. The program aims to support workforce development in school psychology by reducing financial barriers for students and incentivizing long-term employment in underserved educational settings.
This bill prohibits drone operation over correctional facilities (prisons and jails) without specific authorization from facility leadership. It imposes a $5,000 fine for unauthorized flights and creates a Class H felony charge for using weaponized drones (equipped with tasers, firearms, or explosives) that threaten public safety. Law enforcement officers are authorized to detect, disable, or destroy such drones using lawful methods (like jamming or physical capture) if they reasonably believe immediate action is needed to prevent harm. The law also requires officers to seize drone-recorded footage during violations and shields them from liability for damaging intercepted drones.
SB 464 repeals two state laws (statutes 103.007 and 109.09(3)) that previously prevented local governments from creating their own employment regulations. This bill directly affects cities and counties by removing the state's legal barrier to local workplace rules, such as minimum wage or scheduling requirements. The key mechanism is the removal of these preemption statutes, allowing local governments to establish employment standards without state override. The bill focuses solely on changing the legal framework to enable local regulation, without specifying new policies.
SB 238 defines "search and rescue dog" as a dog trained by a state or nationally recognized agency to locate lost people or disaster victims. The bill prohibits harassment of these dogs (and police/fire animals), including actions that interfere with their work or training. Penalties increase based on intent and harm: a basic violation carries a Class B forfeiture, intentional harm causes a Class A misdemeanor, and causing injury or death escalates to felony charges (Class I or H). This law directly affects individuals who harass search and rescue dogs, strengthening legal protections for these working animals used in critical public safety operations.
SB 627 sets a maximum age of 75 for new appointments or elections to the state supreme court or courts of record, meaning no one can be elected or appointed after turning 75. It directly affects future judicial candidates but does not apply to current judges or temporary reserve judges under existing rules. The bill creates a clear age limit in state law for all new judicial positions in these courts. This is a procedural change affecting only future appointments, not current or existing judges.
SB 317 requires all Wisconsin public schools and charter schools to develop written cardiac emergency response plans by the 2027-28 school year. These plans must include core elements like response teams, AED maintenance details, annual drills, and staff training in CPR/AED use following national guidelines (e.g., American Heart Association). High schools must additionally require coaches to maintain current CPR/AED certification. Schools are not mandated to purchase AEDs, but must plan for their use if available. The law specifically targets cardiac emergencies occurring on school property or at school-sponsored athletic events.
SB 615 appropriates $500,000 annually for the University of Wisconsin Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project during the 2025-27 fiscal biennium. The project, managed by the University of Wisconsin System's Board of Regents, directly supports Wisconsin veterans missing in action by funding recovery and identification efforts. The bill requires the project to submit annual reports to state legislative committees, the governor, and veterans' agencies detailing mission outcomes and how funds were used. This funding provides concrete support for resolving cases of Wisconsin veterans who went missing during military service.
SB 471 modifies unemployment insurance rules to require claimants to conduct at least four weekly job search activities (e.g., applying for jobs, networking) to maintain benefits, with the department setting specific guidelines. It directly affects individuals receiving unemployment benefits who must verify their job search efforts. The bill grants the department rule-making authority to adjust these requirements uniformly for similar claimants and establishes a process for verifying reemployment expectations with employers (considering layoff history, recall rights, and employer statements). It also updates waiver procedures for work search requirements and clarifies that benefits may be recovered if requirements aren’t met. The changes apply to new claims filed on the bill’s effective date.
