SB 996 creates a new state appropriation of $600,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 to fund grants supporting community paramedic programs within emergency medical services. It also increases annual funding for falls prevention initiatives by $200,000 per fiscal year (2025-26 and 2026-27). The bill establishes these as continuing appropriations under Wisconsin statute for eligible programs. These funds directly support local health services addressing community safety and injury prevention. The bill takes effect July 1, 2027.
SB 977 allocates $1 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year to fund economic support specialist positions in county resource centers across 10 Wisconsin counties. The Department of Health Services must prioritize grants for two rural, two suburban, and two urban counties, with up to four additional grants awarded as needed. Counties receiving funds must submit annual reports detailing the specialist's impact on individuals served. This program expires after the 2025-26 budget year, with no funding allocated for 2026-27.
SB 997 creates a new funding line for economic support specialist positions at resource centers, appropriating $1 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year. It replaces the previous funding mechanism for these specialists (defined under statute 46.2805(10)) with a dedicated appropriation. The bill directly affects resource centers that provide economic support services, ensuring funding for specialist staff positions. This is a procedural budgetary change, not a policy shift, and takes effect immediately for the 2025-26 funding cycle (with a repeal of the prior provision scheduled for July 1, 2027).
SB 984 requires the Department of Transportation to notify local governments, school districts, and tribal governments before selling surplus land. These entities have 60 days to express interest in acquiring the land for public use, such as parks or transportation projects. If they show interest, the DOT must offer the land at appraised value (or below for transportation projects) only if they provide a detailed public use plan and agree to permanent restrictions on the land's use. The bill ensures surplus land is prioritized for public purposes rather than general sale. Ownership transfers only after payment and confirmation the land will be used as planned.
SB 1025 regulates wakesurfing by defining the activity and establishing safety requirements. It requires wakesurfers to maintain at least 200 feet from shorelines, docks, people in the water, or other vessels, and mandates wearing a federally approved personal flotation device (PFD). The bill also adds wakesurfing to mandatory boating safety courses, requiring instruction on proper motorboat operation for this activity. These rules apply to recreational wakesurfing, while organized tournaments are exempt under specific conditions.
AB 1000 changes the official name of the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board to the "Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Strengthening Families Board" throughout Wisconsin statutes. This procedural bill updates references to the board in multiple sections of state law but does not alter the board's duties, funding, or operational responsibilities. The change affects how the board is identified in legal documents and communications.
SB 1006 designates specific highway segments as memorial routes honoring eight deceased Wisconsin State Troopers. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain markers on these routes only after receiving sufficient private contributions from counties, cities, or other interested parties (no state funds may be used). It names routes including STH 23 near Green Lake (Trooper Donald C. Pederson), I-94 near Eau Claire (Trooper Debbie M. McMenamin), and I-90 near Lake Delton (Trooper Anthony J. Borostowski), among others. The measure is purely commemorative, creating no new state obligations or policy changes.
SJR 124 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the Wisconsin legislature to suspend state agency rules using a simple majority vote in a joint resolution. If passed, the legislature could stop any rule (or part of a rule) from taking effect - either indefinitely or for a set period - without needing the governor's approval or following regular lawmaking procedures. This would immediately make suspended rules unenforceable during the suspension period. The bill is a constitutional amendment proposal, not a regular law, and is currently in committee review.
This Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 134) is a symbolic proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month in Wisconsin. It honors the contributions of eight notable African American Wisconsinites - such as civil rights leader Lloyd Barbee, first Black state legislator Marcia Coggs, and community leaders Clinton and Bernice Rose - while recognizing the historical significance of Black history in the state and nation. The resolution has no binding legal effect but serves to formally acknowledge these figures and the broader observance of Black History Month.
SJR 135 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege withdrawal (a key Revolutionary War victory) and recognizing Irish American contributions to American independence. It highlights historical connections, including Irish immigrant soldiers like General John Sullivan, eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signers, and Irish emigrant roles in the military and printing the Declaration. The resolution has no binding effect; it formally acknowledges these historical events and directs the Senate clerk to share copies with Irish officials. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies.
This joint resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege victory (where British forces withdrew on Saint Patrick's Day) and recognizes Irish Americans' contributions to the Revolutionary War. It specifically highlights figures like General John Sullivan (son of Irish immigrants), eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signatories, and historical connections such as John Dunlap’s printing of the Declaration. The resolution directs the legislature to formally acknowledge these events and send copies to Irish officials, including Senator Mark Daly and the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on policy or constituents.
SB 969 bans local governments and data centers from using nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) to hide details about data center development from the public. It specifically prohibits agreements meant to conceal construction plans, location, or operational details, while allowing NDAs solely for protecting trade secrets. The bill defines "data center" as facilities primarily handling digital data storage, management, and processing equipment. This law directly affects local governments approving projects and data center operators, requiring transparency in public review processes.
