Sen. Rob Stafsholt

Maddy summarySB 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.

Maddy summarySB 994 prohibits the public affairs network from charging fees for accessing live or archived state government proceedings when the network receives state funding for its operations. This applies directly to the state's public affairs network (which broadcasts government meetings) and the public seeking access to those recordings. The bill modifies existing rules to ensure fee-free access regardless of whether state funds are used, removing a prior condition that required explicit state funding for the fee ban. The key provision guarantees public access to government proceedings without cost under state-funded operations.

Maddy summarySB 873 limits a municipality's ability to deny land subdivision approvals (plats) for areas outside its city limits but within its planning jurisdiction. It prevents cities from blocking such approvals based solely on the proposed land use, instead requiring denials to be based on four specific, pre-approved criteria: land use type, public improvement specifications, land division standards, or annexation agreements. The bill also allows municipalities to recover attorney fees if they successfully sue to enforce these rules. This directly affects developers seeking to build in areas adjacent to incorporated cities and the municipalities reviewing those projects.

Maddy summarySB 890 modifies eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits by disallowing credits for acres with non-accessory photovoltaic solar energy systems installed during the taxable year. Specifically, it prevents tax credits on qualifying farmland where such solar systems (defined as not being accessory uses, like rooftop installations) are present. The bill creates new provisions to track both total qualifying acres and acres affected by these solar systems. This change directly impacts farmers seeking farmland preservation tax credits who have installed larger-scale solar installations on their land, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summarySB 684 establishes a long-term care insurance assessment (a fee) on certain long-term care insurance policies and creates a corresponding tax credit to offset this cost for eligible individuals. The bill directly affects policyholders purchasing long-term care insurance and insurers administering these policies. Key provisions include setting the assessment amount and defining who qualifies for the tax credit to reduce the financial burden of the fee. The bill is procedural, focusing on the structure of the assessment and credit rather than broader policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 683 allocates state funds to cover refundable tax credits for long-term care insurance assessments. It directly affects Wisconsin residents who purchase qualifying long-term care insurance policies by enabling them to receive tax refunds for premiums paid. The bill specifies that funds from "Schedule A" will cover payments under several statutes (71.07, 71.28, 71.47, and 76.633) related to these credits. This is a fiscal appropriation bill, not a new policy, ensuring existing credit programs have dedicated funding. The measure requires legislative action to appropriate the funds but does not change eligibility or credit amounts.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 240 establishes a workforce literacy grant program to be managed by the Department. This program will provide an annual grant to a single eligible nonprofit organization located in the state. To qualify, the organization must provide adult literacy services or support community-based literacy programs in over half of the state's counties. Grant funds can be used for teaching workforce readiness skills, GED preparation, digital literacy, and other literacy programs aimed at strengthening the state's workforce, or for supporting other organizations that directly provide these services to adult learners.

Maddy summarySJR 13 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Patrick Fuller, former Wisconsin Assembly Chief Clerk, who passed away in January 2025. It recognizes his 25-year U.S. military career (including service in the Marines and Army, with combat deployments) and his 20-year tenure managing Assembly operations across multiple legislative sessions. The resolution, introduced by numerous legislators, formally expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and extends tribute to his public service. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions.

Maddy summarySB 194 clarifies when public records requesters can recover attorney fees after suing a government agency. It applies directly to individuals or groups who file court cases seeking records and later get the records released. The bill adds that requesters "prevail" if a court orders the release or if the agency voluntarily shares the record *after* a lawsuit is filed, and the court finds the lawsuit was a key reason for the release. This change makes it easier for requesters to get fee awards without waiting for a full court ruling, streamlining the process under the state's public records law.

Maddy summarySB 242 sets a maximum ratio of one journeyworker (skilled tradesperson) for every two apprentices in apprenticeship programs and contracts. It prohibits state agencies from requiring a stricter ratio (e.g., more journeyworkers per apprentice) through rules, program approvals, or contracts. The bill directly affects apprenticeship programs, contractors, and unions operating under collective bargaining agreements. It takes effect when existing collective bargaining agreements expire or are renewed, modifying how these agreements must align with the new ratio standard.