Sen. Rob Stafsholt

Maddy summarySB 219 limits foreign-owned entities from owning more than 50 acres of agricultural land in the state, targeting corporations, trusts, or partnerships with over 25% foreign ownership. It also prohibits foreign-owned entities from owning real property within 10 miles of military installations, with exceptions for inheritance, treaty rights, and agricultural research leases. Owners exceeding these limits must sell excess land within three years, and violations result in land forfeiture to the state. The bill affects foreign investors, corporations, and trusts holding agricultural land or property near military bases, aiming to restrict foreign control of sensitive land uses.

Maddy summarySB 415 exempts qualifying farm owners from needing a campground license to operate small-scale camping on their agricultural land. It directly affects farmers who run campgrounds on their own property, limiting exemptions to farms with only one campground containing three or fewer campsites. The bill defines "farm" as land primarily used for agriculture, and specifies that only farms meeting these criteria can operate without a license under existing campground regulations. This change simplifies licensing for small, farm-based camping operations while maintaining regulatory oversight for larger or commercial campgrounds.

Maddy summarySB 206 makes certain terms in Wisconsin residential rental agreements void and unenforceable if they violate specific protections. It directly affects tenants and landlords by prohibiting clauses that allow retaliation for contacting services (e.g., law enforcement or health services), termination due to a tenant being a crime victim, or termination without required notice for crimes on property. Tenants can choose to void their entire lease or sever only the prohibited clause, with remedies including a periodic tenancy (renewable month-to-month) and double damages for financial losses caused by prohibited terms. The bill specifically targets provisions under sections 704.44(1m) to (10) of Wisconsin statutes, creating clear legal pathways for tenants to challenge unfair lease terms.

Maddy summarySB 323 establishes a state program providing no-interest loans to eligible dairy farms for specific upgrades. It directly affects dairy operations with 50-714 cows that meet strict criteria, including 98% in-state workforce, no recent environmental or safety violations, and legal employment compliance. Loans can fund technologies to improve milk production efficiency, animal health, milk quality, or reduce environmental impacts from manure management. The program prioritizes applicants creating new skilled jobs or reducing environmental effects per gallon of milk produced. The bill creates a formal process for applications and administration through the state corporation, with a fiscal estimate received as of July 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 88 is a symbolic resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, following his assassination. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's gratitude for his dedication to "faith, liberty, and truth," his work inspiring young Americans, and his commitment to family. The resolution commends his legacy as a "beacon of conviction and courage" and joins in prayer for his family and the nation. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding policy changes or direct impact on constituents.

Maddy summarySB 27 requires all state agency employees to perform their regular work duties at the agency's physical office during scheduled work hours, beginning July 1, 2025. This applies to employees of state agencies, including the University of Wisconsin System, legislature, courts, and other public bodies listed in the bill. Exceptions include telehealth services and work that was already performed off-site before March 1, 2020. The bill does not affect remote work arrangements established prior to the pandemic or certain health-related duties.

Maddy summarySB 370 would create a property tax exemption for nonprofit health education and fitness organizations that meet specific criteria. To qualify, an organization must be IRS 501(c)(3) exempt (with IRS confirmation by March 2009), operate only one facility for community health/fitness services, offer financial assistance to all community members, and provide free services to households with a deployed U.S. military member. The exemption applies to all property used for these purposes and takes effect for tax assessments starting January 1, 2026. This bill directly affects qualifying nonprofits serving community health needs and military families through tax relief on their facilities.

Maddy summarySB 218 amends how counties retain and distribute real estate transfer fees and related grants under existing programs. It clarifies that counties must account for both fees collected from property transfers and grants received under the land information program (s. 16.967(7)(c)) when calculating retained funds. The bill makes technical adjustments to fee retention language but does not change tax rates, create new fees, or alter funding amounts for counties. It directly affects local governments managing real estate transaction records and land information grants. The bill is procedural and focuses on administrative accuracy, not policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that the right to keep and bear arms is an inalienable, fundamental individual right protected under the state constitution. It would require that any restrictions on this right face "strict scrutiny" (a very high legal standard), meaning laws limiting gun ownership would need strong justification. As a proposed constitutional amendment, it does not change current laws but would require voter approval in the next general election after a three-month public notice period. The amendment directly affects all residents by altering the constitutional framework governing gun rights.

Maddy summarySB 250 prohibits abandoning boats on state waters or adjacent land without the owner's consent. It defines abandonment as leaving a boat unattended over 7 days without intent to return, or neglecting a boat that becomes a navigation, safety, or environmental hazard. Boat owners must remove abandoned vessels within 30 days of a written notice from authorities, or face immediate removal and liability for costs. Violators risk fines up to $10,000, up to 9 months in jail, or mandatory completion of a boating safety course. The bill directly affects boat owners and state agencies responsible for enforcement.