Sen. Rob Stafsholt

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new exception for certain retired Wisconsin Retirement System members. It allows former county jailers (not protective occupation) and protective occupation retirees to return to work for a participating employer without automatically becoming active retirement system participants. To qualify, they must not have a prior agreement to return, must formally elect not to rejoin the system using a department-provided form, and must have terminated employment without an agreement to return. The change specifically applies to rehires after the bill's effective date, giving these workers a clear path to return to work without automatic retirement system re-enrollment.

Maddy summarySB 607 modifies Wisconsin's firearm laws by expanding exemptions for law enforcement officers and adjusting hunting restrictions. It repeals existing limits on concealed carry licenses and creates new exemptions allowing peace officers to carry firearms in vehicles or aircraft while on duty. The bill also reduces the hunting restriction distance near schools and hospitals from 1,700 to 1,200 feet. These changes directly affect law enforcement personnel and hunters, while maintaining existing prohibitions for general firearm use in vehicles and near roadways.

Maddy summarySB 609 creates a state matching grant program for organizations that receive federal per diem payments to house veterans. It directly affects eligible veterans' housing providers (like nonprofits or care facilities) that already qualify for federal per diem payments under 38 USC 2012. The bill provides state matching funds of $25 per day per veteran, up to 365 days yearly, paid quarterly based on the previous quarter's housing. Applications are accepted annually, and grants are awarded in the order received.

Maddy summarySB 608 creates a state matching grant program that provides $950,000 in state funds to match federal per diem payments received by eligible non-state entities (like community organizations or service providers). The program directly affects organizations that already receive federal daily living payments, allowing them to access additional state funding through a 1:1 match. Key provisions include allocating $950,000 specifically for this matching grant under the Veterans Affairs budget and defining eligible recipients as non-state entities receiving federal per diem payments. This is a procedural funding measure that establishes a new appropriation line without changing eligibility criteria or creating new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 665 requires the state wildlife department to establish a specific statewide population goal for wolves when they are not listed as endangered under federal or state law. This goal would guide the department's management plan, which must allow regulated hunting and trapping of wolves. The bill mandates that the department issue licenses to limit the number of hunters, trappers, and wolves taken. It directly affects the department's authority to manage wolf populations and hunting regulations. The bill does not set a specific numerical target but requires the department to define and implement a population goal as part of its management plan.

Maddy summarySB 331 updates rules for operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) by creating new definitions for specific vehicle types, including "dune buggies" and emergency-use vehicles operated by public safety agencies. The bill requires ATVs to have one headlight and tail light (with lights on), UTVs to have two of each with specified visibility standards (200 feet for headlights, 500 feet for tail lights), and mandates functional brakes for all vehicles. It also prohibits modifications that exceed width limits (except on private property) and adds a requirement for operators to render aid after accidents.

Maddy summarySB 158 updates Wisconsin's rules for county forest administration grants by setting new qualifications for the county forest administrator position. It requires applicants to have either a forestry degree from an accredited program, a related degree with 3+ years managing county forests, or an associate forestry degree with 3+ years of experience. The bill allows counties to use grants covering up to 50% of the administrator's salary and 40% of their benefits (capped at 40% of salary). This applies to all grant applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025, directly affecting counties seeking funding for forest management programs.

Maddy summarySJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would require all qualified voters to present valid photographic identification to cast a ballot in any election. This identification must be issued by the state, federal government, a federally recognized American Indian tribe, or a college or university. The bill allows the legislature to specify acceptable forms of identification and establish exceptions to this requirement. Voters unable to present valid ID on election day would be permitted to cast a provisional ballot, which would only be counted if they present valid identification at a later time. If agreed to by the legislature on this second consideration, the proposed amendment will be submitted to the people for ratification.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wisconsin statutes to require the state Department of Natural Resources to establish a specific goal for the statewide wolf population. The law applies to wolves that are not currently listed as endangered at the federal or state level. Under this provision, the department must create a management plan that sets a target number for the wolf population and may limit the number of hunters and trappers allowed to take wolves to meet that goal. The bill was passed by the Senate but ultimately failed to become law after the Governor's veto was not overridden by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have allowed owners of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles in Wisconsin to install vertical light bars, known as whip lights, that display any color or pattern. The legislation specifically permitted these lights to show any color in a fixed display or sequence, but it prohibited them from flashing red or blue. If passed, the law would have created a new legal category for these devices while maintaining a ban on red and blue flashing lights to prevent confusion with emergency vehicles. Although the bill was enacted by the legislature, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.