Sen. Steve Nass

Maddy summarySB 1 provides a one-time tax rebate to Wisconsin taxpayers who filed individual income tax returns for 2023-2024. Eligible married couples filing jointly receive $1,000, while other individuals receive $500, capped at their actual tax liability for that period. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue will automatically identify eligible taxpayers and issue payments by September 15, 2026, with a claim process available through December 31, 2026, for those who don’t receive the full amount. The bill applies specific tax refund procedures to these rebates, treating them as tax liabilities under existing Wisconsin law.

Maddy summarySB 999 establishes rules for licensees (like educators) under investigation for unprofessional conduct. It requires licensees to surrender licenses permanently to end investigations, bars the state from reinstating surrendered licenses during such probes, and mandates public posting of surrender details online. The bill prohibits agreements that hide investigation records or suppress findings, and requires the department to release related records within 14 days of a public request. These provisions aim to increase transparency and prevent licensees from avoiding accountability through voluntary surrender.

Maddy summarySJR 132 is a symbolic resolution designating February 2026 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Wisconsin. It recognizes the value of career and technical education (CTE) programs by highlighting their role in preparing students for careers, with supporting data on high graduate employment rates (92%) and median salaries ($55,636 for certificates, $60,003 for associate degrees). The resolution has no binding effect or new funding - it simply encourages public awareness of CTE benefits. It affects all Wisconsinites by promoting statewide recognition of CTE opportunities, but does not alter existing programs or policies. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a bill with policy changes.)

Maddy summarySJR 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.

Maddy summarySB 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.

Maddy summarySB 940 limits state agencies' rule-making authority by requiring explicit and specific statutory permission for agencies to interpret or implement laws. It prohibits agencies from using policy statements, federal compliance plans, settlement agreements, or court orders as justification for creating rules. The bill also adds a new requirement that agencies must obtain approval from the governor and the relevant policy-making body before drafting new rules. This directly affects state agencies responsible for creating regulations, such as environmental or health departments, by tightening oversight of their regulatory actions.

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 1084 allows the natural resources board to sell state-owned lands adjacent to or within one mile of commercial egg farms. This sale is intended to prevent the spread of avian flu by creating buffer zones around these facilities. The bill directly affects state lands under the Department of Natural Resources' jurisdiction and commercial egg farms located near them. It creates a new statutory provision (23.15(1m)) to authorize these sales without overriding existing land management rules.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJR 117) honoring the late Representative Rudolph L. "Rudy" Silbaugh, who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1991 to 1997 representing the 46th District. It recognizes his 30+ years of public service, including his work on committees related to aging, small business, and seniors' healthcare, as well as his community involvement. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the Legislature's commemoration of his life and service.

Maddy summarySB 846 would require all law enforcement officers and tribal law enforcement officers in the state to be U.S. citizens. The bill amends statutes to state that no person may be employed in these roles without U.S. citizenship. This policy change directly affects current and future hires for all municipal, county, and tribal law enforcement positions. The legislation creates a new statutory requirement for citizenship as a condition of employment, with no exceptions specified in the bill text. The bill is currently under review in the Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs.