Sen. Mark Spreitzer

Maddy summarySB 549 allocates $3 million annually from the general fund to research and manage chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk (cervids). The bill creates a new budget line item under the Department of Natural Resources specifically for CWD research, management, and testing. It authorizes the department to conduct studies, implement management strategies, and fund testing for the disease in wildlife. This funding directly supports state wildlife agencies and researchers working to address CWD, which affects deer and elk populations.

Maddy summarySB 630 requires private postsecondary schools enrolling Wisconsin residents to derive at least 20% of their annual revenue from non-federal sources in 2 of their last 3 fiscal years. This rule directly affects private colleges and universities in Wisconsin that seek to enroll state residents. The bill establishes a clear funding threshold to ensure schools have diversified revenue streams beyond federal education assistance. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction will create rules to implement this requirement, which takes effect for the 2028-29 academic year.

Maddy summarySB 619 allows drivers and ID card holders to obtain electronic copies of their license or ID card from the department. It requires the department to issue these electronic copies for a $10 fee, while permitting drivers to display them on phones or devices during traffic stops. The bill ensures officers can only view the license/ID image, not other phone content, and specifies that the $10 fee applies only to electronic copies (not physical duplicates). This directly affects individuals who choose to use digital versions of their license or ID instead of physical cards. The law creates new fee structures and privacy protections for electronic document display.

Maddy summarySB 548 establishes a state program for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing in deer. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to set up sampling stations - including self-service kiosks - where hunters can drop off deer tissue for CWD testing. The department may contract with private entities to conduct the testing, paying per sample. The bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $500,000 for 2026-27 to fund this program, directly affecting hunters who submit samples and the state agency administering the testing.

Maddy summarySB 542 creates a new special vehicle registration plate category for individuals awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, adding it to existing plate designations under statute 341.14(6r)(f)19g. The bill establishes a $15 fee for these plates, with excess funds above $23,700 (or production costs) directed to the Veterans Trust Fund. It specifies that these plates must display the required design elements and wording under existing statute rules for special group plates, without altering current plate design standards or other categories. This is a procedural change to expand eligible special plates for veterans, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summarySB 659 requires courts to order drivers convicted of two or more serious speeding violations (exceeding speed limits by 20+ mph) within five years to install a speed limiter on all their vehicles. The speed limiter is an aftermarket device that prevents vehicles from exceeding a set speed, and courts must order this for "Class D" vehicles (typically passenger cars). Drivers with household incomes below 150% of the poverty line may have costs reduced by half, and failure to install or tampering with the device is a punishable offense. The bill establishes a state program to manage speed limiter providers and fees, using existing infrastructure from ignition interlock programs. It directly affects repeat reckless drivers, not the general public.

Maddy summarySB 568 changes how leftover scholarship funds are handled when students leave private school choice programs or charter schools. If a student withdraws mid-year from a Parental Choice Program, Special Needs Scholarship Program, or independent charter school and enrolls in a public school district, the state must pay the remaining scholarship amount to that public district instead of the original private school or charter operator. This applies to all covered programs and ensures public school districts receive funds for students who switch during the school year. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 564 modifies tax credit eligibility rules for qualified new business ventures in Wisconsin. It increases the investment cap for tax credit eligibility from $12 million to $20 million for businesses seeking credits after 2025, while maintaining the $12 million limit for pre-2026 ventures. The bill also updates relocation requirements, requiring businesses to stay in-state for three years after receiving certain tax credits or pay penalties if they move more than 51% of their headquarters outside Wisconsin. These changes directly affect new businesses seeking tax credits under statutes related to investments in ventures like startups. The bill is currently under review by the Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development committee.

Maddy summarySB 629 allows students to sue private colleges that violate enrollment rules or provide false/misleading information about programs or costs. It directly affects students who paid fees to schools breaking these rules, enabling them to recover those fees plus legal costs and attorney fees. The bill amends existing law to add this civil remedy, specifically targeting schools that fail to meet standards or deceive students. It does not create new rules for schools but provides a legal tool for affected students. The bill applies to conduct occurring on or after its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 563 clarifies what qualifies as an investment for Wisconsin's early stage seed and angel investment tax credits. It defines "investment" to include equity purchases, convertible notes, simple agreements for future equity, and other expenditures approved by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). This change directly affects individual investors and businesses seeking these tax credits by expanding eligible investment types beyond traditional equity. The bill takes effect for 2025 tax years and aims to streamline eligibility under existing credit programs.