Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim

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 769 authorizes up to $274.95 million in state bonding to fund lead service line replacement for private water users connected to public water systems. It creates a program allocating $200 million from these bonds as forgivable loans covering up to 50% of replacement costs for homeowners and property owners. The bill directly affects private users of public water systems who own lead service lines, addressing a public health hazard identified by the legislature. Key mechanisms include state bonding authority, allocation through the environmental improvement fund, and forgivable loans administered by the Department of Administration. This policy provides direct financial assistance for replacing hazardous lead pipes in residential water connections.

Maddy summarySB 772 allocates $500,000 annually from the general fund for the Department of Natural Resources' activities related to the Groundwater Coordinating Council during fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. It also increases funding for the University of Wisconsin System by $500,000 each year for its groundwater council-related work under specific statutes. The bill creates a continuing appropriation to support existing council operations and coordination efforts. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting state environmental agencies and the University of Wisconsin System.

Maddy summarySB 741 creates a new food waste reduction grant program funded with $100,000 annually for 2025-26 and 2026-27. It directs the Department of Agriculture to provide grants for pilot projects focused on preventing food waste, redirecting surplus food to hunger relief organizations, and composting food waste. The program prioritizes projects in census tracts with below-average median income and no grocery stores. The bill also requires the department to establish administrative rules for the grant program. This directly affects organizations implementing food waste reduction initiatives, particularly in underserved communities.

Maddy summarySB 777 removes a state statute (66.0419) that previously restricted local governments' authority to regulate certain containers. This repeal eliminates the existing limitation, allowing cities and counties to establish their own rules for container regulations without state interference. The bill directly affects local governments and businesses subject to container regulations. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 2 sentences as required.)

Maddy summarySB 698 modifies fees for managed forest land transactions. It requires new owners of land designated as managed forest land to pay a $100 fee within 30 days of transfer to maintain the designation, with $20 of that fee credited to forest land management. The bill also sets a $300 withdrawal fee for land exiting the program, both fees deposited into the conservation fund. This directly affects landowners transferring or withdrawing managed forest land. The changes update existing statutes governing these recording fees without altering the land designation requirements.

Maddy summarySB 755 requires correctional facilities to provide specific healthcare and support services to incarcerated people who are pregnant or within six weeks postpartum. It bans unnecessary physical restraints during pregnancy and the immediate postpartum period, mandating staff training on these requirements. Facilities must offer pregnancy testing, STI/HIV screening, continuing medication, educational materials on parenting, and access to doula or lactation support services. They must also provide mental health assessments, breastfeeding supplies, and opportunities to express milk to maintain milk supply. These requirements apply to all state correctional facilities under the law.

Maddy summarySB 690 prohibits local governments from using eminent domain (condemnation) to acquire land specifically for recreational trails, bicycle ways, bicycle lanes, or pedestrian paths. The bill amends multiple statutes governing land acquisition for parks and recreation, explicitly adding that condemnation authority cannot be used for these trail-related purposes. This affects counties, cities, and park authorities that previously could use condemnation for such projects under existing laws. The key change is a clear restriction on eminent domain use for trail development, not a ban on trails themselves.

Maddy summarySB 689 allows cities to extend the lifespan of tax incremental districts (TIDs) used for housing projects by up to three years after initial development costs are paid. Cities must obtain joint review board approval for extensions longer than one year. This change applies to existing TIDs focused on improving housing stock, giving cities more time to complete development projects using tax increment funds. The bill modifies statutes to clarify extension rules while maintaining oversight requirements.

Maddy summarySB 761 eliminates and modifies specific provisions from 2023 Act 12 affecting Milwaukee's city government. It repeals requirements that the fire and police commission board must include members from the same political party (removing a 3-member cap for 7-member boards) and removes the need for the mayor to appoint members from employee association lists. The bill also changes the appointment process, allowing the mayor to appoint board members without common council confirmation for existing members, while requiring new members to complete training. Additionally, it modifies a tax provision related to rail transportation projects in Milwaukee, excluding the "Lakefront Line" route.