Sen. Eric Wimberger

Maddy summaryThis bill would modify Wisconsin election procedures by replacing the current method of randomly discarding excess ballots with a system that documents discrepancies and incorporates them into risk-limiting audits. It directly affects election inspectors and canvassers who count ballots, as well as voters whose ballots might be affected by these counting procedures. The key provision eliminates the random removal of excess ballots and instead requires detailed documentation of ballot discrepancies, with audits investigating any discrepancies exceeding 0.5 percent of total ballots cast. The changes would take effect in phases, starting with selected contests in January 2026 and expanding to all elections by April 2027.

Maddy summarySB 610 increases the maximum prison sentence for distributing methamphetamine or similar drugs near homeless shelters. If someone distributes these drugs within 1,000 feet of a homeless shelter - knowing or reasonably aware the shelter is nearby - their maximum prison term rises by 5 years. The bill specifically targets violations of drug distribution laws (Section 961.65) occurring in these proximity circumstances. This policy change directly affects individuals convicted of such drug distribution offenses near shelters, without altering existing penalties for other drug offenses.

Maddy summarySB 276 changes how legal fees are handled when courts invalidate agency rules. It requires courts to award reasonable attorney fees and costs to parties successfully challenging administrative rules or guidance documents, provided the challenge is based on constitutional violations, exceeding statutory authority, or improper rule-making procedures. These fees and costs must be paid from specific state appropriations outlined in statutes (20.865 (1) (a), (g), or (q)), not from general funds. The bill directly affects individuals or organizations challenging agency rules and state agencies responsible for paying these costs.

Maddy summarySB 176 creates tax exemptions for income received from broadband expansion grants and federal high-cost program funding. It exempts from state income and franchise taxes funds provided by the state, local governments, tribal governments, or the federal government for broadband expansion projects. This directly affects businesses, internet service providers, and organizations receiving these specific grants or federal funding. The exemption applies to both state broadband grants and federal high-cost program funds (under 47 USC 254) used for expanding broadband access in the state, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summarySB 652 removes race-based criteria from higher education programs by redefining "disadvantaged" students to focus solely on economic, familial, geographic, or personal hardship - not race, ethnicity, gender, or other identity factors. It repeals provisions requiring "minority" student programs and replaces them with "disadvantaged" student programs, while prohibiting state boards from considering race in admissions or financial aid decisions. Key changes include amending statutes to require annual recruitment and retention plans for disadvantaged students and modifying grant programs to prioritize economic hardship over racial identity. The bill directly affects public universities, technical colleges, and financial aid programs across the state by shifting eligibility criteria away from race-based classifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes eligibility requirements for state grants supporting commercial driver training. To qualify, training must meet federal standards, be provided by a registry-listed provider at a state-based facility, and trainees must obtain a commercial license in Wisconsin after March 2024 (with a specific exception for non-training-provider applicants). It also limits grants to one per trainee. The bill directly affects training providers and applicants seeking state funding for driver education programs.

Maddy summarySB 128 establishes a Municipal PFAS Grant Program to help communities test for and address PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water systems. It allows water utilities to use service funds to cover up to half the cost of source reduction measures (like filtration) if cheaper than endpoint treatment, and creates an exception for utilities acting quickly on unexpected PFAS contamination (without penalties if they notify regulators within 30 days and costs stay under $2 million). The bill prioritizes projects addressing serious health risks and extends grant eligibility to disadvantaged communities affected by water contamination, regardless of their existing service area status. It also creates a referral system connecting PFAS contamination claims to the existing Innocent Landowner Grant Program.

Maddy summarySB 127 exempts specific entities from PFAS-related enforcement actions under Wisconsin's spills law, provided they allow the state to clean up contaminated land at no cost to them. It directly affects landowners who spread permitted biosolids/wastewater containing PFAS, fire departments using PFAS in emergencies, airports, municipalities, solid waste facilities, and property owners not responsible for the contamination. The key provision requires these entities to grant permission for state-led remediation, removing liability under certain enforcement sections of the spills law. This applies to PFAS chemicals commonly found in firefighting foam and industrial products. The bill does not change PFAS contamination standards but alters enforcement responsibilities for qualifying parties.

Maddy summarySB 84 exempts real estate transfers between grandparents and grandchildren from the state's real estate transfer fee when the transfer is for nominal or no consideration (such as a gift). This change adds "grandparent and grandchild" to the existing list of family relationships already exempt under Wisconsin law, which includes parent-child and stepparent-stepchild transfers. The exemption applies only to transfers filed on or after the law's effective date (November 1, 2025), and does not apply to standard market-rate sales. This bill directly affects families transferring property between these generations without monetary exchange, reducing associated costs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution formally recognizes the life and leadership of Bob Harlan, the former president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers. The bill highlights his contributions to the franchise, including hiring key personnel, leading the team to a Super Bowl victory, and overseeing a major stadium redevelopment. It serves as a commemorative tribute rather than enacting new policy or funding. The resolution was adopted by the Wisconsin Senate but did not receive concurrence from the Assembly.