Sen. Eric Wimberger

Maddy summarySB 995 would appropriate state funds to cover individual income tax rebates for 2026, directly affecting eligible Wisconsin residents who qualify for these rebates under prior law. The bill creates a new statutory provision requiring the state to allocate sufficient funding to make these rebate payments. It references a 2025 legislative act that established the rebate program but does not change the rebate eligibility or amounts. The bill is currently pending in the Agriculture and Revenue Committee after a committee recommendation for passage.

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 summarySJR 130 is a ceremonial joint resolution celebrating Wisconsin athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Italy. It formally recognizes the state's athletes, including those in cross-country skiing, biathlon, wheelchair curling, sled hockey, and other sports, by urging the Wisconsin Legislature to honor their participation. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of support. It directly affects Wisconsin athletes by acknowledging their representation of the state on an international stage.

Maddy summarySB 1056 modifies licensing rules for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in public schools. It requires the Department of Public Instruction to issue licenses to SLPs holding valid licenses from the Hearing and Speech Examining Board or a valid "compact privilege" (an interstate agreement), removing prior administrative barriers. This change directly affects SLPs seeking public school employment and streamlines their licensing process by recognizing existing credentials without requiring additional state-specific exams. The bill repeals outdated administrative rules (PI 34.026, PI 34.028, PI 34.0475) and updates the definition of qualifying licenses in PI 34.040.

Maddy summarySB 843 requires data centers in Wisconsin to use recycled water cooling systems and report annual water usage. It mandates that renewable energy facilities primarily serving a data center must be located on-site, and prohibits utility customers from paying for infrastructure built for data centers. Operators must post financial bonds equal to reclamation costs before operating and restore land to its original condition if construction stops. The bill applies to all data centers built or operated in Wisconsin under new construction or operational requirements.

Maddy summarySB 830 clarifies the legal standard for human trafficking victims to use an "affirmative defense" when charged with crimes committed while escaping trafficking. It defines a crime as a "direct result" of trafficking if it has a clear causal link to the trafficking violation (not caused by other factors), occurs near the trafficking incident, and is necessary to escape or stop the trafficking. This applies specifically to victims of violations under statutes 940.302(2) or 948.051, removing the previous requirement that the trafficking perpetrator be prosecuted. The bill ensures victims cannot be punished for actions taken to survive trafficking, focusing on the immediate connection between the crime and the trafficking incident.

Maddy summarySB 892 establishes rules for connecting rooftop solar energy systems to the electric grid. It sets capacity limits: residential systems cannot exceed 30 kilowatts, and commercial systems cannot exceed 500 kilowatts. The bill requires electric providers to offer net metering, crediting customers at 100% of the retail electricity rate for excess power sent to the grid, with credits expiring annually on March 31. If solar adoption in a provider’s area surpasses 10%, credits drop to 90% of the retail rate, though providers may offer more favorable terms. This directly affects homeowners and businesses installing rooftop solar.

Maddy summarySB 731 requires Wisconsin high schools to include instruction on blood and organ donation in at least one grade from 9 to 12. The bill mandates that this instruction cover the purpose of donations, the statewide and national need for donations, and how to participate. It directly affects high school students and school curricula, applying to the 2026-27 school year. The law creates a new requirement for school districts to integrate this topic into relevant courses.

Maddy summarySB 681 would rename the Division of Alcohol Beverages to the Division of Intoxicating Products and create an occupational tax on hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The bill establishes regulatory requirements for these products, including rules for alcohol beverage warehouses and production arrangements. It grants rule-making authority to the newly named division and includes penalty provisions for violations. This legislation directly affects businesses selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products and alcohol beverage warehouses in the state.

Maddy summarySB 738 creates a new Class H felony for using absentee ballot drop boxes, U.S. mail, or commercial carriers to commit election fraud under existing state laws. It directly affects individuals who attempt to manipulate absentee ballots through these specific methods. The bill’s key provision upgrades certain election fraud violations to a felony charge, imposing criminal penalties for misuse of these ballot submission channels. This is a policy change focused on enhancing penalties for election integrity violations, not on changing voting access.