Sen. Dan Feyen

Maddy summarySB 1025 regulates wakesurfing by defining the activity and establishing safety requirements. It requires wakesurfers to maintain at least 200 feet from shorelines, docks, people in the water, or other vessels, and mandates wearing a federally approved personal flotation device (PFD). The bill also adds wakesurfing to mandatory boating safety courses, requiring instruction on proper motorboat operation for this activity. These rules apply to recreational wakesurfing, while organized tournaments are exempt under specific conditions.

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 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 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 866 expands Wisconsin's sex offender registration requirements by adding specific crimes to the list of offenses that trigger registration. It requires registration for violations of certain statutes involving minors (like 948.051 or 948.06) when the perpetrator is not the victim's parent. The law applies to crimes committed on or after the bill's effective date, directly affecting individuals convicted of these newly listed offenses.

Maddy summarySB 802 creates a voluntary health professional assistance program to support licensed health care providers experiencing conditions that could impair their ability to practice safely. The program, funded by a $70 fee paid by providers when obtaining or renewing a participating credential, offers confidential screening, evaluation, treatment, and ongoing monitoring services. Credentialing boards can choose to participate for specific licenses, and providers or colleagues may report concerns without civil liability for good-faith reports. The program is operated by a contracted entity meeting specific requirements and complements existing disciplinary processes without affecting boards' authority over unrelated conduct.

Maddy summarySB 861 clarifies and updates definitions related to state lottery games and vendor payments. It creates specific definitions for "break open games" (like pull-tabs), "instant games" (scratch-offs), and "lotto games," along with their associated services and supplies. The bill amends statutes to specify that retailers receive up to 1% of instant game revenue and 2% of break open game revenue as additional compensation, while vendors are paid for services under defined categories. These changes primarily affect lottery vendors providing game services and retailers selling tickets, streamlining how payments are calculated and categorized under existing lottery revenue structures.

Maddy summarySB 809 modifies Wisconsin's Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Program, administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). It creates new rules allowing grants for non-public events (like exclusive conferences) only if they bring national exposure or boost economic growth, with strict limits: no more than 25% of annual funds can support such events, and they must avoid regularly scheduled or rotating events. The bill requires applicants to provide cost-benefit analyses of economic impacts before funding, mandates matching contributions from non-state sources, and adds annual reporting to the legislature. This directly affects event organizers seeking WEDC grants to attract major events to Wisconsin.

Maddy summarySB 862 revises Wisconsin statutes governing county sheriff offices and medical examiner appointments. It primarily updates rules for appointing and removing undersheriffs (including civil service considerations), clarifies who acts as sheriff during vacancies or incapacity (requiring county board petitions for incapacity declarations), and adds new provisions for service of process when the sheriff is a party. The bill directly affects county sheriffs, undersheriffs, county clerks, and circuit courts in administering local law enforcement duties. It focuses on procedural changes to sheriff office operations rather than new policy initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 737 creates new rules for lease-purchase agreements (where consumers pay to use personal items like furniture or electronics with an option to buy) for personal, family, or household use. It directly affects consumers who enter these agreements and businesses (lessors) that offer them. Key requirements include written agreements in clear 8-point type, mandatory disclosures of total payments, cash-sale price, ownership terms, and early purchase options, plus language matching any advertising. The bill also establishes a legal cause of action for consumers if lessors violate these requirements.