Sen. Dan Feyen

Maddy summarySB 18 standardizes how schools and districts are rated in annual accountability reports by maintaining consistent scoring methods. It requires using the same cut scores, score ranges, and performance categories (like "Proficient" or "Advanced") that were applied in the 2019-20 school year for all schools and districts. For grades 3-8 English/language arts and math tests, it mandates alignment with National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) standards, while grades 9-11 will use scoring from the 2021-22 school year. This bill directly affects public schools and districts in the state that receive these accountability reports. The changes apply starting with the 2025-26 school year.

Maddy summarySJR 9 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Justice David T. Prosser Jr., a former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice and state legislator who died in December 2024. It commemorates his 40+ years of public service, including 18 years in the Wisconsin Legislature and 18 years on the Supreme Court. The resolution, introduced by multiple legislators, expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's tribute to his career and legacy without creating any new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 26 amends state law to restrict technical college districts from leasing their facilities to other organizations, with one exception: leases for child care centers are still permitted. The bill prohibits new facility leases after June 30, 1999, except for child care operations, directly affecting technical college districts by limiting their ability to generate revenue through rentals. This change modifies existing statute 38.14 (2) (d) 1 to eliminate most leasing options for these institutions.

Maddy summarySB 100 requires first-class cities and their school districts to place at least 25 school resource officers (SROs) in schools during normal hours, before/after school, and at events starting January 1, 2024. It mandates SROs complete a 40-hour training course and requires school districts to use specific safety statistics when assigning officers. The bill establishes a cost-sharing agreement where school districts cover 75% of SRO costs and cities cover 25%, with new certification deadlines for both parties to the joint committee on finance. Failure to meet these requirements risks withholding up to 20% of school district aid or 10% of municipal payments under related statutes. The bill directly affects first-class cities and their school districts through these staffing, training, and financial obligations.

Maddy summarySB 55 prohibits the state Department of Justice from using legal services provided by non-governmental employees (such as private attorneys or outside contractors) for civil or criminal investigations or prosecutions. The bill allows limited use of legal interns who are not state or federal employees, but only if they are paid $10,000 or less annually by their internship program. This rule directly affects the Department of Justice’s contracting practices and sets a specific pay cap for intern involvement in legal work. The bill would take effect upon enactment, changing how the agency hires legal support.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 209 limits the legal liability for manufacturers, distributors, sellers, installers, and owners of traffic control devices. Under this bill, these entities are not liable for damages if a device complies with the specifications outlined in the official traffic control devices manual and operates as intended. This protection covers various claims, including personal injury, property damage, negligence, and breach of warranty. However, the liability limitation does not apply if there is clear evidence that the device failed to meet specifications or operate as intended when the damage occurred. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption of compliance if the device was designed and installed according to manual standards or with authorized deviations.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 119 proposes to increase the staffing for the Department of Justice's Office of School Safety. The bill authorizes an additional 14.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the department. These new positions, funded by general purpose revenue, are specifically intended to support and enhance school safety initiatives. The increase in staff is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 249 proposes to create a new section of state law (17.03 (10m)) concerning vacancies in specific state government positions. This bill applies to individuals serving in "appointive state offices" that have a fixed term. It defines these offices broadly to include most state departments, agencies, boards, and commissions, excluding the legislature and courts. The new section is intended to address situations where an incumbent's fixed term in such an office expires, though the specific policy change for this scenario is not detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summarySB 39 proposes the establishment of a Palliative Care Council. This council would likely address matters related to palliative care services, which aim to provide comfort and support for patients with serious illnesses. An amendment to the bill details the required composition of the council's physician members. Specifically, it mandates that five physicians serve on the council, including two palliative care physicians (one specializing in pediatric palliative care) and two primary care physicians.

Maddy summarySB 122 creates a specific exception for the City of Port Washington regarding tax incremental financing (TIF) districts. It removes the standard 12% limit on the total value of taxable property that a city can include in a TIF district. This exception applies specifically to the creation of Tax Incremental District Number 5 by the City of Port Washington's common council. The bill allows the city to include a greater value of taxable property in this particular TIF district than would typically be permitted under state law.