Sen. Van Wanggaard

Maddy summarySB 399 limits annual increases to resident undergraduate tuition at the University of Wisconsin System to the previous year's consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate. This directly affects UW System resident undergraduate students, as their tuition hikes will now be tied to inflation rather than board discretion. The bill defines "resident undergraduate tuition" to include academic fees, differential tuition, and other mandatory fees beyond instructional costs. It creates a new rule requiring the Board of Regents to cap tuition increases at the CPI rate, while maintaining existing policies for non-resident tuition and special programs like summer sessions.

Maddy summarySB 218 amends how counties retain and distribute real estate transfer fees and related grants under existing programs. It clarifies that counties must account for both fees collected from property transfers and grants received under the land information program (s. 16.967(7)(c)) when calculating retained funds. The bill makes technical adjustments to fee retention language but does not change tax rates, create new fees, or alter funding amounts for counties. It directly affects local governments managing real estate transaction records and land information grants. The bill is procedural and focuses on administrative accuracy, not policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 600 would enable Wisconsin to participate in a federal tax credit program that allows individuals to deduct contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) from their state taxes. The bill requires the state education department to annually submit a list of qualifying SGOs meeting federal standards and certify Wisconsin's eligibility to the U.S. Treasury. It gives the governor until July 1, 2026, to decide whether to join the program, which would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026. The bill does not create new tax benefits but establishes the state's administrative process to align with the federal program.

Maddy summarySJR 55 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025. It symbolically honors the Army's history of service, sacrifice, and dedication since its founding in 1775, with specific emphasis on Wisconsin's connections - including over 10,000 Army personnel stationed in the state, 100,000 veterans, and Fort McCoy's $1.4 billion economic impact. The resolution has no binding policy changes or financial obligations; it serves only as a formal statement of appreciation from the Wisconsin Legislature. It does not directly affect any individuals or programs, as ceremonial resolutions like this typically express support without altering laws or funding.

Maddy summarySJR 59 is a ceremonial resolution that proclaims June 22-28, 2025, as "Amateur Radio Week" in Wisconsin. It recognizes over 11,000 amateur radio operators (commonly called "hams") for their emergency communication support through groups like ARES and RACES, which assist during crises when traditional systems fail. The resolution commends these volunteers for their community service and technical education efforts, aligning with a national Amateur Radio Week designation by the American Radio Relay League.

Maddy summarySB 250 prohibits abandoning boats on state waters or adjacent land without the owner's consent. It defines abandonment as leaving a boat unattended over 7 days without intent to return, or neglecting a boat that becomes a navigation, safety, or environmental hazard. Boat owners must remove abandoned vessels within 30 days of a written notice from authorities, or face immediate removal and liability for costs. Violators risk fines up to $10,000, up to 9 months in jail, or mandatory completion of a boating safety course. The bill directly affects boat owners and state agencies responsible for enforcement.

Maddy summarySB 246 designates April 24 as "Armenian Genocide Awareness Day" for public schools to observe during Genocide Awareness Month. The bill requires schools to recognize this day through educational activities, directly affecting public school districts and students. It takes effect for the school year following its implementation date, creating a formal observance without altering existing curricula or funding.

Maddy summarySB 34 requires candidates for specific offices (including governor, state legislators, U.S. representatives, and presidential/vice presidential tickets) to submit a sworn withdrawal statement with identity verification and pay fees ($250 for state offices, $500 for U.S. representatives, $2,500 for statewide offices) no later than seven business days before an election. Candidates must provide acceptable ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport) and have their withdrawal witnessed by county officials. The bill ensures withdrawals don’t alter ballot order if processed before the commission finalizes ballots, and specifies that withdrawing for president automatically withdraws the vice presidential ticket. This procedural bill establishes clear administrative steps for candidate withdrawals.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new exception for certain retired Wisconsin Retirement System members. It allows former county jailers (not protective occupation) and protective occupation retirees to return to work for a participating employer without automatically becoming active retirement system participants. To qualify, they must not have a prior agreement to return, must formally elect not to rejoin the system using a department-provided form, and must have terminated employment without an agreement to return. The change specifically applies to rehires after the bill's effective date, giving these workers a clear path to return to work without automatic retirement system re-enrollment.

Maddy summarySB 577 provides tax exemptions for compensation paid to individuals wrongfully imprisoned, including amounts received from the claims board or legislature. It establishes health care coverage for these individuals for up to five years, with costs shared between the state and the recipient (matching state employee premium rates), and requires departments to create transition plans within five days of release to connect individuals with housing, job assistance, and health services. The bill directly affects people who were convicted of crimes they claim to be innocent of, were released after March 13, 1980, and received compensation under §775.05. Key mechanisms include exempting compensation from income tax (§71.05), creating health coverage rules (§40.516), and mandating transition planning (§301.051).