Sen. Van Wanggaard

Maddy summarySB 82 prohibits state and local governments from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on their energy source (like gasoline, electric, or hydrogen power). It also bans similar restrictions on other devices that rely on specific energy sources for key functions. The law applies broadly to all government agencies and units, preventing them from enacting policies that target vehicles or devices solely by their power source. The only exception allows governments to maintain their own vehicle purchase policies for their own fleets.

Maddy summarySB 2 expands veterans' burial benefits to cover individuals who served in Laos supporting U.S. efforts during the Vietnam War. It directly affects eligible veterans (including those covered by the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000) who previously did not qualify for national cemetery burial under existing rules. The bill adds a new provision (45.61 (2) (e)) to state law, linking eligibility for burial benefits to the federal naturalization act for these veterans. This change creates a concrete policy update to include a specific group of veterans in existing burial benefit programs. The bill is currently referred to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 229 transfers the handling of worker's compensation appeals from the Division of Hearings and Appeals (within the Department of Administration) to the Department of Workforce Development. This change affects workers, employers, and insurers who file or contest compensation claims, as all hearings and decisions will now be processed by the new department. The bill amends over 50 sections of statutes to update references from the old division to the Department of Workforce Development, ensuring consistent application of procedures like appeal processes and evidence rules. The policy change does not alter eligibility rules or benefit amounts - it only shifts administrative responsibility for adjudicating disputes. This is a procedural reorganization, not a substantive change to worker's compensation law.

Maddy summarySB 64 increases penalties for harming police or fire department animals used in official duties. It creates three escalating offenses: intentional injury causing harm is a Class A misdemeanor, intentional injury causing death is a Class H G felony, and intentional injury causing death is a Class I H felony. The law specifically targets individuals who knowingly harm working animals (like police dogs or fire department horses) while aware of their official role. This directly affects anyone who intentionally harms these animals during their service, with penalties based on the severity of the outcome (injury or death). The bill does not cover accidental harm or animals not performing official duties.

Maddy summarySB 93 requires state departments to recommend revoking extended supervision, parole, or probation when a person under those programs is charged with a crime. It directly affects individuals supervised by the department after release from incarceration. The bill mandates this recommendation as a standard step in the process, without altering the existing revocation procedures or hearing requirements. The change applies to criminal charges filed on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySJR 74 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin. It formally declares this date to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, referencing the historical event when Union troops announced freedom to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The resolution highlights Wisconsin's longstanding Juneteenth celebration tradition, dating to Milwaukee's first observance in 1971, and acknowledges Juneteenth's national significance as a federal holiday since 2021. This resolution has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 94 creates a new civil cause of action for people injured or whose property was damaged during riots or vandalism. It allows victims to sue not only the person who committed the violent act but also anyone who provided "material support" (like weapons, funds, or equipment) with the intent to help commit the offense. The bill establishes a legal presumption that property damage was a natural consequence of the riot/vandalism, making it easier for victims to recover repair costs and other damages. It also prohibits government officials from restricting law enforcement’s authority to arrest participants or quell such activities. This directly affects victims, perpetrators, material supporters, and law enforcement agencies across the state.

Maddy summarySB 179 expands an existing tax credit for fuel suppliers to cover diesel fuel, creates a refund for fuel lost to evaporation during storage, and adds new rules for delayed tax payments. It requires fuel distributors to pay taxes electronically if delaying payments to suppliers and may mandate a bond equal to three times their monthly tax liability. The bill directly affects fuel suppliers and distributors handling motor vehicle fuel. It passed the legislature in June 2025 with a 19-13 vote.

Maddy summarySB 372 creates standardized crime victim notification cards to help victims of crime stay informed about court proceedings involving offenders. The bill requires the director of state courts to design these cards, which victims can complete with their contact information and the offender's details, and send to the relevant court clerk. County courts and victim/witness offices must provide these cards at no cost to victims, and the law protects victim mailing addresses from public inspection under state law. This directly affects crime victims in Wisconsin who need to receive updates about offender sentencing or probation modifications.

Maddy summarySB 219 limits foreign-owned entities from owning more than 50 acres of agricultural land in the state, targeting corporations, trusts, or partnerships with over 25% foreign ownership. It also prohibits foreign-owned entities from owning real property within 10 miles of military installations, with exceptions for inheritance, treaty rights, and agricultural research leases. Owners exceeding these limits must sell excess land within three years, and violations result in land forfeiture to the state. The bill affects foreign investors, corporations, and trusts holding agricultural land or property near military bases, aiming to restrict foreign control of sensitive land uses.