Sen. Jesse James

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 summarySB 113 creates a pilot program to help farmers transition to managed grazing systems, which rotate livestock between pasture sections to reduce soil erosion and improve forage quality. It directly affects farmers adopting new managed grazing systems or improving existing ones, excluding support for current practices. The program provides grants covering infrastructure (fencing, water systems), technical assistance from specialists, and incentive payments for the first three years of transition, with a $40,000 annual cap per farmer. Funded by $500,000 annually from the environmental fund, grants are paid as 75% in year one and 12.5% each subsequent year. The bill also defines "marginal areas" (land unsuitable for crops like floodplains) as eligible for supplemental feed development.

Maddy summarySB 17 amends Wisconsin law to make intentionally causing physical injury or threatening injury to a community service officer (or their family) a Class H felony under specific conditions. It directly affects community service officers by expanding protections to include them alongside judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers. The key provisions require that the perpetrator knew the victim's status as an officer or family member and that the act was in response to the officer's official duties. This bill creates a clearer legal standard for prosecuting threats or violence against community service officers during their work. The measure is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summarySB 62 modifies how Wisconsin's Health and Educational Facilities Authority (WHEFA) finances projects for nonprofit institutions like hospitals, schools, and research organizations. It creates new provisions to fund working capital for operating expenses and expands WHEFA's ability to make loans for facility projects, requiring security arrangements like mortgages. The bill also allows WHEFA to fund out-of-state projects only if they include a substantial Wisconsin component, as determined by the authority. These changes directly affect participating nonprofit institutions by altering how they access financing for operations and facilities. The bill adjusts salary limits for WHEFA staff but focuses primarily on restructuring the authority's financing mechanisms.

Maddy summarySB 242 sets a maximum ratio of one journeyworker (skilled tradesperson) for every two apprentices in apprenticeship programs and contracts. It prohibits state agencies from requiring a stricter ratio (e.g., more journeyworkers per apprentice) through rules, program approvals, or contracts. The bill directly affects apprenticeship programs, contractors, and unions operating under collective bargaining agreements. It takes effect when existing collective bargaining agreements expire or are renewed, modifying how these agreements must align with the new ratio standard.

Maddy summarySJR 69 is a non-binding joint resolution honoring the late Wisconsin State Representative Terrence A. "Terry" Willkom, who served in the Assembly from 1971-1976 and passed away in May 2025. It commemorates his public service, personal life, and career - including his roles as a business executive, family man, and advocate for bipartisan collaboration - without creating any new laws or affecting any policies. The resolution formally extends the Wisconsin Legislature’s condolences to his family and recognizes his legacy of "honesty, integrity, and ability to work with both sides of the aisle." As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summarySB 328 requires county fairs, agricultural societies, and similar organizations seeking state aid to submit two annual reports. Within 30 days after each fair, they must file an itemized statement confirming all gambling devices, alcohol sales (except fermented malt beverages and wine), and "immoral exhibitions" were prohibited at the event. By January 31 each year, they must also submit a finance report detailing receipts, disbursements, attendance, and other required data. State aid payments are tied to the timely submission of these reports. This bill directly affects fair organizers receiving state funding by establishing specific reporting obligations.

Maddy summarySB 359 sets a minimum age of 16 for assistant child care teachers in licensed Wisconsin child care centers. It requires these assistants to complete specific early childhood education training (such as two credits, a non-credit course, or an approved program) within six months of starting their role. The bill also allows trained assistants aged 18 or older to provide limited sole supervision during specific times - like opening/closing hours or naptime in full-day centers, or short periods in school-age programs - when a lead teacher is present. This directly affects child care centers hiring assistants and ensures they meet defined training standards.

Maddy summarySB 41 establishes a program to administer school safety grants but removes the original appropriation language, meaning it does not allocate new state funds. The bill specifies how existing or future grant funds would be distributed to schools for safety improvements, such as security systems or emergency protocols. It passed the Senate 18-14 on June 18, 2025, and was referred to the Rules committee for further consideration. This procedural bill focuses on grant administration rules rather than creating new funding.

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.