Sen. Patrick Testin

Maddy summarySB 648 prohibits Wisconsin state agencies from contracting with business entities tied to certain foreign governments designated as adversaries (like the People’s Republic of China or its government entities). It requires contractors to certify they are not prohibited entities and that their goods/services don’t originate from such entities, with state agencies relying on these certifications. Violations trigger penalties including fines up to $250,000 or twice the contract value, plus a 5-year ban on state contracts. Exceptions exist if goods/services are unavailable elsewhere and approved by the Department of Administration.

Maddy summarySB 461 clarifies the definition of "design-build project" for Department of Transportation (DOT) contracts. It specifies that such projects involve procuring design, engineering, construction, and related services through a single contract with one private entity (like a company or joint venture), rather than separate contracts. This procedural bill updates statute 84.062(1)(e) to remove ambiguity in how DOT contracts are structured. The change affects DOT's contracting procedures but does not alter project requirements or impact specific groups directly. The bill passed on November 18, 2025, after third reading.

Maddy summarySJR 34 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Wisconsin's child support program on its 50th anniversary, specifically commemorating January 4, 2025 - the date President Ford signed the 1975 federal law establishing the program. It recognizes the program's role in serving 341,000 children and collecting $841 million in support during fiscal year 2023, while highlighting its anti-poverty impact and collaboration between county, state, and tribal agencies. The resolution does not create new laws or alter funding; it solely expresses legislative commendation for program staff and the program's national leadership in child support collection. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct policy changes or new obligations for affected parties.

Maddy summarySB 164 requires potato growers in Wisconsin to use certified seed potatoes (meeting state agricultural standards) when planting 5 or more acres of potatoes in a calendar year. The bill allows the state department to waive this requirement for specific potato varieties if certified seed is unavailable and disease risk is low, with conditions on where the waiver applies. Violations - such as planting uncertified seed or failing to comply with removal orders - carry penalties of up to $5,000 plus $5,000 per acre, with potential waivers if growers remove affected potatoes within 72 hours. The law directly affects commercial potato growers and aims to prevent disease spread through regulated seed use.

Maddy summarySB 190 ratifies Wisconsin's participation in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, enabling respiratory therapists licensed in Wisconsin to practice in other participating states without obtaining new licenses. This bill directly affects respiratory care practitioners and healthcare facilities that employ them, as it establishes reciprocal licensing recognition across states. Key provisions amend Wisconsin statutes to recognize "compact privileges" for respiratory therapists certified under the compact, streamlining practice across state lines. The law requires the state medical examining board to appoint a commission to administer the compact, aligning Wisconsin with similar agreements for healthcare professionals.

Maddy summarySB 421 provides Domtar Paper Company, LLC with a one-time $42 million grant to modernize a dam associated with its Rothschild mill. The bill requires Domtar to invest $100 million in north central Wisconsin manufacturing facilities within three years and use only Wisconsin-sourced wood materials during the project. If Domtar fails to meet the investment deadline, sells its mills, or uses non-Wisconsin materials, it must repay the grant amount. The grant is funded from specific state appropriations and includes repayment mechanisms to ensure accountability. This directly affects Domtar Paper Company, LLC and impacts local infrastructure in Rothschild.

Maddy summarySB 183 modifies reimbursement rules for emergency medical services under Wisconsin's Medical Assistance program. It sets a maximum $175 reimbursement rate for emergency responders when patients are not transported to a hospital. The bill also requires reporting on changes to emergency medical responder scope of practice and updates eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. These changes directly affect emergency medical service providers billing the Medical Assistance program.

Maddy summarySB 182 provides tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and practitioners enrolled in technical college emergency medical services (EMS) programs. It requires technical colleges offering EMS programs to prioritize grant funds for expanding student enrollment access - either through direct program expansion or by contracting with districts for expansion services. The bill also updates program terminology throughout (replacing "course" with "program") to clarify educational standards. This directly affects EMS students, technical colleges, and the state's EMS workforce development system.

Maddy summarySB 152 removes financial eligibility requirements for Wisconsin’s Alzheimer’s family and caregiver support program. It repeals section 46.87 (5m), which previously set income-based criteria, and amends related sections to no longer reference those financial limits. This change directly affects caregivers and family members of Alzheimer’s patients who previously faced income restrictions to access support services. The bill simplifies eligibility by eliminating income thresholds, allowing more individuals to qualify for program services regardless of household income. The law became effective after Governor approval on August 11, 2025 (Wisconsin Act 21).

Maddy summarySB 283 requires state contracts with hearing protection device manufacturers to provide free devices to state law enforcement agencies (any requested quantity) and to other law enforcement/fire agencies (up to 20% of personnel or 10 devices, whichever is fewer). Agencies not covered under these free provisions may purchase devices at 50% cost for any quantity. The bill directly affects public safety personnel in law enforcement and fire protective services across Wisconsin. It became law as 2025 Wisconsin Act 14 on July 3, 2025.