Sen. Patrick Testin

Maddy summarySB 985 amends a statute to define "veteran at risk" for the veterans at risk alert system. The bill specifies that a "veteran at risk" includes veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, or military reservists known to have a physical or mental health condition related to their military service, based on reports. This definition change directly affects how the alert system identifies individuals eligible for support. The bill is purely definitional and does not create new programs or alter system operations.

Maddy summarySJR 133 is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) that reaffirms Wisconsin's longstanding relationship with Taiwan. It expresses support for the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, highlights Wisconsin's economic ties with Taiwan (including $380 million in exports to Taiwan in 2023), and encourages state agencies to explore establishing a Wisconsin representative office in Taiwan to boost trade and cultural exchanges. The resolution does not create new programs or change laws but formally endorses continued cooperation amid Taiwan's 40th anniversary of Wisconsin's sister-state relationship.

Maddy summarySB 984 requires the Department of Transportation to notify local governments, school districts, and tribal governments before selling surplus land. These entities have 60 days to express interest in acquiring the land for public use, such as parks or transportation projects. If they show interest, the DOT must offer the land at appraised value (or below for transportation projects) only if they provide a detailed public use plan and agree to permanent restrictions on the land's use. The bill ensures surplus land is prioritized for public purposes rather than general sale. Ownership transfers only after payment and confirmation the land will be used as planned.

Maddy summarySJR 135 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege withdrawal (a key Revolutionary War victory) and recognizing Irish American contributions to American independence. It highlights historical connections, including Irish immigrant soldiers like General John Sullivan, eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signers, and Irish emigrant roles in the military and printing the Declaration. The resolution has no binding effect; it formally acknowledges these historical events and directs the Senate clerk to share copies with Irish officials. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summarySB 1023 requires University of Wisconsin System institutions to base undergraduate admission decisions "predominantly" on standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, or equivalent) for the 2027-28 academic year onward. It applies directly to all UW System undergraduate applicants, excluding those admitted through the existing guaranteed admission program. The bill adds a new requirement to statutes, mandating that admission criteria prioritize objective test performance over other factors. This change modifies current policies but does not affect existing bans on race, religion, or sex-based admission tests. The law becomes effective for applications submitted for the 2027-28 academic year.

Maddy summarySB 1047 adjusts payment rates for medication-based opioid treatment services to match Medicare rates starting in 2027, directly affecting opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and their patients. It eliminates a requirement for OTPs to document enrollment details and mandates specific staffing rules, including having a nurse present during dosing and maintaining a 1 counselor-to-55-patient ratio. The bill also updates admission criteria, requiring documented failed detox attempts for minors seeking maintenance treatment and clarifying initial dose limits for new patients. These changes aim to standardize care and payment while ensuring program compliance with federal and state regulations.

Maddy summarySB 994 prohibits the public affairs network from charging fees for accessing live or archived state government proceedings when the network receives state funding for its operations. This applies directly to the state's public affairs network (which broadcasts government meetings) and the public seeking access to those recordings. The bill modifies existing rules to ensure fee-free access regardless of whether state funds are used, removing a prior condition that required explicit state funding for the fee ban. The key provision guarantees public access to government proceedings without cost under state-funded operations.

Maddy summarySB 941 creates a joint legislative committee to conduct a study on how state agencies share data and manage information systems. The committee will hire an independent firm to assess current practices, identify barriers to efficient data sharing, review best practices from other states, and recommend improvements like standardized systems or a dedicated data office. All state agencies must cooperate with this study, which will conclude with a report by December 31, 2026, including specific recommendations for policy or funding changes. This bill directly affects all state agencies that handle data, aiming to improve efficiency through better data management. The study itself is procedural and does not enact new laws.

Maddy summarySB 1084 allows the natural resources board to sell state-owned lands adjacent to or within one mile of commercial egg farms. This sale is intended to prevent the spread of avian flu by creating buffer zones around these facilities. The bill directly affects state lands under the Department of Natural Resources' jurisdiction and commercial egg farms located near them. It creates a new statutory provision (23.15(1m)) to authorize these sales without overriding existing land management rules.

Maddy summarySB 1077 requires health insurance plans - including self-insured plans operated by state/local governments - to cover prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces when medically necessary for daily activities, job functions, or bathing. It mandates coverage equal to federal standards (42 USC 1395k-1395m), including materials, repairs, and replacement without lifetime restrictions if repairs exceed 60% of replacement costs. The law applies to all covered individuals (enrollees in private plans or government self-insured plans) and requires insurers to provide written explanations for coverage denials based on medical necessity. It also ensures access to at least two in-network providers for these devices.