Sen. Patrick Testin

Maddy summarySB 285 creates a state grant program to incentivize households earning at least $55,000 annually to relocate from outside Wisconsin to participating municipalities. Municipalities, counties, or qualifying nonprofits can apply for grants to fund recruitment programs, with each receiving up to $500,000 annually. Grant funds are disbursed in two installments, tied to meeting specific household relocation goals outlined in the program plan. Recipients must report on outcomes like household income, costs, and economic impact, including tax revenue and spending changes. The program requires applicants to cover at least 20% of program costs and ensures funds target new residents relocating from outside the state.

Maddy summarySB 296 updates Wisconsin's state building program rules. It requires state agencies to list projects in the official building program (with a $2 million minimum cost threshold), mandates quarterly budget reports for cost overruns, and sets a 6-month deadline for resolving contractor claims involving state buildings. The bill also allows waivers for projects over $200 million, changes how architects/engineers are selected for larger projects, and encourages partnerships with energy service companies to improve facility efficiency. These changes directly affect state agencies, construction contractors, and energy providers managing public building projects.

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 summarySB 145 establishes a process for Wisconsin to add federal newborn screening recommendations to its state-required list. It requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to evaluate new federal disorders within 18 months, conduct annual reviews of excluded disorders, and begin rule-making to include them if appropriate. The bill grants DHS authority to create new screening rules and exempts these rules from standard emergency rule procedures. It directly affects newborns in Wisconsin by potentially expanding screening tests for certain disorders, with testing for newly added disorders required to begin within six months of rule publication. The law applies to federal recommendations approved after January 1, 2025, and includes specific timelines for evaluation and implementation.

Maddy summarySJR 58 is a Wisconsin resolution urging support for a constitutional amendment that would allow states and Congress to regulate money spent to influence elections. The amendment would enable states to create rules distinguishing between individual voters and organizations (like corporations or unions) when regulating campaign spending. This resolution does not change current law but formally asks Wisconsin to advocate for this amendment in federal discussions. It directly affects state legislative efforts to shape campaign finance regulations.

Maddy summarySB 323 establishes a state program providing no-interest loans to eligible dairy farms for specific upgrades. It directly affects dairy operations with 50-714 cows that meet strict criteria, including 98% in-state workforce, no recent environmental or safety violations, and legal employment compliance. Loans can fund technologies to improve milk production efficiency, animal health, milk quality, or reduce environmental impacts from manure management. The program prioritizes applicants creating new skilled jobs or reducing environmental effects per gallon of milk produced. The bill creates a formal process for applications and administration through the state corporation, with a fiscal estimate received as of July 2025.

Maddy summarySB 177 updates tax credit eligibility for businesses that clean and provide specific items to commercial or government clients. It creates new industry codes (7213 for linen supply, 7218 for industrial laundries) and clarifies that uniforms, linens, protective workwear, and cleaning supplies qualify for the manufacturing/agriculture tax credit when sold or leased to businesses. The changes apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2025. This bill directly affects laundry businesses serving hospitals, restaurants, and other large organizations that provide these specific items.

Maddy summarySB 156 requires specific first responders - including emergency medical personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and conservation wardens - to complete training on recognizing severe allergic reactions, safely storing and administering epinephrine delivery systems, and following up after use. The bill mandates that all covered first responders must have an epinephrine system available during duty hours. It also directs the department to compile and maintain a list of approved training organizations and may distribute epinephrine systems using existing funds. This law directly affects over a dozen public safety roles by standardizing emergency allergy response protocols.

Maddy summarySJR 99 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 14, 2025, as "First Responders Appreciation Day" in Wisconsin. It honors all professional and volunteer police, fire, and emergency medical services personnel (including Wisconsin's over 4,800 career firefighters, 20,600 volunteer firefighters, 14,700 law enforcement officers, and 17,426 EMS personnel) for their daily service and risks. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it merely declares a day of recognition through legislative proclamation. It does not create new requirements, funding, or changes to laws affecting first responders.

Maddy summarySB 407 creates a grant program to fund Rogers Behavioral Health's new integrated mental health facility in the Chippewa Valley. The bill requires Rogers to submit detailed certification plans for all service levels (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care) to meet state licensing requirements before receiving funds. It also mandates that the facility accept Medical Assistance recipients (Wisconsin's Medicaid program), admit involuntary patients within two years, and provide annual reports to the Department of Health Services for five years. This bill directly affects Rogers Behavioral Health and mental health patients in the Chippewa Valley region seeking comprehensive care.