Sen. Patrick Testin

Maddy summarySB 221 clarifies that all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) registered outside the state must be treated as ATVs/UTVs if their manufacturer's certificate designates them as such, regardless of their out-of-state registration type. This directly affects out-of-state ATV/UTV owners seeking to operate these vehicles within the state. The bill requires such vehicles to meet the state's ATV/UTV definition to qualify for nonresident trail passes; if they don't meet this definition, they cannot be operated on highways, ATV routes, or trails. The law overrides reciprocal agreements and ensures out-of-state vehicles comply with state-specific ATV/UTV regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates eligibility criteria for highways seeking agricultural road improvement grants. It adds a new requirement that an engineering analysis by a licensed professional must confirm a highway cannot safely handle heavy agricultural traffic. Previously, eligibility was based on structural deficiencies or posted weight restrictions. The change directly affects farmers and rural communities relying on specific highways for transporting equipment and crops.

Maddy summarySB 562 requires recipients of economic development grants or loans exceeding $500,000 to submit detailed expenditure reports within 120 days after their fiscal year ends, including verification from an independent auditor. It mandates that these recipients provide supporting documents for inspection and includes these reporting requirements in grant contracts. The bill exempts local governments (cities, counties, tribes) and University of Wisconsin System institutions if they already include these funds in standard annual audits and submit those audits within 120 days of program completion. This change directly affects organizations receiving significant state economic development funding, adding reporting obligations unless they meet existing audit standards. The policy focuses on ensuring proper use of public funds through standardized financial reporting.

Maddy summarySB 211 would exempt certain tobacco-focused venues from the state's public smoking ban. Specifically, it creates a new exemption for "tobacco bars" that opened after June 4, 2009, allow only cigar and pipe smoking (not cigarettes), and are not classified as food establishments. This change would directly affect new tobacco bars meeting all three criteria, allowing them to operate without complying with the general smoking ban that applies to most public spaces. The bill does not alter the smoking ban for other businesses or venues. It is currently pending in committee after being introduced in April 2025.

Maddy summarySJR 49 designates May 14, 2025, and 2026, as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin to honor veterans who served alongside U.S. forces in the Vietnam War. The resolution recognizes the historical contributions of Hmong-Lao fighters recruited by the U.S. during the war, their post-war displacement, and their resettlement in Wisconsin communities. It formally acknowledges their service through legislative recognition, building on existing state law (2021 Wisconsin Act 31) that already designates May 14 for this purpose. This commemorative resolution directly affects Hmong-Lao veterans and their families in Wisconsin, with no new policy requirements or funding impacts.

Maddy summarySB 258 modifies statutes to allow certified licensed advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to certify physical disabilities for permit applications, expanding the list of eligible professionals alongside physicians and other healthcare providers. Specifically, it amends sections 29.193 to permit APRNs to prepare and sign medical reports verifying physical disabilities for applicants seeking permits, replacing "licensed physician" with a broader list that includes APRNs in these contexts. The bill also makes technical changes to other statutes related to APRNs' practice authority but does not alter core scope-of-practice rules. This directly affects applicants for disability permits who may now use APRNs for required medical certifications. The bill focuses on administrative updates rather than new policy mandates.

Maddy summarySJR 63 is a symbolic resolution that officially designates June as "Dairy Month" in Wisconsin. It recognizes the state's long history with dairy, from early 19th-century farmers to modern contributions, including the industry's $45.6 billion annual economic impact and over 6,000 dairy farms. The resolution has no new requirements or funding - it simply honors dairy farmers' role in Wisconsin's heritage and identity through a formal proclamation. It directly affects the state's dairy industry and its cultural recognition, but does not create new laws or policies. This is a ceremonial gesture, not a substantive legislative change.

Maddy summarySB 614 requires state agencies to withhold 10-50% of certain homelessness grant funds for at least 9 months before releasing them. It directly affects organizations receiving grants under statutes related to housing services (e.g., programs for homeless individuals), including shelters and service providers. Funds are only released if grantees meet specific performance goals, such as increasing housing retention, employment, or reducing homelessness recurrence compared to a base year. Grantees must also submit detailed reports including client data, program locations, and outcomes using standardized federal identifiers. The bill aims to tie funding to measurable results in homelessness services while ensuring accountability through mandatory reporting.

Maddy summarySB 435 updates the official title for physician assistants to "physician associate" across all relevant state laws and licensing rules. It allows certain physician associates to practice independently without direct physician supervision, while also creating new provisions for their credentialing board. The bill extends time limits for emergency rule procedures and provides exemptions from those procedures for specific regulatory actions. These changes directly affect licensed physician associates, their employers, and the state's medical credentialing board. The policy shifts terminology to "physician associate" and expands practice authority for qualified professionals.

Maddy summarySB 544 updates cigarette tax rates to distinguish between traditional smoking products and "heating tobacco" products (which heat tobacco without burning). It creates a new tax category for heating tobacco products, charging 63 mills per cigarette for lighter products and 126 mills for heavier ones - half the rate applied to traditional cigarettes. Businesses selling these products will pay these new rates, with adjustments to offset federal taxes. The bill also requires a one-time inventory tax on existing stock when rates change, but the main policy change is reducing taxes for heating tobacco products compared to traditional cigarettes.