Sen. Patrick Testin

Maddy summarySB 672 prohibits health insurance plans (including Medical Assistance) from covering organ transplants or related care if the organ was transplanted in, originates from, or was procured in a country designated by the department as participating in forced organ harvesting. The bill defines forced organ harvesting as the removal of organs through coercion, deception, or abuse of power. It exempts life-saving post-transplant care for individuals who already received a prohibited transplant. The department will designate qualifying countries, and the law applies to all disability insurance, self-insured health plans, and Medical Assistance programs. (SB 672, Section 1)

Maddy summarySB 445 requires state agencies and local governments (including cities, counties, and school districts) to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) 2016 definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination cases involving race, religion, color, or national origin under state laws, ordinances, or criminal penalty enhancements. It specifically applies when assessing whether a victim was targeted due to their actual or perceived identity. The bill clarifies it does not override First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state antidiscrimination laws. This is a procedural requirement for consistent application of the IHRA definition in relevant legal contexts.

Maddy summarySB 649 prohibits state-funded medical and research facilities from using genetic software or operational tools developed by foreign adversaries (as defined by federal regulations), and bans storing human genome data of state residents within foreign adversary countries. It directly affects facilities receiving state or federal funds for health services or genetic research, requiring them to keep all genomic data within the state and inaccessible to foreign adversaries. Key provisions include a $10,000 penalty per violation for noncompliance, enforced by the state attorney general, with exceptions for clinical trials under federal guidelines. The bill focuses on restricting data and software access from designated foreign entities to protect genomic information.

Maddy summarySB 475 modifies Wisconsin's building code rules for public buildings, structures, and places of employment (like government offices, schools, or public facilities). It specifies that most commercial building code chapters (SPS 361-366) apply to these public spaces, but excludes one specific provision (SPS 361.03(7)) from applying if building plans are submitted to the department or local government by April 1, 2026. The bill takes effect for projects where plans are submitted by that deadline, altering which code requirements govern public building construction. This change directly affects public construction projects requiring building code compliance.

Maddy summarySB 288 allows the lead vehicle in a funeral procession, or all vehicles in a procession, to use flashing amber or purple lights during the procession. It requires that if any vehicle in the procession uses such lights, all vehicles must be equipped with them. This change directly affects funeral home operators and drivers participating in funeral processions by standardizing lighting rules for safety and visibility.

Maddy summarySB 653 prohibits University of Wisconsin System institutions from accepting foreign grants, entering academic partnerships, or signing research agreements with entities from countries designated as "foreign adversaries" (including China, Russia, and Qatar) without board approval. It requires security reviews by federal law enforcement for any proposed partnerships and bans institutions from using educational software from "prohibited business entities" (like Chinese state-owned companies). The bill also bans accepting gifts or cultural exchange payments from such foreign entities and mandates annual reports to the legislature on all existing partnerships with foreign adversaries. This directly affects UW System campuses, their boards, and researchers by restricting international collaborations and requiring new security protocols.

Maddy summarySJR 112 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH) boys cross country team for winning the 2025 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) state championship. It highlights their fourth consecutive title, 15th overall state championship, undefeated 2025 season, and academic achievements. The resolution formally congratulates the team, coaches, and athletes for their athletic excellence and community pride. As a non-binding ceremonial measure, it does not create new laws or affect any policies.

Maddy summarySB 535 prevents local governments and state agencies from blocking digital asset use. It allows people to pay for legal goods/services with digital assets (like crypto) and store them using personal digital wallets (self-hosted or hardware devices). The bill defines key terms like "blockchain" and "staking" but focuses on prohibiting government restrictions on these activities. It directly affects cities, counties, state departments, and residents using digital assets for payments or custody.

Maddy summarySB 651 prohibits telecommunications providers in Wisconsin from using critical infrastructure equipment made by "foreign adversaries" (as defined by federal law) or equipment banned by the federal government under 47 USC 1601. It directly affects telecom providers, requiring them to remove existing prohibited equipment by a specified date and cease purchasing such equipment going forward. The bill mandates annual certification of compliance, public reporting of equipment locations and replacement plans, and requires the Public Service Commission to publish a public map and annual report to the legislature. These provisions align with federal actions under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act (47 USC 1601 et seq.) to address national security risks in telecommunications infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 534 creates an Office of Medical Cannabis Regulation within the Department of Health Services to oversee medical cannabis programs. It defines "medical cannabis product" consistently across statutes and prohibits courts from considering lawful medical cannabis use or registry status when making child custody decisions, except in cases where a child accesses the products. The bill also amends provisions related to prescription drug monitoring and clarifies that local ordinances cannot prosecute for marijuana possession under specific conditions. These changes primarily affect patients using medical cannabis, courts handling custody cases, and state agencies managing cannabis and drug monitoring programs.