Sen. Romaine Quinn

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 339) establishes a weight limit for utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) in the state, though the specific weight limit value is not provided in the available text. It sets an effective date of January 6, 2026 (or March 1, 2026, if published after January 7, 2026). The bill directly affects UTV owners, manufacturers, and local authorities responsible for enforcement. The context provided does not specify the exact weight limit, who is exempt, or the enforcement mechanisms, so a detailed summary of the policy changes cannot be completed. The bill passed the legislature on October 14, 2025, and was cosponsored by Representative Tranel.

Maddy summarySB 158 updates Wisconsin's rules for county forest administration grants by setting new qualifications for the county forest administrator position. It requires applicants to have either a forestry degree from an accredited program, a related degree with 3+ years managing county forests, or an associate forestry degree with 3+ years of experience. The bill allows counties to use grants covering up to 50% of the administrator's salary and 40% of their benefits (capped at 40% of salary). This applies to all grant applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025, directly affecting counties seeking funding for forest management programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for appointing town clerks and treasurers, requires towns to publish budget summaries and public hearing notices, and creates procedures for closing or removing roads. It directly affects local governments by changing administrative processes for financial transparency and infrastructure decisions. The bill modifies how municipalities handle appointments, budget communications, and highway discontinuance without altering tax rates or funding levels. It passed unanimously and is now law.

Maddy summarySB 210 changes Wisconsin's academic excellence scholarship program for high school seniors. It adjusts how many students qualify based on school size: schools with 80-500 students can name one top-performing senior (highest GPA), while larger schools may name multiple scholars. The bill also adds new rules for handling tied GPAs, requiring faculty to select alternates if multiple seniors have identical high scores. These changes directly affect public and private Wisconsin high schools with 80+ students and their top academic performers. The bill repeals outdated criteria and creates new provisions to streamline scholarship designations.

Maddy summarySB 440 changes Wisconsin's requirements for the typeface used in legal notices published in newspapers. It replaces the previous standard (Times New Roman) with Arial sans serif typeface, mandating 6-point font size with specific formatting details. The bill directly affects newspapers publishing legal notices and government agencies placing such notices, requiring them to use Arial within specified parameters. It also allows for larger Arial sizes (up to 12-point) with proportional fee adjustments, which the Department of Administration will certify. This is a procedural change to standardize legal notice formatting, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summarySB 172 prohibits filing or recording contracts for services or materials that do not improve real estate, such as non-physical services (e.g., consulting) or materials not attached to property. It directly affects contractors, property owners, and businesses that submit such contracts for official recording. The bill establishes penalties for violating this prohibition, though specific penalty amounts are not detailed in the provided text. This law aims to prevent the official recording of agreements that do not enhance property value through physical improvements. The bill was enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 32 after receiving gubernatorial approval in August 2025.

Maddy summarySB 255 regulates tolls charged by the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company to water power operators using reservoirs it manages. The bill sets a cap on tolls at reasonable operational costs plus a 6% annual return on capital invested (defined as paid-in capital and bond par value), and requires the company to report semiannually on costs and recommended tolls. It prohibits tolls from covering initial reservoir construction costs and establishes that tolls create a lien on the water power properties. The law directly affects water power operators below the reservoirs and the company itself, ensuring tolls fund maintenance while protecting the company’s capital value.

Maddy summarySB 124 creates a state board to organize, promote, and host a Wisconsin nuclear power summit. The board, including a member appointed by the public service commission chair, would direct state funds for the summit and receive administrative support from a state corporation (such as meeting coordination, public records compliance, and event logistics). This bill does not change nuclear power regulations or affect businesses; it solely establishes the framework for hosting a single summit event. The bill was enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 11 after receiving gubernatorial approval.

Maddy summarySB 56 clarifies how Wisconsin can use federal funds for water infrastructure projects. It specifically prohibits using federal capitalization grant funds (from 42 USC 300j-12) to forgive loan principal for private community water systems, except for lead service line replacements. The bill ensures these federal dollars can only cover the direct costs of replacing lead pipes, not other types of financial assistance. This affects private water system owners seeking federal funding for infrastructure upgrades. The law was enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 8.

Maddy summarySJR 48 is a ceremonial resolution expressing the Wisconsin Legislature's congratulations to Knights of Columbus Council 499 for celebrating 125 years of community service. It recognizes the council’s founding in 1900 as Wisconsin’s first Knights of Columbus council and its ongoing volunteer work supporting local schools, disability services, and disaster relief. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or obligations - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation. It directly affects Council 499 by formally honoring their historical and ongoing community contributions.