Sen. Kelda Roys

Maddy summarySB 690 prohibits local governments from using eminent domain (condemnation) to acquire land specifically for recreational trails, bicycle ways, bicycle lanes, or pedestrian paths. The bill amends multiple statutes governing land acquisition for parks and recreation, explicitly adding that condemnation authority cannot be used for these trail-related purposes. This affects counties, cities, and park authorities that previously could use condemnation for such projects under existing laws. The key change is a clear restriction on eminent domain use for trail development, not a ban on trails themselves.

Maddy summarySB 689 allows cities to extend the lifespan of tax incremental districts (TIDs) used for housing projects by up to three years after initial development costs are paid. Cities must obtain joint review board approval for extensions longer than one year. This change applies to existing TIDs focused on improving housing stock, giving cities more time to complete development projects using tax increment funds. The bill modifies statutes to clarify extension rules while maintaining oversight requirements.

Maddy summarySB 761 eliminates and modifies specific provisions from 2023 Act 12 affecting Milwaukee's city government. It repeals requirements that the fire and police commission board must include members from the same political party (removing a 3-member cap for 7-member boards) and removes the need for the mayor to appoint members from employee association lists. The bill also changes the appointment process, allowing the mayor to appoint board members without common council confirmation for existing members, while requiring new members to complete training. Additionally, it modifies a tax provision related to rail transportation projects in Milwaukee, excluding the "Lakefront Line" route.

Maddy summarySB 790 raises the monetary threshold for certain small claims court cases from $5,000 to $10,000. It specifically applies to third-party complaints, personal injury claims, and tort actions filed in small claims court. This change means more cases involving these claim types will qualify for the simplified small claims process instead of moving to higher-value civil court. The bill affects individuals and businesses filing such claims under the new $10,000 limit, directly changing which court handles these cases. It becomes effective for actions filed on its effective date.

Maddy summarySB 784 bans state law enforcement agencies from providing, arranging, or reimbursing "warrior-style training" for officers. This type of training is defined as instruction that dehumanizes people, encourages aggressive conduct, or de-emphasizes human life or constitutional rights, potentially increasing the likelihood of deadly force use. The bill prohibits state agencies from contracting with organizations offering such training and denies certification or reimbursement for any training involving warrior-style methods. However, it explicitly allows training in aikido (a specific martial art) to continue without restriction.

Maddy summarySB 696 amends Wisconsin's rules for tax incremental districts (TIDs), which local governments use to finance development projects through future property tax revenues. It reduces a 12% tax levy limit to 5% for the town of Cable, adds park development costs to eligible project expenses, and adjusts how property value increases are calculated after TID termination. These changes directly affect cities and towns operating TIDs by altering how they determine tax levy limits and what projects qualify for TID financing. The bill simplifies calculations for property value increments and ensures consistent application of levy limits across districts.

Maddy summarySB 723 creates a new 5% income tax credit for beginning farmers and owners of agricultural assets in Wisconsin. Beginning farmers receive a credit equal to 5% of lease payments or purchase prices paid for agricultural assets (including land improvements), while asset owners get 5% of lease payments received from beginning farmers. The credit is limited to the first three years of a lease, capped at $75,000 per taxable year, and requires a certificate of eligibility. It applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026, and affects individual taxpayers (not partnerships or corporations directly). The bill also establishes a dedicated funding appropriation for unused credits.

Maddy summarySB 694 establishes a Shared Revenue Advisory Council to study and recommend improvements to how state aid is distributed to counties and municipalities. The council, composed of legislative leaders, municipal/town/county association representatives, and the revenue secretary, will analyze population, property value, and revenue data to evaluate current aid formulas. It requires the council to recommend a new distribution formula for 2027 and beyond that maintains or increases aid for all jurisdictions, while accounting for population changes and property value declines. The bill also sets a baseline funding level of $16,257,500 for supplemental aid in fiscal year 2026-27, with annual adjustments based on tax revenue changes.

Maddy summarySB 707 replaces Wisconsin's existing "expenditure restraint incentive program" with a new "municipality payment program" that guarantees ongoing funding for eligible municipalities. It directly affects cities and towns that received payments under the old program in 2024, 2025, or 2026, ensuring they receive annual payments equal to their highest prior-year amount starting in 2027. Key provisions include ending the old program after 2026 (via Section 79.05(8)), creating a new payment structure (Section 79.06), and adjusting payment schedules for 2026-2027. The bill makes a specific appropriation to fund this transition, with most changes effective July 1, 2027.

Maddy summarySB 770 establishes two new grant programs: a $200,000 annual Farm to Fork grant for businesses, hospitals, and other non-school entities to connect local farms with cafeterias, and a $250,000 annual Farm to School grant for school districts. The Farm to School grants prioritize proposals from high-poverty school districts (where many students qualify for free/reduced meals) and support initiatives like expanding local food procurement, facility upgrades, and nutrition education. Both programs require the Agriculture Department to award grants with preferences for innovative models, value-added agricultural products (like processed local foods), and projects improving farm access to markets. The bill also adds administrative funding for the department to manage these programs.