Sen. Dianne Hesselbein

Maddy summarySB 823 establishes specific spending limits for Wisconsin's agricultural exports program. It requires $2.5 million to be spent on one export objective, $1.25 million each for two other objectives, and caps total annual spending at $1 million. The bill also increases funding for the program by $1.07 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and $1.09 million for 2026-27. Additionally, it adds one administrative position (1.0 FTE) within the Department of Agriculture to manage the program. The bill directly affects the Center for International Agribusiness Marketing and the Department of Agriculture, which administer the program.

Maddy summarySB 829 increases state funding for two Wisconsin economic development programs. It adds $200,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to promote "Something Special from Wisconsin" (advertising the state's products), and $300,000 annually for the same periods to fund "Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin" grants. These grants support Wisconsin businesses selling locally produced goods, while the promotion campaign helps market Wisconsin-made products. The bill directly affects Wisconsin businesses participating in these programs and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, which administers both initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 841 creates a program to fund local governments in Wisconsin to implement farmland preservation plans through grants. It establishes annual adjustments to the farmland preservation tax credit for inflation using agricultural price data, ensuring the credit amount increases with rising costs. The bill also sets maximum acreage limits for agricultural enterprise areas and authorizes funding for activities like zoning certification, farmland preservation agreements, and monitoring compliance. These changes directly affect Wisconsin farmers (through the tax credit) and local governments (through grant eligibility). The policy shifts focus to maintaining agricultural land by making preservation tools more adaptable to economic changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 119) is a ceremonial resolution formally congratulating the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh women’s volleyball team for winning the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship. It recognizes their historic first national title, flawless tournament performance (6 wins, no sets dropped), 34-3 overall record, and academic achievements (3.6 team GPA). The resolution serves as symbolic recognition from the Wisconsin Legislature to the team, coaches, and university community, highlighting their athletic and academic excellence. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy or financial impact and does not affect any individuals or entities beyond expressing legislative commendation.

Maddy summarySB 806 creates a $25 million annual appropriation for "Main Street Bounceback Grants" to help businesses open new locations or expand operations in vacant commercial spaces. The grants, administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, directly assist eligible businesses (excluding nonprofits) seeking to revitalize underutilized downtown areas. The bill requires eligibility rules to mirror the existing Wisconsin Tomorrow Main Street Bounceback Grant program as of June 30, 2023. This provides a dedicated funding stream for business expansion in vacant commercial properties, with $25 million allocated for each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 4, 2026, as "Transit Equity Day" in Wisconsin. It commemorates Rosa Parks' historic protest against unequal public transit access and acknowledges ongoing disparities in transit affordability and accessibility for people of color, low-income residents, and people with disabilities. The resolution serves as a symbolic observance to highlight efforts toward equitable transit systems, with no new policies or funding mechanisms attached.

Maddy summarySB 863 creates a new $10 million annual grant program for Wisconsin school districts to fund energy efficiency projects in school buildings, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The bill specifically directs the Department of Public Instruction to award these grants, with priority given to projects upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. School districts seeking to reduce energy costs and improve building efficiency directly benefit from this funding. The program includes authority for the department to develop implementing rules and is funded at $10 million for both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years.

Maddy summarySB 870 requires Wisconsin energy utilities to spend at least 25% of their annual energy efficiency funds on programs for low-income households, including energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy measures. The bill defines "low-income household" per state statute and mandates that these programs become a priority when setting energy efficiency goals. It also establishes minimum requirements for these programs and ensures utilities allocate funds annually toward reducing energy burdens for qualifying households. The law directly affects low-income residents and energy utilities across Wisconsin.

Maddy summarySB 869 increases the required funding for energy efficiency programs from 1.2% to 2.4% of energy utilities' annual operating revenues. It explicitly includes residential energy storage systems (like home battery systems) within eligible energy efficiency programs. The bill defines "energy storage system" as commercially available technology for storing energy, such as batteries. This change directly affects energy utilities, requiring them to allocate more funds toward programs that support residential energy storage adoption. The policy change focuses on expanding access to energy storage solutions for home customers through utility-funded programs.

Maddy summarySB 878 creates a new grant program to fund planning for regional biodigesters, which convert organic waste into renewable energy. It allocates $250,000 annually from the environmental fund for planning grants, specifically for establishing these facilities. The Department of Agriculture would administer the grants and develop rules for the program. This bill directly affects entities seeking to develop regional biodigester infrastructure, providing funding for initial planning stages. The legislation focuses on creating a structured process for grant distribution without specifying recipient eligibility.