Sen. Cory Tomczyk

Maddy summarySB 99 creates a Spinal Cord Injury Council to oversee research grants and allocates $2.5 million biennially for spinal cord injury research in Wisconsin. The council, composed of researchers, individuals with spinal cord injuries, veterans, family members, and medical professionals, develops grant criteria and reviews applications. Researchers receiving grants must present findings at department-hosted symposia every two years and report annual progress to the legislature. The bill specifically funds innovative treatments and rehabilitative approaches, with grants allowing up to 8% for administrative costs.

Maddy summarySB 450 allows specific member-owned agricultural cooperatives (defined as pre-1922 organizations with 501(c)(5) status) to provide health benefit coverage exclusively for their members and families. The bill requires these organizations to offer coverage in all state counties, file insurance commissioner attestations, and provide annual actuarial reviews to ensure financial stability. It mandates clear written notice that this coverage is not health insurance and cannot satisfy federal insurance requirements, while prohibiting exclusions for preexisting conditions beyond six months or denying coverage based on provider type. Organizations must also reinsure risks with state-authorized companies and establish complaint resolution processes similar to standard health insurance.

Maddy summarySB 3 requires local governments to approve certain wind and solar energy projects before the Public Service Commission can review them. This directly affects renewable energy developers seeking to build projects and local municipalities responsible for granting permits. The bill creates a new step where community-level approval must be secured prior to state-level review by the Public Service Commission. This changes the current process by adding a mandatory local consent requirement before state agencies can act on these projects.

Maddy summarySB 371 requires public schools to include specific content in human growth and development classes about pregnancy, prenatal development, and childbirth. It mandates two key instructional tools: a high-definition ultrasound video showing fetal organ development week-by-week, and a presentation detailing each trimester's impact on a mother's physical and emotional health. The bill directly affects public school curricula in human growth and development courses, setting concrete requirements for the instructional materials used. It does not alter existing curriculum standards but specifies the exact content and format for this particular topic. The bill is currently under review in the Education Committee.

Maddy summarySJR 94 proposes adding Section 27 to the state constitution to prohibit government agencies from discriminating against or giving preferential treatment to individuals or groups based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. This would apply to public employment, education, contracting, and administration. The bill is a constitutional amendment requiring voter approval, with a ballot question scheduled for the November 2026 election. If approved by voters, it would create a new constitutional standard for state and local government actions. This is a second legislative attempt to submit this amendment to voters after a prior proposal in 2023.

Maddy summarySB 428 raises county public works bidding and notice thresholds in Wisconsin. It increases the bidding threshold from $25,000 to $50,000 for competitive bidding and the notice threshold from $5,000 to $10,000 for public notice requirements. The bill also creates an automatic inflation adjustment: every 5 years, these thresholds will increase based on the U.S. consumer price index, rounded to the nearest $1,000. This affects counties and contractors handling public construction projects, requiring them to follow these updated cost-based bidding rules for most projects over the new thresholds.

Maddy summarySJR 80 is a joint resolution recognizing October 7, 2025, as National Propane Day in Wisconsin. It formally acknowledges propane's role as a clean-burning, low-carbon fuel that heats over 278,000 Wisconsin homes, supports 1,360 jobs, and contributes more than $1 billion annually to the state economy. The resolution highlights propane's importance for energy security and air quality without creating new regulations or altering existing laws. As a ceremonial measure, it does not impose costs or requirements on the state or industry.

Maddy summarySJR 88 is a symbolic resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, following his assassination. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's gratitude for his dedication to "faith, liberty, and truth," his work inspiring young Americans, and his commitment to family. The resolution commends his legacy as a "beacon of conviction and courage" and joins in prayer for his family and the nation. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding policy changes or direct impact on constituents.

Maddy summarySB 454 creates a new income tax subtraction for Wisconsin taxpayers who earn qualified overtime compensation, directly affecting workers receiving overtime pay that meets federal tax definitions. It allows individuals to subtract up to $12,500 (or $25,000 for joint filers) of qualifying overtime income from their taxable income each year. The benefit phases out for higher earners: for single filers, the subtraction decreases by $100 for every $1,000 their modified federal adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000, and for joint filers, the threshold is $300,000. The bill specifies that "qualified overtime" excludes tips and aligns with federal definitions under the Internal Revenue Code.

Maddy summarySB 407 creates a grant program to fund Rogers Behavioral Health's new integrated mental health facility in the Chippewa Valley. The bill requires Rogers to submit detailed certification plans for all service levels (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care) to meet state licensing requirements before receiving funds. It also mandates that the facility accept Medical Assistance recipients (Wisconsin's Medicaid program), admit involuntary patients within two years, and provide annual reports to the Department of Health Services for five years. This bill directly affects Rogers Behavioral Health and mental health patients in the Chippewa Valley region seeking comprehensive care.