Sen. Cory Tomczyk

Maddy summarySB 8 creates a "lemon law" for new farm machinery (like tractors or harvesters) sold with an express warranty. It directly affects farmers who purchase or lease new equipment, requiring manufacturers or dealers to repair defects covered by warranty. If the same defect isn't fixed after four repair attempts or the equipment is unusable for 30+ days total due to warranty issues, the buyer is entitled to a replacement or full refund. The law applies within the warranty period or one year after first delivery, whichever comes first.

Maddy summarySB 59 expands Wisconsin's tuition assistance program to include veterans and their dependents attending private nonprofit colleges, not just University of Wisconsin System or technical college students. It creates a new grant program under Section 39.49, allowing eligible students enrolled in bachelor's or graduate programs at private institutions to receive tuition coverage (up to the amount charged) when maintaining a 2.0 GPA. The grant funds are paid directly to the private college to offset tuition costs, rather than to the student. This policy change specifically affects veterans and dependents seeking higher education at qualifying private institutions across Wisconsin.

Maddy summarySB 600 would enable Wisconsin to participate in a federal tax credit program that allows individuals to deduct contributions to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) from their state taxes. The bill requires the state education department to annually submit a list of qualifying SGOs meeting federal standards and certify Wisconsin's eligibility to the U.S. Treasury. It gives the governor until July 1, 2026, to decide whether to join the program, which would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026. The bill does not create new tax benefits but establishes the state's administrative process to align with the federal program.

Maddy summarySB 555 requires Wisconsin's executive branch agencies to submit biennial budget requests using "zero-based budgeting" for 20% of agencies each fiscal biennium, starting in 2027-29. This means agencies must justify every budget line item based on current needs and goals, rather than relying on previous funding levels. The bill also mandates that agencies analyze whether past appropriations met their intended goals and explain any shortfalls, with these reports posted online. It directly affects all state executive agencies submitting budget requests, shifting how they justify spending. The changes take effect for the 2027-29 budget cycle.

Maddy summarySB 211 would exempt certain tobacco-focused venues from the state's public smoking ban. Specifically, it creates a new exemption for "tobacco bars" that opened after June 4, 2009, allow only cigar and pipe smoking (not cigarettes), and are not classified as food establishments. This change would directly affect new tobacco bars meeting all three criteria, allowing them to operate without complying with the general smoking ban that applies to most public spaces. The bill does not alter the smoking ban for other businesses or venues. It is currently pending in committee after being introduced in April 2025.

Maddy summarySB 567 updates Wisconsin's voter registration rules to improve address verification and remove ineligible voters. It requires election officials to send postcards to verify a voter's current address when registration changes are reported, and to automatically remove voters from the list if addresses can't be confirmed or if they register in another state. The bill also mandates timely notifications to voters and election commissions when registration status changes from "eligible" to "ineligible." These changes directly affect voters who move or update their address, and election offices responsible for maintaining accurate registration lists.

Maddy summarySB 287 requires state agencies, local governments, and contractors working with government to verify employees' work eligibility through the federal E-Verify program before hiring. It prohibits contracts with employers not enrolled in E-Verify or knowingly employing individuals flagged as ineligible by the program. The bill mandates written verification statements in all contracts and allows termination of violating agreements. This applies to all state procurement, construction contracts, and local government hiring starting from the effective date, with an exception if the federal E-Verify program ends.

Maddy summarySB 522 requires courts to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) for a minor child in family court cases where a nonparent (like a grandparent) petitions for reasonable visitation rights under Section 767.43. The bill mandates a GAL appointment if the nonparent petitioner presents a basic legal case supporting visitation. This applies specifically to cases seeking visitation rights, not custody or other family matters. The law directly affects minors involved in such visitation disputes and ensures courts consider the child's perspective through a dedicated representative.

Maddy summarySB 375 allows first-class cities to use traffic control photographic systems (red-light cameras) to automatically detect vehicles running red lights at intersections. The bill requires cameras to be placed only at intersections with a documented annual accident rate of 1.0 or higher, mandates clear signage, and requires photographs to focus on license plates from the rear. Vehicle owners receive written notices with photos within 30 business days, and fines range from $20 to $40 for first offenses, with proceeds funding system costs and traffic safety programs. This directly affects drivers in first-class cities who violate red-light laws, as cities may implement the system at no more than five intersections per aldermanic district.

Maddy summarySB 597 would allow Wisconsin voters to automatically receive absentee ballots for every election without needing to reapply each time. It eliminates the current "indefinitely confined" voter status requirement, streamlining the process for voters who qualify. The bill requires voters to provide proof of identification once to enroll, with the municipal clerk retaining an electronic copy in the statewide system until the voter stops receiving automatic ballots or the ID expires. This change directly affects Wisconsin residents who currently must request absentee ballots for each election, making absentee voting more accessible while maintaining verification requirements.