Sen. Cory Tomczyk

Maddy summarySB 311 prohibits state and local government funds - including those from counties, cities, towns, and federal funds passing through the state treasury - from covering health care services for individuals not lawfully present in the U.S. It directly affects undocumented immigrants seeking health care in Wisconsin. The bill creates a new statute (20.926) banning such funding, with two exceptions: it does not apply if federal law requires payment, or if applying the ban would cause the state to lose federal funds. This policy change restricts public funding for health services based solely on immigration status.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 196 proposes various changes to unemployment insurance law, primarily affecting individuals receiving benefits and employers. It allows employers to report to the state unemployment department if an individual declines job interviews or offers, or fails to respond to or attend them. The bill also tightens work search requirements for benefit recipients, specifying that actions like declining a job interview may mean a claimant did not conduct a reasonable job search. Furthermore, it mandates the department to recover overpaid benefits from claimants who fail to meet work search requirements or whose security credentials are misused due to their actions.

Maddy summarySB 653 prohibits University of Wisconsin System institutions from accepting foreign grants, entering academic partnerships, or signing research agreements with entities from countries designated as "foreign adversaries" (including China, Russia, and Qatar) without board approval. It requires security reviews by federal law enforcement for any proposed partnerships and bans institutions from using educational software from "prohibited business entities" (like Chinese state-owned companies). The bill also bans accepting gifts or cultural exchange payments from such foreign entities and mandates annual reports to the legislature on all existing partnerships with foreign adversaries. This directly affects UW System campuses, their boards, and researchers by restricting international collaborations and requiring new security protocols.

Maddy summarySB 609 creates a state matching grant program for organizations that receive federal per diem payments to house veterans. It directly affects eligible veterans' housing providers (like nonprofits or care facilities) that already qualify for federal per diem payments under 38 USC 2012. The bill provides state matching funds of $25 per day per veteran, up to 365 days yearly, paid quarterly based on the previous quarter's housing. Applications are accepted annually, and grants are awarded in the order received.

Maddy summarySB 608 creates a state matching grant program that provides $950,000 in state funds to match federal per diem payments received by eligible non-state entities (like community organizations or service providers). The program directly affects organizations that already receive federal daily living payments, allowing them to access additional state funding through a 1:1 match. Key provisions include allocating $950,000 specifically for this matching grant under the Veterans Affairs budget and defining eligible recipients as non-state entities receiving federal per diem payments. This is a procedural funding measure that establishes a new appropriation line without changing eligibility criteria or creating new requirements.

Maddy summarySB 651 prohibits telecommunications providers in Wisconsin from using critical infrastructure equipment made by "foreign adversaries" (as defined by federal law) or equipment banned by the federal government under 47 USC 1601. It directly affects telecom providers, requiring them to remove existing prohibited equipment by a specified date and cease purchasing such equipment going forward. The bill mandates annual certification of compliance, public reporting of equipment locations and replacement plans, and requires the Public Service Commission to publish a public map and annual report to the legislature. These provisions align with federal actions under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act (47 USC 1601 et seq.) to address national security risks in telecommunications infrastructure.

Maddy summarySB 665 requires the state wildlife department to establish a specific statewide population goal for wolves when they are not listed as endangered under federal or state law. This goal would guide the department's management plan, which must allow regulated hunting and trapping of wolves. The bill mandates that the department issue licenses to limit the number of hunters, trappers, and wolves taken. It directly affects the department's authority to manage wolf populations and hunting regulations. The bill does not set a specific numerical target but requires the department to define and implement a population goal as part of its management plan.

Maddy summarySB 648 prohibits Wisconsin state agencies from contracting with business entities tied to certain foreign governments designated as adversaries (like the People’s Republic of China or its government entities). It requires contractors to certify they are not prohibited entities and that their goods/services don’t originate from such entities, with state agencies relying on these certifications. Violations trigger penalties including fines up to $250,000 or twice the contract value, plus a 5-year ban on state contracts. Exceptions exist if goods/services are unavailable elsewhere and approved by the Department of Administration.

Maddy summarySB 825 streamlines environmental review processes for major highway projects by establishing clearer timelines and requirements. It defines "categorical exclusion" (avoiding full environmental reviews for standard projects) and requires the transportation department to submit a report to the commission before construction begins, including proof that financing is secured to start work within 6 years of project approval. The bill directly affects highway projects listed under Section 84.013(3) and those described in Section 84.013(1)(a)2m., requiring project reports to include approved environmental documentation and a financing plan. These changes aim to accelerate project timelines while ensuring compliance with federal environmental review standards.

Maddy summarySB 23 extends Medicaid eligibility for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days (one year) after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. The bill modifies eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family income above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if medical expenses for family members are covered, extending this eligibility to all family members. The bill requires federal approval for the 365-day extension to take effect.