Sen. Cory Tomczyk

Maddy summarySB 678 allows law enforcement officers to request a sample of a person's oral fluids (or breath) as a preliminary screening tool when they suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This applies before an arrest for DUI violations, and the test results can only be used to decide whether to arrest the driver or request a formal chemical test later. The bill specifies that refusal to take this oral fluid screening does not trigger penalties under other statutes, and the results cannot be used as evidence in court except to establish probable cause for an arrest. It directly affects drivers suspected of DUI and officers conducting roadside screenings.

Maddy summarySB 620 requires sex offenders on parole or extended supervision who cannot provide an address to notify the department within 24 hours of becoming unable to do so. It also mandates that the department use location tracking technology (passive positioning systems) for these individuals if they fail to provide an address as required under existing registration rules. The bill directly affects sex offenders subject to registration who lose the ability to provide a stable address. Key mechanisms include the 24-hour notification deadline and automatic departmental implementation of tracking when address information is unavailable. The policy change ensures continuous monitoring of this specific group to maintain public safety oversight.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution designating February 6, 2026, as "Ronald Reagan Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies; instead, it formally recognizes the 114th anniversary of Ronald Reagan's birth through a symbolic observance. The resolution urges Wisconsin citizens to acknowledge the day, citing Reagan's historical roles as California governor and U.S. president, his economic policies, and his Cold War diplomacy. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect on residents or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SB 339) establishes a weight limit for utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) in the state, though the specific weight limit value is not provided in the available text. It sets an effective date of January 6, 2026 (or March 1, 2026, if published after January 7, 2026). The bill directly affects UTV owners, manufacturers, and local authorities responsible for enforcement. The context provided does not specify the exact weight limit, who is exempt, or the enforcement mechanisms, so a detailed summary of the policy changes cannot be completed. The bill passed the legislature on October 14, 2025, and was cosponsored by Representative Tranel.

Maddy summarySB 158 updates Wisconsin's rules for county forest administration grants by setting new qualifications for the county forest administrator position. It requires applicants to have either a forestry degree from an accredited program, a related degree with 3+ years managing county forests, or an associate forestry degree with 3+ years of experience. The bill allows counties to use grants covering up to 50% of the administrator's salary and 40% of their benefits (capped at 40% of salary). This applies to all grant applications submitted on or after January 1, 2025, directly affecting counties seeking funding for forest management programs.

Maddy summarySB 11 allows representatives from specific federally chartered youth organizations (like Scouts, 4-H, or YMCA chapters) to provide information about their programs to students on public school property during the 2026-27 school year. The bill requires school governing bodies (like school boards) to schedule at least one non-instructional time slot at the start of each school term for these organizations to share how their activities support students' education and civic engagement. It applies only to organizations listed in Title 36 of the U.S. Code with educational purposes, not all outside groups. The law does not require schools to permit these visits but establishes a formal process for requests. This policy change directly affects Wisconsin public schools and the designated youth organizations.

Maddy summarySB 310 sets a 60-day maximum limit on emergency proclamations issued by local government leaders in Wisconsin, including mayors, county executives, village presidents, and town board chairs. After 60 days, the local governing body (such as a city council or county board) must act to extend, modify, or revoke the proclamation as soon as they can meet. The law requires that any extension or change be approved by the governing body, not just the chief executive officer. This directly affects all local units of government across Wisconsin that use emergency proclamations during crises.

Maddy summarySB 421 provides Domtar Paper Company, LLC with a one-time $42 million grant to modernize a dam associated with its Rothschild mill. The bill requires Domtar to invest $100 million in north central Wisconsin manufacturing facilities within three years and use only Wisconsin-sourced wood materials during the project. If Domtar fails to meet the investment deadline, sells its mills, or uses non-Wisconsin materials, it must repay the grant amount. The grant is funded from specific state appropriations and includes repayment mechanisms to ensure accountability. This directly affects Domtar Paper Company, LLC and impacts local infrastructure in Rothschild.

Maddy summarySB 210 changes Wisconsin's academic excellence scholarship program for high school seniors. It adjusts how many students qualify based on school size: schools with 80-500 students can name one top-performing senior (highest GPA), while larger schools may name multiple scholars. The bill also adds new rules for handling tied GPAs, requiring faculty to select alternates if multiple seniors have identical high scores. These changes directly affect public and private Wisconsin high schools with 80+ students and their top academic performers. The bill repeals outdated criteria and creates new provisions to streamline scholarship designations.

Maddy summarySB 358 allows Wisconsin coroner or medical examiner offices to temporarily increase fees for two specific services: signing death certificates and issuing cremation permits. The bill permits a one-time fee increase of up to $100 above the April 17, 2015, rate for each service, without needing to account for inflation changes. This adjustment applies only to boards transitioning to physician medical examiner services under intergovernmental agreements. The policy directly affects public users paying these fees and the offices administering them.