Sen. Cory Tomczyk

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Wisconsin state agencies and local governments from restricting utility connections based on the type or source of energy, such as natural gas versus renewable sources. It also forbids these entities from discriminating against public utilities or retailers that provide specific energy services to consumers. While the law limits regulatory barriers, it explicitly preserves the government's ability to manage its own utilities, reduce emissions through its own operations, and purchase renewable energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wisconsin statutes to require the state Department of Natural Resources to establish a specific goal for the statewide wolf population. The law applies to wolves that are not currently listed as endangered at the federal or state level. Under this provision, the department must create a management plan that sets a target number for the wolf population and may limit the number of hunters and trappers allowed to take wolves to meet that goal. The bill was passed by the Senate but ultimately failed to become law after the Governor's veto was not overridden by the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates that all teacher preparation programs in Wisconsin require students to complete student teaching for at least one but no more than four full semesters before they can obtain a teaching license. It requires the state to track and report licensure exam passage rates separately for students who completed one semester, more than one semester, or the full duration of student teaching. Additionally, the bill establishes a new teacher apprenticeship program for students in qualifying programs and grants the state superintendent the authority to create rules governing this apprenticeship, including supervision requirements and registration processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a mandatory postelection audit process in Wisconsin where the Legislative Audit Bureau reviews election records in randomly selected counties and municipalities after general elections. The audit allows bureau staff to physically examine ballots and other materials at secure sites under the supervision of municipal clerks, with the public permitted to observe the proceedings from a designated distance. To ensure accountability, the law creates a legal mechanism for citizens to sue election officials who fail to comply with the audit requirements, imposing a daily $500 penalty for noncompliance. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Legislative Audit Bureau submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature by June 30 of the year following the election.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Wisconsin Elections Commission to verify the U.S. citizenship status of individuals on the voter registration list by accessing data from the Department of Transportation. Under the new rules, the commission must check this information immediately whenever someone registers to vote or updates their registration details. Additionally, the bill mandates that driver's licenses and identification cards issued to non-citizens must display a clear statement such as "Not valid for voting purposes" to indicate they cannot be used for voter identification. These changes directly affect the state's election administration processes and the design of identification documents issued to residents.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require local governments in Wisconsin, such as cities, towns, and counties, to appoint a specific staff member to handle communications with the federal government about refugee resettlement. Under the proposed rules, local officials must report any initial contact with federal agencies regarding refugee placement within seven business days and then notify neighboring local units within 100 miles within 10 days. Following these notifications, the local governing body would be required to hold a public meeting to discuss the contact and officially designate an employee to serve as the point of contact for future federal consultations on refugee assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill, which was vetoed by the Governor, would have established a $1 million cap on noneconomic damages - such as pain and suffering - that individuals can recover from commercial motor vehicle carriers in Wisconsin tort cases. The legislation defined commercial motor vehicles as those used to transport property and commercial carriers as entities transporting such property on public highways. Under the proposed rules, juries and judges would determine the full amount of damages first, but the final award would be reduced to the $1 million limit if the amount exceeded it. Although the bill passed the legislature, it did not become law after the Governor rejected it.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill prohibits payment card networks and issuers from requiring firearms retailers to use a specific merchant category code that distinguishes them from general merchandise or sporting goods stores. It also bans state and local governments from intentionally creating or maintaining lists of individuals who own firearms, with limited exceptions for criminal investigations or court orders. The legislation establishes penalties for violations, including the authority for the attorney general to investigate and order non-compliant entities to stop using prohibited codes within 30 days. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill aimed to update and consolidate state laws governing the employment of minors, specifically targeting those under 16 years of age. The legislation sought to repeal numerous outdated statutes and replace them with streamlined rules that require employers to maintain detailed daily records of each minor's work hours, name, and address. Additionally, the bill proposed stricter penalties for illegally employing minors, including increased fines for work-related injuries and establishing that a minor's presence in a workplace without a permit serves as prima facie evidence of unlawful employment. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposed changes to Wisconsin's aquatic plant management laws, specifically creating a permit exemption for treating invasive plants in private ponds smaller than five acres. Under the plan, a certified commercial applicator could use EPA-approved chemicals on these small ponds without a permit if they followed label instructions and notified all neighboring property owners. Additionally, the bill would have allowed permits for larger ponds over five acres to remain valid for at least five years and established a fee structure for managing aquatic plants on privately owned water bodies. Although the legislation included provisions for using certain biological agents to improve water quality, the Governor vetoed the bill, and it did not become law.