Sen. Cory Tomczyk

Maddy summarySJR 128 is a symbolic resolution honoring Wisconsin's Polish community for its 180-year presence in the state and its contributions to Wisconsin's cultural and social strength. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any individuals or groups. The resolution specifically recognizes historical milestones, including Polish immigrants arriving in 1845, contributions to Wisconsin's development, and connections to Polish-American historical figures. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding legal effect or practical impact beyond formal recognition.

Maddy summarySJR 133 is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) that reaffirms Wisconsin's longstanding relationship with Taiwan. It expresses support for the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, highlights Wisconsin's economic ties with Taiwan (including $380 million in exports to Taiwan in 2023), and encourages state agencies to explore establishing a Wisconsin representative office in Taiwan to boost trade and cultural exchanges. The resolution does not create new programs or change laws but formally endorses continued cooperation amid Taiwan's 40th anniversary of Wisconsin's sister-state relationship.

Maddy summarySJR 127 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 115th anniversary of Scouting America's founding. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's support for Scouting America's values - such as duty to God and country, leadership development, and community service - and encourages all citizens and organizations to recognize its contributions. The resolution directs the Senate clerk to send a copy to Scouting America in Wisconsin. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funding, or alter existing policies.

Maddy summarySB 994 prohibits the public affairs network from charging fees for accessing live or archived state government proceedings when the network receives state funding for its operations. This applies directly to the state's public affairs network (which broadcasts government meetings) and the public seeking access to those recordings. The bill modifies existing rules to ensure fee-free access regardless of whether state funds are used, removing a prior condition that required explicit state funding for the fee ban. The key provision guarantees public access to government proceedings without cost under state-funded operations.

Maddy summarySB 953 defines sexual extortion involving child victims as a violation under existing statute 942.095. It specifically applies when the victim is a child, as defined in statute 948.01(1), clarifying that such cases fall under this legal category. The bill creates a new statutory reference (165.505(1)(bg)3.) to ensure these offenses are properly categorized under current law. This procedural change directly affects law enforcement and prosecutors handling internet crimes against children.

Maddy summarySB 846 would require all law enforcement officers and tribal law enforcement officers in the state to be U.S. citizens. The bill amends statutes to state that no person may be employed in these roles without U.S. citizenship. This policy change directly affects current and future hires for all municipal, county, and tribal law enforcement positions. The legislation creates a new statutory requirement for citizenship as a condition of employment, with no exceptions specified in the bill text. The bill is currently under review in the Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs.

Maddy summarySB 865 creates a new tax credit for businesses that pay sales or use tax on services purchased through amusement devices (like arcade games or video game machines). The credit allows eligible businesses to reduce their Wisconsin income or franchise tax by the amount of county and municipal sales taxes paid on qualifying services sold via these devices, effective for taxable years after December 2024. Partnerships, LLCs, and tax-option corporations cannot claim the credit directly but must allocate it to owners based on their ownership share. Unused credit amounts can be carried forward for up to 20 years to offset future state tax liabilities. This bill directly affects businesses operating amusement devices, such as arcades or game centers, by potentially lowering their state tax burden.

Maddy summarySB 877 requires local governments (cities, towns, counties, school districts) to notify and consult with neighboring jurisdictions when federal refugee resettlement is proposed in their area. It mandates written reports to chief elected officials within 7 days of initial contact, followed by 10-day notifications to nearby governments, 30-day meetings to appoint local representatives, and 45-day county-level committee meetings with refugee resettlement organizations. The bill also requires public hearings with 15-day newspaper notices and written recommendations to local governing bodies about refugee placement plans. This directly affects all local governments within 100 miles of proposed refugee resettlement sites, creating a structured consultation process before final decisions are made.

Maddy summarySB 872 prevents certain nuisance lawsuits against racing facilities by limiting who can file such claims. It blocks lawsuits started by property owners who bought land within 5 miles of a racetrack *after* the track was already built or operating. The law applies even if the racetrack later changes (e.g., size or technology), as long as those changes followed existing rules. This directly affects nearby property owners and protects racing facilities from specific nuisance claims based on property ownership timing.

Maddy summarySB 890 modifies eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits by disallowing credits for acres with non-accessory photovoltaic solar energy systems installed during the taxable year. Specifically, it prevents tax credits on qualifying farmland where such solar systems (defined as not being accessory uses, like rooftop installations) are present. The bill creates new provisions to track both total qualifying acres and acres affected by these solar systems. This change directly impacts farmers seeking farmland preservation tax credits who have installed larger-scale solar installations on their land, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.