Sen. Cory Tomczyk

Maddy summarySB 895 creates a new funding mechanism for Wisconsin's battery collection and recycling program by directing existing fees collected from battery sales (under section 287.175 (3) (b)) to the environmental fund. This bill specifically allocates those moneys to support the program's operations, directly affecting the state's battery recycling efforts and the environmental fund. The law requires that the program be implemented using these redirected fees, without creating new taxes or fees. The bill's effectiveness depends on either Assembly Bill 713 or Senate Bill 702 being enacted during the 2025-26 legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture from quarantining certain animals solely because they were exposed to chronic wasting disease (CWD). It specifically protects farm-raised fallow deer (*Dama dama*) and any animal species not susceptible to CWD. The law amends statutes to remove quarantine requirements for these animals after exposure incidents, directly affecting deer farmers and animal owners who previously faced such restrictions. This creates a clear policy change: quarantine is prohibited unless CWD infection is confirmed.

Maddy summarySB 899 prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to or influencing referendum committees that support or oppose ballot measures. It directly affects referendum committees (groups organizing campaigns for or against voter-approved measures) and their contributors. The bill requires committees to obtain written affirmations from contributors confirming they are not foreign nationals and have not received over $100,000 from foreign sources in the past four years. Committees must also attest in reports that they have not accepted foreign funds and will not do so before the referendum vote.

Maddy summarySB 809 modifies Wisconsin's Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Program, administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). It creates new rules allowing grants for non-public events (like exclusive conferences) only if they bring national exposure or boost economic growth, with strict limits: no more than 25% of annual funds can support such events, and they must avoid regularly scheduled or rotating events. The bill requires applicants to provide cost-benefit analyses of economic impacts before funding, mandates matching contributions from non-state sources, and adds annual reporting to the legislature. This directly affects event organizers seeking WEDC grants to attract major events to Wisconsin.

Maddy summarySB 722 creates a permit system allowing trucks with 6 or more axles to transport grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer at weights exceeding standard limits, capped at 91,000 pounds total. It requires a $325 permit from the Department of Transportation for such transport on state trunk highways, with routes specified by the department and no approval for interstate highways without federal compliance. Permits are suspended during spring thaw periods and cannot cover non-trunk highways without additional route approval from other highway authorities. This directly affects agricultural haulers and trucking companies moving these specific commodities, adding a regulated pathway for heavier loads within defined limits.

Maddy summarySB 737 creates new rules for lease-purchase agreements (where consumers pay to use personal items like furniture or electronics with an option to buy) for personal, family, or household use. It directly affects consumers who enter these agreements and businesses (lessors) that offer them. Key requirements include written agreements in clear 8-point type, mandatory disclosures of total payments, cash-sale price, ownership terms, and early purchase options, plus language matching any advertising. The bill also establishes a legal cause of action for consumers if lessors violate these requirements.

Maddy summarySB 681 would rename the Division of Alcohol Beverages to the Division of Intoxicating Products and create an occupational tax on hemp-derived cannabinoid products. The bill establishes regulatory requirements for these products, including rules for alcohol beverage warehouses and production arrangements. It grants rule-making authority to the newly named division and includes penalty provisions for violations. This legislation directly affects businesses selling hemp-derived cannabinoid products and alcohol beverage warehouses in the state.

Maddy summarySB 736 exempts volunteers serving on church security teams from private detective and security licensing requirements while they work on their church's place of worship. The bill defines "church" as a legally recognized religious organization with a congregation that holds regular services. This exemption applies only to the church's primary worship space and does not cover schools or other properties operated by the church. The law creates a specific statutory exemption to simplify volunteer participation in church safety efforts without requiring state licenses.

Maddy summarySB 750 modifies technical college admission rules to allow district boards to reserve program spaces for two specific groups. First, it permits districts to prioritize students facing special circumstances like hardship, school-to-work program participation, or enrollment diversity through approved policies. Second, it enables districts to reserve spaces for students in protective services programs (e.g., law enforcement, firefighting, or emergency medical training). These policies require board approval but do not override existing rules for resident/non-resident admissions. The bill directly affects technical colleges and students applying to these targeted programs.

Maddy summarySB 738 creates a new Class H felony for using absentee ballot drop boxes, U.S. mail, or commercial carriers to commit election fraud under existing state laws. It directly affects individuals who attempt to manipulate absentee ballots through these specific methods. The bill’s key provision upgrades certain election fraud violations to a felony charge, imposing criminal penalties for misuse of these ballot submission channels. This is a policy change focused on enhancing penalties for election integrity violations, not on changing voting access.