Sen. Cory Tomczyk

Maddy summarySB 766 restricts drone operations near specific utility facilities by prohibiting flights under 300 feet within 500 feet of water reclamation plants, power facilities (including substations and gas stations), telecom sites, or public water systems. It allows exceptions for facility owners, local governments conducting official business, and commercial operators complying with federal aviation rules. The bill also requires law enforcement to seize drone footage during violations and transfer it to relevant local authorities for enforcement. This directly affects drone operators near these critical infrastructure sites, aiming to enhance security and prevent unauthorized surveillance.

Maddy summarySB 745 allows individuals with active Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to obtain professional licenses and certifications in the state, such as for healthcare or trades, regardless of citizenship. It directly affects DACA recipients who hold unexpired federal work authorization documents. The bill requires state licensing agencies to verify this federal work authorization through official DHS systems before issuing or renewing a license, and licenses expire when the federal work authorization does. Fees may only increase to cover the cost of federal verification, and the bill explicitly states it does not grant eligibility for other public benefits.

Maddy summarySB 700 increases fees for snowmobile registration and trail use stickers in Wisconsin. It raises the public-use registration fee from $30 to $45 (with a $5 fee for political subdivisions), and adjusts trail sticker costs: $69.25 for snowmobiles exempt from registration, $19.25 for members of qualifying snowmobile clubs, and $49.25 for others. The bill directly affects snowmobile owners, clubs, and local governments managing trails. Key provisions include updated fee structures for registration certificates and annual trail stickers, with specific discounts for club members and reduced fees for government-owned equipment. These changes apply to all snowmobiles operated on public or private trails under Wisconsin's current regulations.

Maddy summarySB 702 requires producers of covered batteries (like portable and medium-sized rechargeable batteries that can be easily removed) to fund and manage recycling programs through designated "battery stewardship organizations." Starting January 1, 2027, producers must mark batteries with their brand and, by January 1, 2029, include chemistry details for proper recycling. Consumers cannot dispose of covered batteries in regular trash after January 1, 2028, and must instead use designated collection sites. The bill excludes medical device batteries, lead-acid batteries, and certain alkaline batteries from these requirements.

Maddy summarySB 733 amends Wisconsin statute to change how electric utilities calculate fuel costs in their approved fuel cost plans. It requires utilities to account for both fuel purchase costs and revenue from selling electricity generation capacity that meets Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) requirements. This applies specifically to fuel cost under-collections or over-collections outside the utility’s allowed annual margin. The bill creates a new definition for "Midcontinent independent system operation" and ties fuel cost calculations directly to MISO standards.

Maddy summarySB 32 requires school districts to spend at least 70% of their operating funds on direct classroom expenditures (including teacher salaries, instructional supplies, and programs like athletics). If a district falls short, it must increase classroom spending by 2% annually until reaching the 70% target. Districts failing to comply face state aid deductions, with remaining shortfalls potentially requiring property tax reductions for residents. The bill also amends rules to cap annual pay increases for school administrators at the average teacher pay increase rate, not mandate them. This affects all public school districts in the state, with penalties enforced through state funding adjustments.

Maddy summarySB 40 restricts flag displays on state and local government properties to only the U.S. flag, Wisconsin state flag, and state agency flags. Exceptions allow specific flags (like veterans' or tribal flags) under strict conditions, but prohibit any flag promoting political parties, causes, holidays, or ideological views - even under these exceptions. The bill repeals an outdated administrative rule about flag displays and applies to state buildings, local government facilities, and school properties. It does not affect flags on tribal lands or private entities leasing government space.

Maddy summarySB 53 requires all state and local government buildings, including public schools, to display the national motto "In God We Trust" in specified formats. Public buildings must show it in an 11x14 inch poster, framed document, or wall inscription (visible to the public), while schools must display it in every classroom starting the 2026-27 school year. The law mandates the motto be in English with a legible font, meeting specific size and placement rules. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, and all public school districts in the state.

Maddy summarySJR 3 is a non-binding resolution that proclaims January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or impose legal obligations. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, defined as exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion, and aligns with statewide efforts to combat this issue. The proclamation is intended for general public education and community engagement, not specific policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 117 requires public and participating private schools to designate all athletic teams based solely on the sex assigned at birth (as recorded on a birth certificate), labeling them as "males" or "females." It prohibits students designated as male from participating on female-designated teams or using female-designated facilities like locker rooms. The bill allows female-identified students to sue schools for violations of these rules and creates legal protections against retaliation for reporting such violations. This directly affects school athletic programs and students participating in sports, particularly those whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth.