Sen. Cory Tomczyk

Maddy summarySB 9 creates a new special vehicle registration plate option in Wisconsin featuring a black background with white lettering displaying "Wisconsin" and the vehicle's registration number. It requires a voluntary $25 fee for issuance or renewal (with $50 for biennial plates in the first year), after which the Department of Transportation retains up to $23,700 for initial production costs, depositing any remaining funds into the transportation fund. This plate design is specifically for Wisconsin residents who choose to purchase it, distinct from existing military, sports, or university plate programs. The bill does not change existing plate categories but adds this new visual option with a dedicated fee structure.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 249 proposes to create a new section of state law (17.03 (10m)) concerning vacancies in specific state government positions. This bill applies to individuals serving in "appointive state offices" that have a fixed term. It defines these offices broadly to include most state departments, agencies, boards, and commissions, excluding the legislature and courts. The new section is intended to address situations where an incumbent's fixed term in such an office expires, though the specific policy change for this scenario is not detailed in the provided text.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 133 makes specific adjustments to the rules for Tax Incremental District (TID) Number 9 in the village of DeForest. It extends the maximum lifespan and the period for allocating tax increments for this particular district to 30 years. The bill also provides an exemption for TID Number 9 from certain general tax incremental financing regulations. Additionally, it grants the village of DeForest a one-time exception from a 12% limit on the total value of taxable property that can be included in TIF districts, specifically for an amendment to TID Number 9's project plan.

Maddy summarySJR 26 is a procedural resolution that celebrates May 7, 2025, as Skilled Trades Day in Wisconsin. It highlights the importance of skilled trades and apprenticeship programs within the state.

Maddy summarySB 194 clarifies when public records requesters can recover attorney fees after suing a government agency. It applies directly to individuals or groups who file court cases seeking records and later get the records released. The bill adds that requesters "prevail" if a court orders the release or if the agency voluntarily shares the record *after* a lawsuit is filed, and the court finds the lawsuit was a key reason for the release. This change makes it easier for requesters to get fee awards without waiting for a full court ruling, streamlining the process under the state's public records law.

Maddy summarySB 147 allows courts to permit interpreters to participate in civil and criminal trials via telephone or video, rather than requiring in-person attendance. This directly affects parties in court cases who need language assistance, including non-English speakers and their legal representatives. The key provision requires the court to grant permission only upon a party's request and with the consent of all other parties involved. The bill amends existing court procedures to formally enable this remote interpretation option.

Maddy summarySB 155 requires owners of parking structures (like multi-level garages) to hire a licensed engineer for a structural safety inspection at least once every five years. Owners must submit inspection reports to their local government or the state department responsible for building reviews. Failure to comply results in monthly fines of $200 and potential closure of the parking structure after 12 months without an inspection. The bill directly affects commercial parking facility owners and aims to ensure ongoing structural safety through mandatory, regular checks.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 114 proposes to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from state sales and use tax. The bill defines "diaper" as an absorbent garment for humans with bladder or bowel control difficulties, and "feminine hygiene products" to include items like tampons and sanitary napkins, specifically excluding general grooming products. If enacted, consumers would no longer pay sales tax on these defined items, and retailers would not collect it. This change aims to remove the sales and use tax from the sale and consumption of these specific products.

Maddy summarySB 167 allows licensed teachers to carry concealed firearms on school grounds under specific conditions. It requires schools (public, charter, private, or tribal) to adopt written policies permitting this, and exempts licensed teachers from firearm possession restrictions in school areas if their school has such a policy. The bill also adjusts concealed carry license fees: new licenses cost up to $37 (covering issuance costs), and renewals cost up to $12. These changes apply to applications submitted on the bill's effective date. The law directly affects licensed teachers, school districts, and the Department of Justice (which sets fees).

Maddy summarySB 280 redirects $172 million in interest earned from coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds to the general fund. It directly affects the state's budget by moving existing interest funds that would otherwise remain in the department of administration's appropriation. The bill's key mechanism is a fiscal adjustment under section 20.906(1), lapsing these funds to the general fund upon the bill's effective date. This is a procedural budget reallocation, not a new policy or program.