Sen. Cory Tomczyk

Maddy summarySB 195 prohibits public eating places (like restaurants) from serving any product labeled as "maple syrup" unless it consists entirely of maple syrup, as defined by federal regulations (21 CFR 168.140). The bill specifically targets mislabeling, allowing establishments to serve non-maple products only if they are not marketed as maple syrup. It directly affects restaurants and food service businesses that sell syrup-based items. The law creates a clear labeling standard without restricting other menu items. This is a straightforward regulatory measure focused on product transparency.

Maddy summarySenate Bill 81 modifies the process for school district operating referenda in Wisconsin. It requires school board resolutions for referenda to clearly specify if proposed excess revenue is for recurring or nonrecurring purposes, and the exact amount for each. The bill also mandates that the referendum ballot itself must state if any approved excess revenue is for a nonrecurring purpose and its corresponding amount. A key change is that only excess revenue approved for recurring purposes will be included in the base for determining future revenue limits, while nonrecurring excess revenue will not be added to this base. This affects how school districts manage their budgets and how voters are informed about these proposals.

Maddy summarySB 57 reclassifies certain actions by county sheriffs who assist federal immigration authorities as a felony instead of a misdemeanor. It directly affects county sheriffs who provide support for federal immigration enforcement activities. The key provision changes the legal penalty for sheriffs participating in specific immigration-related functions, increasing the potential punishment. This bill modifies existing law to impose stricter criminal penalties for sheriffs engaging in these activities.

Maddy summarySB 82 prohibits state and local governments from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on their energy source (like gasoline, electric, or hydrogen power). It also bans similar restrictions on other devices that rely on specific energy sources for key functions. The law applies broadly to all government agencies and units, preventing them from enacting policies that target vehicles or devices solely by their power source. The only exception allows governments to maintain their own vehicle purchase policies for their own fleets.

Maddy summarySB 2 expands veterans' burial benefits to cover individuals who served in Laos supporting U.S. efforts during the Vietnam War. It directly affects eligible veterans (including those covered by the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000) who previously did not qualify for national cemetery burial under existing rules. The bill adds a new provision (45.61 (2) (e)) to state law, linking eligibility for burial benefits to the federal naturalization act for these veterans. This change creates a concrete policy update to include a specific group of veterans in existing burial benefit programs. The bill is currently referred to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

Maddy summarySB 93 requires state departments to recommend revoking extended supervision, parole, or probation when a person under those programs is charged with a crime. It directly affects individuals supervised by the department after release from incarceration. The bill mandates this recommendation as a standard step in the process, without altering the existing revocation procedures or hearing requirements. The change applies to criminal charges filed on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summarySB 186 updates definitions in state law to align with federal standards for "volunteer fire department" as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 2229. The bill requires the state to report specific data about volunteer and paid firefighters, including the number of volunteers and the fire departments employing them. It directly affects state reporting systems and fire departments that track volunteer firefighter participation. The key change is clarifying terminology to ensure consistent reporting of volunteer firefighter statistics across state and federal frameworks.

Maddy summarySB 17 amends Wisconsin law to make intentionally causing physical injury or threatening injury to a community service officer (or their family) a Class H felony under specific conditions. It directly affects community service officers by expanding protections to include them alongside judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers. The key provisions require that the perpetrator knew the victim's status as an officer or family member and that the act was in response to the officer's official duties. This bill creates a clearer legal standard for prosecuting threats or violence against community service officers during their work. The measure is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summarySJR 74 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing June 19, 2025, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin. It formally declares this date to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, referencing the historical event when Union troops announced freedom to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. The resolution highlights Wisconsin's longstanding Juneteenth celebration tradition, dating to Milwaukee's first observance in 1971, and acknowledges Juneteenth's national significance as a federal holiday since 2021. This resolution has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition and does not create new laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 328 requires county fairs, agricultural societies, and similar organizations seeking state aid to submit two annual reports. Within 30 days after each fair, they must file an itemized statement confirming all gambling devices, alcohol sales (except fermented malt beverages and wine), and "immoral exhibitions" were prohibited at the event. By January 31 each year, they must also submit a finance report detailing receipts, disbursements, attendance, and other required data. State aid payments are tied to the timely submission of these reports. This bill directly affects fair organizers receiving state funding by establishing specific reporting obligations.