Sen. Tim Carpenter

Maddy summarySJR 84 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Wisconsin's Hispanic veterans, not a law with policy changes. It formally honors the service of Hispanic veterans who have served in the U.S. military, including those living in Wisconsin (estimated at 8,500). The resolution does not create new programs or alter existing policies - it simply expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's recognition of their sacrifices. This is a commemorative measure, consistent with Hispanic Heritage Month observances, and affects no specific individuals or groups through legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 360 bans the release of 10 or more gas-filled balloons (like helium balloons) into the atmosphere, with exceptions for indoor releases authorized by property owners, scientific/meteorological purposes, or government activities. It creates a $500 minimum penalty per violation for breaking this rule, with the department allowed to create implementing rules. The bill directly affects individuals and businesses that release large quantities of such balloons publicly, excluding specific permitted uses. It does not apply to balloons released indoors with permission, for science, or by government entities.

Maddy summarySB 349 increases state reimbursement for school medical services from 60% to 100% of the federal share for eligible school districts, cooperative educational service agencies, and specialized programs like the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It also raises reimbursement for allowable administrative costs from 90% to 100% of the federal share. The bill applies to all entities providing school medical services that meet federal requirements and allows claims for transportation costs as part of these services. This change directly affects school districts and specialized educational programs by increasing state funding for these services.

Maddy summarySB 99 creates a Spinal Cord Injury Council to oversee research grants and allocates $2.5 million biennially for spinal cord injury research in Wisconsin. The council, composed of researchers, individuals with spinal cord injuries, veterans, family members, and medical professionals, develops grant criteria and reviews applications. Researchers receiving grants must present findings at department-hosted symposia every two years and report annual progress to the legislature. The bill specifically funds innovative treatments and rehabilitative approaches, with grants allowing up to 8% for administrative costs.

Maddy summarySB 396 increases funding for the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program by $512,900 for fiscal year 2025-26 (adding 7 staff positions) and $602,800 for fiscal year 2026-27. This directly expands services provided to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs by authorizing additional staff to support outreach and recovery efforts. The bill makes specific appropriations to the department without creating new program requirements or altering eligibility. It affects veterans seeking outreach services and the department’s capacity to deliver them.

Maddy summarySB 385 increases funding for Wisconsin's Veterans Housing and Recovery Program. It adds $900,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $1,050,000 for 2026-27 to cover program supplies, services, and leasing a new facility in Chippewa Falls. The additional funds address space limitations and facility deficiencies at the current location. This bill directly affects veterans participating in the housing program by ensuring continued support through improved resources and accommodations. The changes are purely fiscal, with no new policy requirements for veterans or service providers.

Maddy summarySB 398 creates a tax credit for small businesses to install universal changing stations in certain buildings. The credit covers 50% of installation costs, up to $5,125, for businesses with annual gross receipts under $1 million or 30 or fewer full-time employees. The bill amends tax statutes to allow this credit against state income tax, with credits calculated based on entity payments and distributed to owners proportionally for partnerships and similar entities. It requires stations to meet specific standards defined in the law and includes funding through an appropriation account.

Maddy summarySB 332 prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of undetectable firearms (those not detectable by standard metal detectors or security scanners) and unmarked firearm frames/receivers (the core components of a gun). It creates new felony penalties: Class G for possessing undetectable firearms, Class H for sharing manufacturing plans, and Class I for possessing unmarked frames/receivers. The law applies to the general public but includes exemptions for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and licensed manufacturers acting within their official duties. This directly affects individuals who own or attempt to build such firearms, aiming to enhance public safety through stricter firearm tracking and detection requirements.

Maddy summarySB 453 changes the earliest date nomination papers can be circulated for spring elections from December 1 to November 16. This adjustment applies to local elections in towns, villages, and counties, affecting candidates seeking office and election officials who manage nomination deadlines. The bill amends multiple statutes (including those governing nomination paper circulation, filing deadlines, and special election timing) to implement this November 16 start date. It does not alter voting requirements or eligibility but updates procedural election schedules. This is a technical timing change affecting local spring election processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program by creating a governing board with specific membership requirements, including representatives from environmental groups, hunting/fishing organizations, tribal nations, and local government. It establishes annual funding for grants to nonprofit conservation organizations and a tribal co-management program, with set spending limits for the program through 2031. The bill also adjusts debt authorization and funding mechanisms for the program's capital improvement fund. These changes directly affect the program's operations and the organizations receiving financial support.