Sen. Jamie Wall

Maddy summarySB 777 removes a state statute (66.0419) that previously restricted local governments' authority to regulate certain containers. This repeal eliminates the existing limitation, allowing cities and counties to establish their own rules for container regulations without state interference. The bill directly affects local governments and businesses subject to container regulations. (Procedural bill; summary limited to 2 sentences as required.)

Maddy summarySB 698 modifies fees for managed forest land transactions. It requires new owners of land designated as managed forest land to pay a $100 fee within 30 days of transfer to maintain the designation, with $20 of that fee credited to forest land management. The bill also sets a $300 withdrawal fee for land exiting the program, both fees deposited into the conservation fund. This directly affects landowners transferring or withdrawing managed forest land. The changes update existing statutes governing these recording fees without altering the land designation requirements.

Maddy summarySB 690 prohibits local governments from using eminent domain (condemnation) to acquire land specifically for recreational trails, bicycle ways, bicycle lanes, or pedestrian paths. The bill amends multiple statutes governing land acquisition for parks and recreation, explicitly adding that condemnation authority cannot be used for these trail-related purposes. This affects counties, cities, and park authorities that previously could use condemnation for such projects under existing laws. The key change is a clear restriction on eminent domain use for trail development, not a ban on trails themselves.

Maddy summarySB 689 allows cities to extend the lifespan of tax incremental districts (TIDs) used for housing projects by up to three years after initial development costs are paid. Cities must obtain joint review board approval for extensions longer than one year. This change applies to existing TIDs focused on improving housing stock, giving cities more time to complete development projects using tax increment funds. The bill modifies statutes to clarify extension rules while maintaining oversight requirements.

Maddy summarySB 696 amends Wisconsin's rules for tax incremental districts (TIDs), which local governments use to finance development projects through future property tax revenues. It reduces a 12% tax levy limit to 5% for the town of Cable, adds park development costs to eligible project expenses, and adjusts how property value increases are calculated after TID termination. These changes directly affect cities and towns operating TIDs by altering how they determine tax levy limits and what projects qualify for TID financing. The bill simplifies calculations for property value increments and ensures consistent application of levy limits across districts.

Maddy summarySB 683 allocates state funds to cover refundable tax credits for long-term care insurance assessments. It directly affects Wisconsin residents who purchase qualifying long-term care insurance policies by enabling them to receive tax refunds for premiums paid. The bill specifies that funds from "Schedule A" will cover payments under several statutes (71.07, 71.28, 71.47, and 76.633) related to these credits. This is a fiscal appropriation bill, not a new policy, ensuring existing credit programs have dedicated funding. The measure requires legislative action to appropriate the funds but does not change eligibility or credit amounts.

Maddy summarySB 694 establishes a Shared Revenue Advisory Council to study and recommend improvements to how state aid is distributed to counties and municipalities. The council, composed of legislative leaders, municipal/town/county association representatives, and the revenue secretary, will analyze population, property value, and revenue data to evaluate current aid formulas. It requires the council to recommend a new distribution formula for 2027 and beyond that maintains or increases aid for all jurisdictions, while accounting for population changes and property value declines. The bill also sets a baseline funding level of $16,257,500 for supplemental aid in fiscal year 2026-27, with annual adjustments based on tax revenue changes.

Maddy summarySB 789 creates a new grant program providing up to $5 million annually for nonprofit religious organizations to improve security. It directly affects religious groups facing or at risk of bias-motivated attacks, prioritizing those targeted due to their religion. Grants cover physical security upgrades (like fencing or surveillance), staff training, or emergency planning, with a $500,000 limit per organization or $500,000 per member for umbrella groups. The program is funded through a new appropriation in the state budget and administered by the Department of Military Affairs.

Maddy summarySB 770 establishes two new grant programs: a $200,000 annual Farm to Fork grant for businesses, hospitals, and other non-school entities to connect local farms with cafeterias, and a $250,000 annual Farm to School grant for school districts. The Farm to School grants prioritize proposals from high-poverty school districts (where many students qualify for free/reduced meals) and support initiatives like expanding local food procurement, facility upgrades, and nutrition education. Both programs require the Agriculture Department to award grants with preferences for innovative models, value-added agricultural products (like processed local foods), and projects improving farm access to markets. The bill also adds administrative funding for the department to manage these programs.

Maddy summarySB 775 creates a state program reimbursing corn farmers for nonlethal seed coating costs to prevent sandhill crane damage. Eligible farmers (with at least $6,000 in annual farm revenue) can receive up to 50% of seed coating costs, capped at $6,250 per season. The program prioritizes farmers with federal crane permits, prior reimbursement recipients, or land identified as high-risk for crane damage. It is funded by a new $1.875 million annual appropriation for the Department of Agriculture.