Sen. Brad Pfaff

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin legislative resolution (SJR 103) condemns Russia's abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, citing violations of international law under the Genocide Convention. It specifically states that Russia's actions - including forced adoptions, re-education programs, and policies like declaring children born in occupied Ukraine as Russian citizens - aim to erase Ukrainian identity and culture. The resolution declares these acts constitute genocide and holds Russia's government responsible, while noting increased risks of child exploitation due to the invasion. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal force but formally expresses the legislature's stance against Russia's actions.

Maddy summarySJR 71 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Jerry Apps for his lifelong contributions to Wisconsin's heritage. It recognizes his work as a 4-H advocate, University of Wisconsin professor, author of over 50 books on Wisconsin history and rural life (including *Wisconsin Agriculture: A History*), and recipient of awards like the 4-H Hall of Fame induction. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's appreciation for his efforts in preserving agricultural heritage and inspiring residents through writing, documentaries, and community education. As a procedural resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or programs.

Maddy summarySB 164 requires potato growers in Wisconsin to use certified seed potatoes (meeting state agricultural standards) when planting 5 or more acres of potatoes in a calendar year. The bill allows the state department to waive this requirement for specific potato varieties if certified seed is unavailable and disease risk is low, with conditions on where the waiver applies. Violations - such as planting uncertified seed or failing to comply with removal orders - carry penalties of up to $5,000 plus $5,000 per acre, with potential waivers if growers remove affected potatoes within 72 hours. The law directly affects commercial potato growers and aims to prevent disease spread through regulated seed use.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for appointing town clerks and treasurers, requires towns to publish budget summaries and public hearing notices, and creates procedures for closing or removing roads. It directly affects local governments by changing administrative processes for financial transparency and infrastructure decisions. The bill modifies how municipalities handle appointments, budget communications, and highway discontinuance without altering tax rates or funding levels. It passed unanimously and is now law.

Maddy summarySB 440 changes Wisconsin's requirements for the typeface used in legal notices published in newspapers. It replaces the previous standard (Times New Roman) with Arial sans serif typeface, mandating 6-point font size with specific formatting details. The bill directly affects newspapers publishing legal notices and government agencies placing such notices, requiring them to use Arial within specified parameters. It also allows for larger Arial sizes (up to 12-point) with proportional fee adjustments, which the Department of Administration will certify. This is a procedural change to standardize legal notice formatting, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summarySB 183 modifies reimbursement rules for emergency medical services under Wisconsin's Medical Assistance program. It sets a maximum $175 reimbursement rate for emergency responders when patients are not transported to a hospital. The bill also requires reporting on changes to emergency medical responder scope of practice and updates eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. These changes directly affect emergency medical service providers billing the Medical Assistance program.

Maddy summarySB 182 provides tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and practitioners enrolled in technical college emergency medical services (EMS) programs. It requires technical colleges offering EMS programs to prioritize grant funds for expanding student enrollment access - either through direct program expansion or by contracting with districts for expansion services. The bill also updates program terminology throughout (replacing "course" with "program") to clarify educational standards. This directly affects EMS students, technical colleges, and the state's EMS workforce development system.

Maddy summarySB 255 regulates tolls charged by the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company to water power operators using reservoirs it manages. The bill sets a cap on tolls at reasonable operational costs plus a 6% annual return on capital invested (defined as paid-in capital and bond par value), and requires the company to report semiannually on costs and recommended tolls. It prohibits tolls from covering initial reservoir construction costs and establishes that tolls create a lien on the water power properties. The law directly affects water power operators below the reservoirs and the company itself, ensuring tolls fund maintenance while protecting the company’s capital value.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 23 proclaims the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week in Wisconsin. This resolution recognizes the significant contributions of school nutrition professionals to the health and well-being of students across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable income tax credit for Wisconsin residents who pay property taxes or rent that includes property taxes, aiming to help lower-income households offset these costs. Eligible individuals must have a household income under $125,000 and cannot be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer, with specific exclusions for part-year residents and those with property assessed over $1 million. The credit amount varies based on income levels and the year the tax year begins, ranging from 10% to 40% of the portion of taxes that exceed 4% of household income. If the calculated credit exceeds the taxes owed, the remaining amount is paid directly to the claimant as a refund. The legislation also establishes an appropriation to fund these payments and integrates this new credit into the state's existing list of allowable tax credits.