Sen. Brad Pfaff

Maddy summarySB 817 creates a state program to provide electronic payment processing equipment and services (including SNAP/food stamp processing) to farmers' markets and farmers selling directly to consumers. It allocates $367,500 biennially for this purpose and increases the healthy food incentive program appropriation by $1 million annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The bill requires payment processors to handle both SNAP transactions and local purchasing incentives funded by third parties. It directly affects farmers' markets, vendors, and SNAP participants by improving access to electronic payments. The program is administered by the Department of Health Services with new staffing support.

Maddy summarySB 823 establishes specific spending limits for Wisconsin's agricultural exports program. It requires $2.5 million to be spent on one export objective, $1.25 million each for two other objectives, and caps total annual spending at $1 million. The bill also increases funding for the program by $1.07 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and $1.09 million for 2026-27. Additionally, it adds one administrative position (1.0 FTE) within the Department of Agriculture to manage the program. The bill directly affects the Center for International Agribusiness Marketing and the Department of Agriculture, which administer the program.

Maddy summarySB 829 increases state funding for two Wisconsin economic development programs. It adds $200,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to promote "Something Special from Wisconsin" (advertising the state's products), and $300,000 annually for the same periods to fund "Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin" grants. These grants support Wisconsin businesses selling locally produced goods, while the promotion campaign helps market Wisconsin-made products. The bill directly affects Wisconsin businesses participating in these programs and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, which administers both initiatives.

Maddy summarySB 841 creates a program to fund local governments in Wisconsin to implement farmland preservation plans through grants. It establishes annual adjustments to the farmland preservation tax credit for inflation using agricultural price data, ensuring the credit amount increases with rising costs. The bill also sets maximum acreage limits for agricultural enterprise areas and authorizes funding for activities like zoning certification, farmland preservation agreements, and monitoring compliance. These changes directly affect Wisconsin farmers (through the tax credit) and local governments (through grant eligibility). The policy shifts focus to maintaining agricultural land by making preservation tools more adaptable to economic changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 119) is a ceremonial resolution formally congratulating the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh women’s volleyball team for winning the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship. It recognizes their historic first national title, flawless tournament performance (6 wins, no sets dropped), 34-3 overall record, and academic achievements (3.6 team GPA). The resolution serves as symbolic recognition from the Wisconsin Legislature to the team, coaches, and university community, highlighting their athletic and academic excellence. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy or financial impact and does not affect any individuals or entities beyond expressing legislative commendation.

Maddy summarySB 880 modifies Wisconsin's tax code for retirement plan withdrawals and film production credits. It sets a $24,000 annual deduction limit for individuals aged 67+ (or $48,000 for married couples filing jointly) on qualified retirement plan distributions, effective 2025. The bill also clarifies film production tax credit eligibility by defining "production expenditures" to include in-state spending on music, travel, and insurance from Wisconsin-based businesses, while excluding marketing/distribution costs. Additionally, it requires background checks for contractors handling federal tax data accessed through state agencies. These changes directly affect Wisconsin retirees and film producers seeking tax credits.

Maddy summarySB 870 requires Wisconsin energy utilities to spend at least 25% of their annual energy efficiency funds on programs for low-income households, including energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy measures. The bill defines "low-income household" per state statute and mandates that these programs become a priority when setting energy efficiency goals. It also establishes minimum requirements for these programs and ensures utilities allocate funds annually toward reducing energy burdens for qualifying households. The law directly affects low-income residents and energy utilities across Wisconsin.

Maddy summarySB 871 creates a $2.5 million grant program to help Wisconsin farmers adopt sustainable practices that reduce fossil fuel use and store carbon. Eligible activities include installing renewable energy systems, planting trees/vegetation to capture carbon, and improving soil health through cover cropping or no-till farming. The program prioritizes projects offering the greatest carbon reduction per dollar, with special focus on small farms and diverse agricultural regions across the state. Grant recipients must allow project monitoring and report on environmental impacts, with funds requiring matching non-state support for maximum climate benefit.

Maddy summarySB 882 amends Wisconsin sentencing laws to specifically address individuals under 18 convicted of crimes. It requires courts to consider designated mitigating factors and relevant information (such as youth-related circumstances) when determining release eligibility for "youthful offenders" under sections 973.014 and 973.018. The bill creates new procedural requirements for parole commissions, including mandatory consideration of these factors and written reasons for denials with reconsideration timelines. These changes apply to juvenile offenders sentenced under the specified statutes, focusing on release decisions rather than sentencing ranges.

Maddy summarySB 881 increases annual funding for crime victim services by $17.1 million for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, directed to the Department of Justice. This appropriation supports statewide victim services programs, including counseling, legal advocacy, and emergency assistance for crime victims. The bill also allocates $4.0 million to convert 17 existing FED (funded employee) positions to GPR (general purpose revenue) positions within the Department. These changes directly affect crime victim service providers and the Department of Justice’s capacity to deliver support.