Sen. Chris Larson

Maddy summarySB 631 requires private colleges seeking state approval to maintain a reserve fund equal to 25% of their highest annual revenue from the past five years (or projected first-year revenue for new schools). This fund would compensate students who suffer financial loss due to school fraud, failure to fulfill contracts, or closure. The bill also establishes a $3 per $1,000 fee on schools' annual revenue to build this protection fund, which stops collecting once the fund reaches $5 million. It directly affects private postsecondary schools needing state approval to operate in the state.

Maddy summarySB 623 imposes a moratorium on issuing new permits for mining sulfide ore bodies (mining operations that extract minerals mixed with sulfide minerals) until specific environmental safety conditions are met. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to verify that similar mining operations in the U.S. or Canada have operated for at least 10 years without polluting water from acid drainage or heavy metals, or that such operations have closed safely for 10 years. This applies to all permit applications, regardless of when they were submitted, directly affecting mining companies seeking new sulfide ore permits in the state. The bill creates a new statute (293.50) to enforce this requirement while allowing permits to proceed once the conditions are satisfied.

Maddy summarySB 550 requires the Department of Natural Resources to provide metal containers for hunters to dispose of deer carcasses at state locations and mandates regular disposal of carcasses from these containers. It also allocates $500,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to fund these disposal sites and an additional $250,000 annually for hunter education about chronic wasting disease (a deer illness) and proper carcass disposal. The bill directly affects hunters who must use designated disposal sites and the Department of Natural Resources, which must implement and manage the program. Funding increases are specified in the state budget schedule under existing appropriation statutes.

Maddy summarySB 549 allocates $3 million annually from the general fund to research and manage chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk (cervids). The bill creates a new budget line item under the Department of Natural Resources specifically for CWD research, management, and testing. It authorizes the department to conduct studies, implement management strategies, and fund testing for the disease in wildlife. This funding directly supports state wildlife agencies and researchers working to address CWD, which affects deer and elk populations.

Maddy summarySB 630 requires private postsecondary schools enrolling Wisconsin residents to derive at least 20% of their annual revenue from non-federal sources in 2 of their last 3 fiscal years. This rule directly affects private colleges and universities in Wisconsin that seek to enroll state residents. The bill establishes a clear funding threshold to ensure schools have diversified revenue streams beyond federal education assistance. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction will create rules to implement this requirement, which takes effect for the 2028-29 academic year.

Maddy summarySB 619 allows drivers and ID card holders to obtain electronic copies of their license or ID card from the department. It requires the department to issue these electronic copies for a $10 fee, while permitting drivers to display them on phones or devices during traffic stops. The bill ensures officers can only view the license/ID image, not other phone content, and specifies that the $10 fee applies only to electronic copies (not physical duplicates). This directly affects individuals who choose to use digital versions of their license or ID instead of physical cards. The law creates new fee structures and privacy protections for electronic document display.

Maddy summarySB 548 establishes a state program for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing in deer. It requires the Department of Natural Resources to set up sampling stations - including self-service kiosks - where hunters can drop off deer tissue for CWD testing. The department may contract with private entities to conduct the testing, paying per sample. The bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $500,000 for 2026-27 to fund this program, directly affecting hunters who submit samples and the state agency administering the testing.

Maddy summarySB 659 requires courts to order drivers convicted of two or more serious speeding violations (exceeding speed limits by 20+ mph) within five years to install a speed limiter on all their vehicles. The speed limiter is an aftermarket device that prevents vehicles from exceeding a set speed, and courts must order this for "Class D" vehicles (typically passenger cars). Drivers with household incomes below 150% of the poverty line may have costs reduced by half, and failure to install or tampering with the device is a punishable offense. The bill establishes a state program to manage speed limiter providers and fees, using existing infrastructure from ignition interlock programs. It directly affects repeat reckless drivers, not the general public.

Maddy summarySB 568 changes how leftover scholarship funds are handled when students leave private school choice programs or charter schools. If a student withdraws mid-year from a Parental Choice Program, Special Needs Scholarship Program, or independent charter school and enrolls in a public school district, the state must pay the remaining scholarship amount to that public district instead of the original private school or charter operator. This applies to all covered programs and ensures public school districts receive funds for students who switch during the school year. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySB 629 allows students to sue private colleges that violate enrollment rules or provide false/misleading information about programs or costs. It directly affects students who paid fees to schools breaking these rules, enabling them to recover those fees plus legal costs and attorney fees. The bill amends existing law to add this civil remedy, specifically targeting schools that fail to meet standards or deceive students. It does not create new rules for schools but provides a legal tool for affected students. The bill applies to conduct occurring on or after its effective date.