Sen. Rob Hutton

Maddy summarySB 555 requires Wisconsin's executive branch agencies to submit biennial budget requests using "zero-based budgeting" for 20% of agencies each fiscal biennium, starting in 2027-29. This means agencies must justify every budget line item based on current needs and goals, rather than relying on previous funding levels. The bill also mandates that agencies analyze whether past appropriations met their intended goals and explain any shortfalls, with these reports posted online. It directly affects all state executive agencies submitting budget requests, shifting how they justify spending. The changes take effect for the 2027-29 budget cycle.

Maddy summarySB 557 creates two new biennial grant programs for disaster assistance: a $10 million program for individuals and a $20 million program for businesses. The bill directly affects residents and businesses impacted by disasters by establishing recurring state funding for these grants. Key provisions specify the exact annual funding amounts ($10M for individuals, $20M for businesses) to be allocated every two years, as shown in the bill's fiscal schedule. The legislation does not change eligibility rules or application processes but solely authorizes the appropriations for these existing assistance types.

Maddy summarySB 558 creates two new grant programs to assist individuals and businesses affected by state-declared disasters. It authorizes the Department of Military Affairs to award grants of up to $25,000 per household for individuals (covering home repairs, temporary housing, and damaged property) and up to $50,000 per business (covering property repairs, payroll, and operating costs) following a governor’s disaster emergency declaration after January 1, 2025. The bill requires applicants to submit receipts and sign affidavits to prevent duplicate funding from insurance or federal aid, and explicitly prohibits grants if federal assistance is already available for the same disaster. This legislation directly affects residents and businesses in areas impacted by declared state emergencies, providing supplemental support after federal aid is exhausted.

Maddy summarySB 243 changes the age limit for safely surrendering infants under Wisconsin's safe haven law from 72 hours to 30 days. This means parents can now safely surrender a baby at a hospital or emergency facility within the first 30 days of life, instead of only the first 3 days. The bill updates three key statutes (48.195, 48.355, and 48.415) to reflect this extended timeframe, ensuring the surrender process aligns with the new age window. It directly affects parents seeking to relinquish custody safely and the child welfare system handling these surrenders.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new exception for certain retired Wisconsin Retirement System members. It allows former county jailers (not protective occupation) and protective occupation retirees to return to work for a participating employer without automatically becoming active retirement system participants. To qualify, they must not have a prior agreement to return, must formally elect not to rejoin the system using a department-provided form, and must have terminated employment without an agreement to return. The change specifically applies to rehires after the bill's effective date, giving these workers a clear path to return to work without automatic retirement system re-enrollment.

Maddy summarySB 92 increases penalties for repeat theft offenses by creating new sentencing provisions. It allows prosecutors to charge and convict individuals with a Class I felony for certain misdemeanors if they have prior convictions for specific theft crimes under sections 943.20(3)(a)-(cm) or 943.50(4)(a)-(c). Similarly, it elevates felony charges to a higher classification when prior theft convictions exist. The bill applies to offenses committed on its effective date but permits counting prior convictions toward sentencing. It directly affects repeat offenders of specified theft offenses by imposing harsher penalties.

Maddy summarySB 69 would allow school teachers to subtract certain work-related expenses from their taxable income, directly affecting teachers who pay for classroom supplies or professional development out of pocket. The bill creates a specific income tax subtraction provision, reducing the taxable income of eligible teachers by the amount of qualifying expenses they incur. This policy change aims to offset some costs teachers personally cover for their work, without altering tax rates or brackets. The bill passed committee with unanimous support and is now awaiting further legislative action.

Maddy summarySB 616 requires all public and charter schools to implement math screening tests three times yearly for students in kindergarten through 8th grade to identify those at risk of not meeting grade-level math standards. Schools must then provide approved math tutoring (aligned with classroom instruction and meeting specific time requirements) and develop personalized math plans for at-risk students within 30 days of identification. The bill also mandates schools to create achievement plans by July 2026, using data from screenings to set goals and include evidence-based teaching strategies. It establishes a state-approved list of high-quality tutoring providers and defines "quality tutoring" as requiring at least 3 days per week or 50 hours over 36 weeks. The law directly affects elementary and middle school students, schools where fewer than 51% of 4th graders met math standards, and tutoring providers seeking state recognition.

Maddy summarySB 467 requires municipalities and counties to hold voter referendums before imposing or continuing local annual registration fees on motor vehicles kept within their boundaries. The bill mandates that new fees must be approved by a majority of voters in a regular election, with the referendum question specifying the fee amount. For existing fees implemented before the law's effective date, a referendum must be held within 18 months, allowing voters to decide whether to continue the fee. This directly affects local governments seeking to collect such fees and vehicle owners in those jurisdictions.

Maddy summarySB 451 requires school districts to obtain certification from the Department of Public Instruction that they have submitted all required financial reports before adopting resolutions to exceed revenue limits through bonds or budget adjustments. This applies to school boards seeking to raise funds beyond established limits for capital projects (bonds) or budget overages. The bill mandates that districts must be certified compliant with financial reporting requirements (under statutes 119.44(1), 120.08, 120.14, and 121.05) at least 14 days prior to adopting such resolutions. If districts adopt resolutions without this certification, both the resolution and any subsequent referendum would be void. The bill directly affects school districts planning to exceed revenue limits for capital projects or budget adjustments.