My primary focus this legislative session has been on engaging with as many people as possible across the state in preparation for writing the Wisconsin State Budget. Even while working on the budget, I have found time to author a few bills, many of which started as ideas that came from people like you! I wanted to give you an update on some of the legislation I have been working on this legislative session:

Senate Bill (SB) 3 - Local approval of wind and solar farms – This legislation would give local officials a role in approving wind and solar projects before the project goes to the Public Service Commission (PSC). The idea for this bill came from hearing your concerns about local officials not having a seat at the table when large, industrial wind and solar projects come to their communities. The bill is currently awaiting a hearing in the Senate Committee on Utilities and Tourism.

EMS Package – This package of legislation continues my support of local EMS departments and addresses some of the challenges faced by EMS providers across the state. Among other provisions, the bills create a tuition reimbursement program, incentivize regional collaboration between local EMS departments, and require a report from the EMS Board on changes to the state and national scope of practice and their impact on EMS training. The bills were recently introduced and are awaiting bill numbers and committee assignments.

Rehired Annuitants – This legislation would help address Wisconsin’s workforce challenges by allowing employers who are part of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) - such as the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), local units of government, and schools - to re-hire individuals who had previously retired. Under current law, retired members of WRS are not able to work more than two-thirds time for a WRS employer without losing their state retirement benefits. This bill would allow a retired police officer to work as an instructor at the local technical college or a retired county employee to drive the school bus in their free time. This bill was recently introduced and is awaiting a bill number and committee assignment.

ATV & UTV Legislation – I am working on a number of ATV/UTV proposals which will enhance the rider experience in Wisconsin. One piece of legislation adds language to make it clear that UTVs are recreational vehicles and not motor vehicles. Some Wisconsin residents are buying their UTVs in states that allow their UTVs to be registered as motorcycles, then claim that they should be able to drive their UTVs anywhere a motor vehicle can be driven, rather than just on designated ATV/UTV roads and trails. Another bill I am working on would eliminate restrictions on the maximum length of a bridge that ATV and UTV drivers can cross, among other provisions. These bills are still being drafted and have not yet been introduced.

Resolutions Honoring Community Members – I have authored two resolutions honoring residents of southwestern Wisconsin who served in the legislature. Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 13 honors the life and service of former Assembly Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller, a veteran who served in Lebanon, Iraq, and Kuwait before serving as the Chief Clerk. Pat resided in Ridgeway at the time of his passing. SJR 14 honors former Representative David Martin, a veteran who served in Germany. He represented Neenah and Menasha during his time in the Assembly before retiring to Muscoda, where he was very involved in his local community.

As these bills advance through the legislative process, I will keep you updated. While my main focus continues to be writing a responsible budget that funds our state’s priorities, I will continue to author and advocate for legislation that positively impacts the lives of the communities I represent.

As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.