Patrick Testin, Wisconsin State Senator for 24th District | www.facebook.com
Patrick Testin, Wisconsin State Senator for 24th District | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "use of certified seed potatoes in planting potatoes and providing a penalty. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill amends requirements concerning the planting of seed potatoes in Wisconsin. It mandates that individuals planting five or more acres of potatoes must use seed potatoes certified by accredited programs. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) may waive this requirement if suitable certified seed potatoes are not available and pose no disease threat. The bill allows DATCP to enforce geographic restrictions as part of a waiver, and if planting occurs in violation of these regulations, DATCP can order the destruction of the seed potatoes. Should individuals not comply, DATCP or local authorities may carry out the removal and destruction, charging costs to the violator like taxes. Violators can face fines of up to $5,000, plus $5,000 per acre planted. However, DATCP may waive fines if violators comply with destruction orders. Violations include failing to maintain necessary records, which may also result in penalties.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Scott Krug (Republican-72nd District), Senator Mary Felzkowski (Republican-12th District), Senator Howard L. Marklein (Republican-17th District), Senator Brad Pfaff (Democrat-32nd District), and Senator Mark Spreitzer (Democrat-15th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Jill Billings (Democrat-95th District), Representative Calvin T. Callahan (Republican-35th District), and Representative Jenna Jacobson (Democrat-50th District), along with seven other co-sponsors.
Patrick Testin has authored or co-authored another 18 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Testin graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point in 2011 with a BS.
Testin, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2017 to represent the state's 24th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Howard Marklein.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| SB164 | 03/27/2025 | Use of certified seed potatoes in planting potatoes and providing a penalty. (FE) |
| SB156 | 03/26/2025 | Requiring first responders to be trained to administer epinephrine delivery systems. (FE) |
| SB152 | 03/21/2025 | Financial eligibility for the Alzheimer’s family and caregiver support program. (FE) |
| SB113 | 03/07/2025 | A transition to grazing pilot program and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| SB96 | 03/07/2025 | Exempting certain electric vehicle charging stations located at a residence from the electric vehicle charging tax. (FE) |
| SB71 | 02/26/2025 | Ratification of the Dietitian Licensure Compact. (FE) |
| SB68 | 02/24/2025 | The prescription drug monitoring program. (FE) |
| SB24 | 02/05/2025 | Limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in, and the lifespan of, a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Middleton. (FE) |
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