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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Sen. Testin authors Wisconsin Senate bill to join respiratory care interstate compact

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Patrick Testin, Wisconsin State Senator for 24th District | Official Linkedin

Patrick Testin, Wisconsin State Senator for 24th District | Official Linkedin

The new bill authored by State Sen. Patrick Testin in the Wisconsin Senate seeks to enable respiratory care practitioners to practice across state lines within participating states, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "ratification of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. (FE)".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill ratifies the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, allowing Wisconsin to join other states in enabling respiratory care practitioners to practice across state lines within participating states, termed "member states." Significant features of the compact include the establishment of a Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission, which will have authority to set rules, levy fees, and manage shared licensure databases. The bill facilitates the issuance of a "compact privilege," allowing practitioners to practice in remote states, maintaining the practice standards of those states. Licensees with encumbered home state licenses lose their compact privilege until their home state licenses are reinstated without restrictions for two years. Additionally, the bill prohibits the Medical Examining Board from requiring applicants to pass a statutes and rules examination for certification, provided applicants affirm their understanding of the relevant statutes and rules. The compact becomes effective in the state once seven states have enacted it.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Jessie Rodriguez (Republican-21st District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), Representative Cindi Duchow (Republican-97th District), and Representative Rick Gundrum (Republican-58th District), along four other co-sponsors.

Patrick Testin has authored or co-authored another 26 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with one 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.

Bills Introduced by Patrick Testin in Wisconsin Senate During 2025 Regular Session

Bill NumberDate IntroducedShort Description
SB19004/14/2025Ratification of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. (FE)
SB17304/03/2025Creating a rural creative economy development grant program. (FE)
SB16403/27/2025Use of certified seed potatoes in planting potatoes and providing a penalty. (FE)
SB15603/26/2025Requiring first responders to be trained to administer epinephrine delivery systems. (FE)
SB15203/21/2025Financial eligibility for the Alzheimer’s family and caregiver support program. (FE)
SB11303/07/2025A transition to grazing pilot program and making an appropriation. (FE)
SB9603/07/2025Exempting certain electric vehicle charging stations located at a residence from the electric vehicle charging tax. (FE)
SB7102/26/2025Ratification of the Dietitian Licensure Compact. (FE)
SB6802/24/2025The prescription drug monitoring program. (FE)
SB2402/05/2025Limitations 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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