Patrick Testin, Wisconsin State Senator for 24th District | Official Linkedin
Patrick Testin, Wisconsin State Senator for 24th District | Official Linkedin
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "transferring adjudicatory functions for worker’s compensation from the Division of Hearings and Appeals in the Department of Administration to the Department of Workforce Development. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill transfers adjudicatory functions related to disputed workers' compensation claims from the Division of Hearings and Appeals within the Department of Administration to the Department of Workforce Development. It amends a variety of statutes to facilitate this transfer, ensuring that duties, assets, liabilities, and personnel associated with these functions are also moved accordingly. The bill outlines procedures for appeals, specifies the handling of pending matters, and ensures the maintenance and continuity of rules, orders, and contracts related to workers' compensation. The effective date for the enactment of these changes is set for Jan. 1, 2026.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Shae A. Sortwell (Republican-2nd District), Senator Dan Feyen (Republican-20th District), Senator Jamie Wall (Democrat-30th District), and Senator Melissa Ratcliff (Democrat-16th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative David Armstrong (Republican-67th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), and Representative Clint P. Moses (Republican-92nd District), along with two other co-sponsors.
Patrick Testin has authored or co-authored another 32 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.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| SB229 | 04/29/2025 | Transferring adjudicatory functions for worker’s compensation from the Division of Hearings and Appeals in the Department of Administration to the Department of Workforce Development. (FE) |
| SB204 | 04/16/2025 | Creating a video game production tax credit and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| SB190 | 04/14/2025 | Ratification of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. (FE) |
| SB173 | 04/03/2025 | Creating a rural creative economy development grant program. (FE) |
| 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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