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: "creating a tax credit for expenses related to film production services and for capital investments made by a film production company, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill establishes a tax credit for film production companies operating in Wisconsin, offering 30% credits on wages and production expenses within the state. A new State Film Office will manage accreditations and allocations, with an annual cap of $10 million in credits. Companies can also receive credits for investments in film-related property in their first three years operating in the state. No single applicant may receive over $1 million in credits annually. Unused credits can be carried forward, and nonprofit entities can transfer credits. The bill requires an annual report and biennial audit on the credit program's efficiency and impact. Effective the day after publication or two days after the 2025 budget act's publication, whichever is later.
The bill was co-authored by Representative David Armstrong (Republican-67th District), Senator Dora E. Drake (Democrat-4th District), Senator Dan Feyen (Republican-20th District), Senator Chris Larson (Democrat-7th District), and Senator Brad Pfaff (Democrat-32nd District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Brienne Brown (Democrat-43rd District), Representative Calvin T. Callahan (Republican-35th District), and Representative Steve Doyle (Democrat-94th District), along with 31 other co-sponsors.
Patrick Testin has authored or co-authored another 33 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 |
|---|---|---|
| SB231 | 04/29/2025 | Creating a tax credit for expenses related to film production services and for capital investments made by a film production company, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| 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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