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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Sen. Testin authors Wisconsin Senate bill on hearing protection for first responders

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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 seeks to establish a program supplying hearing protection devices to Wisconsin’s law enforcement and fire protective agencies, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "public protective services hearing protection assistance. (FE)".

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

In essence, this bill mandates the Department of Transportation to create and manage a program that supplies hearing protection devices to law enforcement and fire protective agencies in Wisconsin. These devices must be commercially available, reusable, designed for complete insertion within the ear canal, with a minimum noise reduction rating of 25 decibels, and a maximum output of 80 decibels. Agencies can request the quantity of devices they require from the department, ensuring adequate hearing protection for their personnel.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Brent Jacobson (Republican-87th District). It was sponsored by Representative John Spiros (Republican-86th District) and Representative Jerry L. O'Connor (Republican-60th District).

Patrick Testin has authored or co-authored another 42 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with two 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
SB28305/29/2025Public protective services hearing protection assistance. (FE)
SB25805/16/2025Advanced practice registered nurses, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
SB25705/16/2025The electronic vaping device directory and electronic nicotine devices. (FE)
SB24505/09/2025A pilot school-centered mental health program. (FE)
SB23104/29/2025Creating 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)
SB22904/29/2025Transferring 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)
SB20404/16/2025Creating a video game production tax credit and making an appropriation. (FE)
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)

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