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: "enumeration of projects in the Authorized State Building Program, modifications to building program project budgets, selection of project architects and engineers, single prime contracting, agency cooperation with energy conservation contractors, timeline for claims before the Claims Board, and making a transfer to the state building trust fund. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill modifies several aspects of the Authorized State Building Program in Wisconsin. It removes the requirement for project design phases to be enumerated and mandates that at least 50% of a project's design phase must be complete for construction to be included in the program. It requires quarterly reports to be submitted detailing budget changes and shortfalls for projects. The bill also raises the cost threshold for selecting architects and engineers through a proposal process from $7.4 million to $15 million. For projects exceeding $200 million, it mandates waivers of certain single prime contracting requirements if requested by the agency involved. Amendments allow for energy conservation collaborations with private companies, clarify utilities-related costs in contracts, and establish a timeline for contract-related claims against the state. Additionally, a $32 million transfer from the general fund to the state building trust fund is included, effective in fiscal year 2024-25.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Mark Born (Republican-37th District) and Senator Howard L. Marklein (Republican-17th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Scott Allen (Republican-82nd District), Representative David Armstrong (Republican-67th District), and Representative Robert Brooks (Republican-59th District), along with 15 other co-sponsors.
Patrick Testin has authored or co-authored another 48 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.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| SB296 | 05/30/2025 | Enumeration of projects in the Authorized State Building Program, modifications to building program project budgets, selection of project architects and engineers, single prime contracting, agency cooperation with energy conservation contractors, timeline for claims before the Claims Board, and making a transfer to the state building trust fund. (FE) |
| SB285 | 05/30/2025 | Talent recruitment grants. (FE) |
| SB284 | 05/30/2025 | A sustainable aviation fuel production tax credit. (FE) |
| SB283 | 05/29/2025 | Public protective services hearing protection assistance. (FE) |
| SB258 | 05/16/2025 | Advanced practice registered nurses, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE) |
| SB257 | 05/16/2025 | The electronic vaping device directory and electronic nicotine devices. (FE) |
| SB245 | 05/09/2025 | A pilot school-centered mental health program. (FE) |
| 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) |
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