Brad Pfaff, Wisconsin State Senator for 32nd District | Official Website
Brad Pfaff, Wisconsin State Senator for 32nd District | Official Website
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "regulation of the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill modifies the regulations regarding the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company, primarily focusing on the management and funding of its reservoir system. It permits the use of tolls to finance the acquisition and improvement of the reservoir system, expanding on current legislation that restricts toll use solely for operation and maintenance costs. These tolls can now also recover costs related to taxes, depreciation, and provide for a reasonable working capital allowance. Furthermore, water power operators active for at least two months of a toll period are liable for the entire six-month toll, a change from the current exemption for the full period. Restrictions on funding with company bonds are removed, and limitations on dividend payments to stockholders when bonds are outstanding are eliminated. The bill also outlines procedures for the state to assume ownership of the company's reservoirs and works, emphasizing compensation based on actual investments or value without considering intangible assets like goodwill. The changes become effective following the passage of the bill.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Rob Summerfield (Republican-68th District), Senator Romaine Robert Quinn (Republican-25th District), Senator Jeff Smith (Democrat-31st District), Senator Melissa Ratcliff (Democrat-16th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Steve Doyle (Democrat-94th District), Representative Chanz J. Green (Republican-74th District), and Representative Clint P. Moses (Republican-92nd District), along three other co-sponsors.
Brad Pfaff has authored or co-authored another 37 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Ptaff graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay in 1960 with a BA.
Ptaff, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2021 to represent the state's 32nd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Jennifer Shilling.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SB255 | 05/09/2025 | Regulation of the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company |
| SB248 | 05/09/2025 | License eligibility and restriction extensions relating to ignition interlock devices |
| SB215 | 04/16/2025 | Town clerk and treasurer appointments, publication requirements for proposed budget summary and notice of public hearing, and discontinuance of highways. (FE) |
| SB208 | 04/16/2025 | Prohibiting hedge funds from acquiring single-family homes in this state. (FE) |
| SB148 | 03/21/2025 | The right to repair agricultural equipment, and providing a penalty. (FE) |
| SB50 | 02/21/2025 | Health care costs omnibus, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE) |
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