Van H. Wanggaard, Wisconsin State Senator from 21st district | www.facebook.com
Van H. Wanggaard, Wisconsin State Senator from 21st district | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "spinal cord injury research grants and symposia 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 mandates the Department of Health Services to create a grant program to fund spinal cord injury research, focusing on innovative treatments and rehabilitation strategies. Research areas can include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, brain stimuli, and new rehabilitative approaches. No more than 8% of grant awards can be used for administrative costs. It also establishes a Spinal Cord Injury Council, including researchers, medical professionals, and individuals with spinal cord injuries, to help evaluate grant applications. Council members must disclose financial interests in recommended organizations. Additionally, the bill allows for biennial symposia to present research findings, subject to council approval. Annual reports on the grant program must be submitted to the legislature. The bill takes effect the day after publication or following the 2025 biennial budget act, whichever is later.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Paul Tittl (Republican-25th District), Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (Democrat-8th District), Senator Jesse L. James (Republican-23rd District), Senator Sarah Keyeski (Democrat-14th District), Senator Chris Larson (Democrat-7th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Scott Allen (Republican-82nd District), Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), and Representative David Armstrong (Republican-67th District), along 30 other co-sponsors.
Van H. Wanggaard has authored or co-authored another 36 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Wanggaard graduated from Gateway Technical College.
Wanggaard, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2015 to represent the state's 21st Senate district, replacing previous state senator John Lehman.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SB99 | 03/07/2025 | Spinal cord injury research grants and symposia and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| SB82 | 02/26/2025 | Governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device |
| SB66 | 02/21/2025 | Registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty |
| SB65 | 02/21/2025 | Impoundment of vehicles used in certain reckless driving offenses. (FE) |
| SB64 | 02/21/2025 | Injuring or killing a police or fire animal and providing a penalty |
| SB39 | 02/12/2025 | Establishment of a Palliative Care Council. (FE) |
| SB34 | 02/12/2025 | Withdrawal of candidacy for certain offices filled at the general election and providing a penalty. (FE) |
| SB30 | 02/12/2025 | Required instruction in civics in the elementary and high school grades, high school graduation requirements, and private school educational program criteria. (FE) |
| SB12 | 02/03/2025 | A sales and use tax exemption for the sale of gun safes. (FE) |
| SB6 | 01/24/2025 | Impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses |
| SB5 | 01/24/2025 | Battery or threat to jurors and providing a penalty |
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