Rep. Joel Kitchens

Maddy summaryAB 454 establishes a statewide "workforce home loan" revolving loan program to help low-to-moderate income workers purchase homes. It creates a new fund that will provide loans to first-time homebuyers whose household income is at or below 100% of the local area median income, with requirements including no prior residential property ownership in the past three years and meeting specific debt-to-income and credit score standards (minimum 580 FICO score for deferred payment options). The program uses repayments from existing loans to replenish the fund, allowing it to serve more borrowers over time. This directly affects eligible workforce households in housing markets across the state who qualify under the defined income and underwriting criteria.

Maddy summaryAB 604 would require Wisconsin's Department of Health Services to request a federal Medicaid waiver to provide pre-release medical coverage for incarcerated individuals eligible for Medicaid. It specifically covers case management, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, and a 30-day supply of prescription medications for up to 90 days before release. This bill directly affects incarcerated people who qualify for Medicaid, aiming to improve continuity of care upon reentry. The waiver request must be submitted by January 1, 2027, to allow state and federal reimbursement for these services. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to expand healthcare access during a critical transition period.

Maddy summaryAB 856 repeals and amends specific sections of state law related to operating while intoxicated (OWI) that were deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill primarily affects drivers of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles, and motorboats who face penalties for OWI or refusal to submit to chemical tests. Key changes include adjusting penalty tiers for repeat offenses (e.g., fines of $300-$1,100 for one prior conviction, up to $2,000 for four or more), clarifying when refusal constitutes a violation, and adding provisions for "additional chemical tests" for ATV/boat operators involved in accidents. The bill also revises procedures for law enforcement officers requesting tests and providing required information. These changes aim to align the statutes with constitutional standards while maintaining enforcement mechanisms for impaired operation.

Maddy summaryAB 320 increases multiple court filing fees and requires these fees to be adjusted for inflation starting in 2030. It raises specific fees, such as the civil filing fee from $75 to $190 and the criminal case fee from $163 to $239, with future adjustments tied to the U.S. consumer price index. These changes directly affect individuals filing court cases (e.g., defendants in criminal matters, plaintiffs in civil or family cases) who pay these fees. The bill mandates that fee amounts be recalculated every five years based on inflation data, rounded up to the nearest dollar, and posted online by the state courts director. The adjustments apply to over 20 specific fee categories across criminal, civil, and family court proceedings.

Maddy summaryAB 217 raises competitive bidding thresholds for local government contracts in the state. It increases the general public work bidding threshold from $25,000 to $50,000 and the notice threshold from $5,000 to $10,000. For highway contracts specifically, it sets a $25,000 bidding threshold and $5,000 notice threshold. The bill also requires these thresholds to automatically adjust every five years based on inflation, using the U.S. Consumer Price Index. This directly affects towns and local governments when contracting for public projects above these new dollar amounts.

Maddy summaryAB 530 restricts drone operations over school properties, directly affecting anyone flying drones near public, private, or tribal schools. The bill prohibits drones over school grounds without authorization, except for specific law enforcement or emergency purposes like search/rescue, locating escaped prisoners, or preventing imminent danger. Violations carry a maximum $5,000 penalty, and evidence from drone recordings related to violations must be handled by law enforcement or correctional authorities. The law clarifies definitions for "school" and "public protective services agency" to ensure consistent application.

Maddy summaryAB 911 creates a new funding mechanism to support a battery collection and recycling program by directing existing environmental fund monies (from statute 287.175 (3) (b)) toward this purpose. The bill specifically allocates funds already designated for battery recycling under current law, without creating new taxes or fees. It only takes effect if two other related bills (AB 713 or SB 702) are not enacted during the 2025-26 legislative session. This funding directly supports the operational costs of the state’s battery recycling program, primarily affecting program administrators and participating recyclers.

Maddy summaryAB 713 requires battery producers (like manufacturers or brands selling batteries) to fund and manage collection and recycling programs starting in 2027. It bans disposal of covered batteries (portable/medium-sized batteries excluding medical devices, lead-acid, or alkaline types) in landfills after January 1, 2028, mandating they be returned through designated collection sites instead. Producers must also mark batteries with their identity by 2027 and indicate battery chemistry for proper recycling by 2029. This law directly affects battery sellers and manufacturers, shifting responsibility for recycling programs from consumers or local governments to the producers themselves.

Maddy summaryAB 813 amends Wisconsin's Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Program, which provides grants through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), to allow funding for non-public events that attract national exposure or boost economic growth - such as private conferences or industry gatherings - under specific conditions. The bill creates a new provision (3)(cm) limiting such non-public event funding to 25% of annual program funds, requiring WEDC to prioritize events during tourist off-seasons or economic downturns, and banning funding for regularly scheduled events. It also mandates that applicants secure non-state matching funds equal to the grant amount and requires WEDC to submit annual reports detailing all funded projects and their projected economic impact. This directly affects event organizers and businesses applying for WEDC grants to attract major opportunities to Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 659 modifies Wisconsin's tuition benefit policies for veterans and their families. It reduces the required residency period from 5 to 3 consecutive years in the state before enrollment for veterans themselves and their dependents (spouses or children) to qualify for tuition exemptions or grants at University of Wisconsin System schools, technical colleges, or private nonprofit institutions. The bill applies to veterans who served honorably, died on duty or from service-connected disabilities, or have a 30% service-connected disability rating, and to dependents who meet the revised residency requirement. It does not change eligibility for veterans who were Wisconsin residents at the time of military entry. The policy change takes effect for the first semester or session beginning after the bill's effective date.