Rep. Darrin Madison

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression in Wisconsin public schools and private schools that receive state funding through parental choice or scholarship programs. It requires these schools to adopt written policies for handling discrimination complaints and mandates that schools admitting only one sex must still allow students whose gender identity aligns with that sex. The legislation also adds gender identity and gender expression to the list of protected characteristics for hiring teachers and administrative staff, while allowing religious schools to decline instruction in religions other than their own. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties of up to $1,000 for officials who intentionally discriminate against students or staff in violation of these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new section in state statutes to regulate how online services collect and use personal data from minors under 18 years old. It applies to businesses that operate online services in the state, earn most of their revenue from those services, and are likely to be accessed by minors. The law requires covered businesses to implement age-appropriate design features, restrict the collection of sensitive data like biometric and genetic information from minors, and prevent compulsive use patterns that disrupt a minor's daily activities. The bill also grants the state rule-making authority to establish specific standards for how these protections should be implemented and enforced.

Maddy summaryThis bill would authorize Wisconsin to join an interstate compact that implements a national popular vote system for electing the president and vice president, but it only takes effect once enough states have joined to control a majority of electoral votes. Under the agreement, member states would still hold traditional statewide elections, but they would award all their electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most total votes nationwide rather than the winner of their individual state. The bill also includes provisions for handling ties, certifying results, and allowing states to withdraw from the compact with certain restrictions. This legislation does not change the current Electoral College system itself but creates a legal framework for states to participate in an alternative election method if sufficient states agree to join the compact.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a moratorium on operating new data centers in the state unless specific conditions are met, directly affecting companies that build or operate large-scale digital storage and processing facilities. It requires the creation of a statewide planning authority and mandates that data centers cannot shift their energy or water costs to residential customers. The legislation also includes requirements for mandatory public reporting of resource usage, environmental safeguards, 100% renewable energy from newly built projects, prevailing wage standards for construction workers, and prior approval by local voters before a data center can be built. Additionally, it prohibits financial subsidies for data centers, bans nondisclosure agreements between data centers and local officials, and restores public utility planning authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new basic health plan for individuals with household incomes below 200 percent of the poverty line and creates a purchase option program allowing eligible people with higher incomes to buy coverage through the state program instead of private insurance. The program would offer benefits similar to existing state coverage, include tax credits for eligible participants, and set premium rates comparable to managed care plans while requiring federal waivers to implement. It also directs the creation of a state-based insurance exchange where individuals can access these purchase options and grants officials authority to create rules needed for implementation. The bill requires a report on federal waiver status and economic analyses by March 2027 before the program can be fully launched.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Civil Legal Aid overseen by a nine-member Civil Legal Aid Board to provide legal representation for residential tenants facing eviction. The legislation establishes a right to appointed counsel at state expense for tenants in eviction actions, requiring landlords to include notices about this right in rental agreements and eviction notices. A nine-member board, appointed by the state supreme court with at least five being licensed attorneys, would oversee program operations, manage budgets, and appoint lawyers to represent tenants who request assistance. The bill also authorizes funding for the office and sets up procedures for tenants to request appointed counsel by appearing in court or contacting the clerk before the eviction hearing date.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts how Wisconsin calculates and distributes state funding for special education costs and general school aid. It modifies the reimbursement rate for special education expenses, allowing the state to distribute up to 100 percent of eligible costs rather than a lower fixed percentage. The legislation also increases the general school aid appropriation for the 2026-27 fiscal year by approximately $446 million to support public school districts. These changes directly affect school districts and the state Department of Public Instruction by altering how funds are allocated and calculated for educational programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill reduces the maximum prison sentences for certain felony offenses in Wisconsin by reclassifying them from higher classes to Class H felonies, which carry shorter potential imprisonment terms. It directly affects individuals convicted of crimes such as prescription drug violations, counterfeit mark trafficking, antitrust violations, and various administrative offenses by lowering their statutory sentencing limits. The legislation also adjusts fine amounts for these offenses, setting specific maximum penalties for individuals and corporations while maintaining the option for jail time in some cases. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions related to inmates serving bifurcated sentences, allowing them to seek sentence modifications under new criteria. The bill was introduced in March 2026 but failed to pass the Senate.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes amending the Wisconsin Constitution to establish a presumption that people accused of crimes are eligible for pretrial release under reasonable conditions, rather than requiring them to pay cash bail. It would allow courts to deny release only if there is a reasonable basis to believe monetary conditions are necessary to ensure court appearance or protect the community, with stricter rules for violent crimes. The amendment also sets specific time limits for denying release before and after hearings for serious offenses like murder or sexual assault, while requiring courts to use clear and convincing evidence to justify keeping someone detained. This measure would shift the legal standard from requiring proof of dangerousness to prove release is unsafe, placing the burden on prosecutors to overcome the presumption of eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill decriminalizes prostitution by removing criminal penalties for consenting adults engaging in sex work and establishes a sex workers' bill of rights. It directly affects sex workers, law enforcement agencies, and employers by prohibiting arrests and charges solely for engaging in sex work while granting workers protections against discrimination, harassment, and unsafe working conditions. The legislation reclassifies sex work as legal labor, ensuring sex workers receive minimum wage protections, access to health benefits, and the right to control their work and negotiate contracts. It also mandates that employers, clients, and service beneficiaries maintain safe working environments free from violence and exploitation. The bill defines sex workers as legitimate sole proprietors or businesses and extends existing worker protections to this group.