Rep. Russell Goodwin

Maddy summaryAB 653 creates a state-funded program to improve safety at high-risk intersections. It directs the Department of Transportation to provide local governments (cities and counties) with funding for safety upgrades at signalized and stop-sign intersections with excessive crash rates. The program prioritizes intersections in the 10% of counties with the worst crash records from 2019-2024 data, using $6 million in new annual funding. This directly affects local governments managing highways by enabling them to apply for grants or reimbursements for intersection safety improvements.

Maddy summaryAB 637 requires private postsecondary schools in the state to derive at least 20% of their annual revenue from non-federal sources in two out of their three most recent fiscal years to enroll state residents. This applies directly to private colleges and universities seeking to admit students who live in the state. The bill defines "annual revenue" and "federal funds" specifically and grants the state education department authority to create implementing rules. The requirement will take effect for the 2028-29 academic year.

Maddy summaryAB 551 establishes a program allowing hunters to drop off deer carcass parts at designated sampling stations - such as self-service kiosks - for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing. The Department of Natural Resources will administer these stations, which may contract with private entities to process samples. The bill appropriates $500,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and another $500,000 for 2026-27 to fund this program. It directly affects hunters who use the stations and the Department of Natural Resources, which will manage the sampling operations.

Maddy summaryAB 632 imposes a moratorium on issuing permits for mining sulfide ore bodies (mineral deposits where metals mix with sulfide minerals) until two conditions are verified. Specifically, the department must confirm that similar mining operations in the U.S. or Canada have operated for at least 10 years without polluting groundwater or surface water from acid drainage or heavy metals, and that similar closed mines have remained pollution-free for 10 years. This applies to all permit applications, regardless of when they were submitted, and remains in effect until the verification requirements are met. The bill directly affects mining companies seeking permits for sulfide ore mining projects in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 661 requires the Department of Safety and Professional Services to audit fire sprinkler systems in specific residential buildings - defined as apartment buildings, rowhouses, townhouses, or condos with 8+ attached units and at least one unit 2+ stories above ground (excluding Chapter 50 licensed facilities). The audit must determine if automatic fire sprinklers are installed, with a report due to the governor and legislature by September 30, 2026. The bill appropriates $75,000 for two project positions to fund the audit over two fiscal years. This directly affects owners and managers of the specified buildings, as the audit verifies existing sprinkler compliance but does not mandate new installations.

Maddy summaryAB 552 allocates $3 million annually from the state general fund for research, management, and testing of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and elk. The bill creates a dedicated funding line item under the Natural Resources Department’s budget specifically for CWD management, authorizing the department to conduct research and testing. This funding applies to both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years, directly supporting wildlife management agencies tasked with addressing this disease in cervid populations. The bill does not change existing CWD management policies but provides dedicated annual funding for these activities.

Maddy summaryAB 655 requires courts to order drivers convicted of two or more reckless speeding violations (exceeding speed limits by 20+ mph) within five years to install a speed limiter on their vehicles. The law applies specifically to "Class D" vehicles and mandates that the device prevent operation above a set speed, with financial hardship exceptions for low-income individuals. Courts must order the speed limiter installation, maintenance, and removal costs (capped at 50% for qualifying low-income drivers), and violations of this order carry fines up to $600 or imprisonment. The bill creates a state program using existing ignition interlock infrastructure to manage provider rules, reporting, and enforcement under sections 343.347 and 347.414.

Maddy summaryAB 565 amends tax credit eligibility rules for qualified new business ventures in Wisconsin. It increases the investment cap from $12 million to $20 million for businesses claiming tax credits under specific statutes (71.07, 71.28, 71.47, 76.638) for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025. The bill also requires businesses receiving such credits to agree not to relocate outside Wisconsin for three years, with penalties for violations. These changes directly affect new businesses seeking state tax credits to support growth. The bill repeals outdated provisions and updates the rules to adjust investment limits and relocation requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 573 clarifies which costs related to sexual assault forensic examinations are covered under compensation programs for victims. It specifically defines "examination costs" to include evidence-gathering procedures, STI testing/prevention, HIV prophylaxis (medication to prevent HIV exposure), and STI treatment medications provided during the exam. The bill explicitly excludes administrative fees, attorney costs, and other non-medical expenses from coverage. Additionally, it requires applicants to submit only medical records directly related to the covered services, such as examinations, treatments, or preventive medications, and prohibits submitting unrelated documentation. This bill adjusts eligibility criteria for compensation without creating new benefits or funding.

Maddy summaryAB 548 creates a new special vehicle registration plate category for Wisconsin veterans awarded the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. The bill establishes a $15 fee for issuing or reissuing these plates, with excess funds deposited into the veterans trust fund. It adds this category to Wisconsin's existing system of special plates, which require specific design elements like identifying words, symbols, or colors as outlined in state statutes. This is a procedural change that expands plate options for a specific veteran group without altering existing plate designs or funding mechanisms.