Rep. Russell Goodwin

Maddy summaryAB 679 creates a new permit system for trucks carrying grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer that exceed standard weight limits. It allows vehicles with 6 or more axles to operate at up to 91,000 pounds gross weight on state highways, provided they meet axle weight distribution rules and follow department-specified routes. The bill directly affects agricultural haulers and trucking companies transporting these materials, requiring a $325 permit for such operations. Permits are invalid on interstate highways (except as permitted by federal law) and may be suspended during spring thaw conditions. This bill does not change base weight limits but establishes a regulated pathway for heavier agricultural transport.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to protect health insurance enrollees from unexpected medical bills by establishing rules for how insurance plans must handle emergency care and services provided by out-of-network providers. It requires insurance plans to cover emergency medical services without requiring prior authorization and ensures that cost-sharing amounts for out-of-network emergency care are no higher than what would apply for in-network care. Additionally, the bill mandates that plans pay out-of-network providers directly for emergency services and certain non-emergency services provided at in-network facilities, preventing patients from being billed for the difference between the out-of-network rate and the recognized amount. These provisions apply to defined network plans, preferred provider plans, and self-insured governmental plans that have networks of participating providers.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a revolving loan program to provide gap funding for workforce housing projects that have already received some financial assistance but still need additional funds to complete construction. It authorizes the state housing authority to issue up to $50 million in bonds to establish a dedicated fund for these loans, which will be repaid by developers and reused to fund future projects. The program targets residential housing where costs do not exceed 30% of 120% of the area median income, benefiting developers and local governments that partner on eligible workforce housing initiatives. The bill also amends existing statutes to exempt these new bonds from certain spending limitations and requires coordination with the state building commission before issuing any bonds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers operating full-service pharmacies or major grocery stores to provide at least 60 days advance written notice to employees before permanently closing their business. The law defines a full-service pharmacy as one that dispenses prescriptions with an on-site pharmacist and a major grocery store as a licensed food establishment selling fresh produce and staples that occupies at least 15,000 square feet. If an employer fails to give timely notice, affected employees may recover up to 60 days of pay and the value of lost benefits through a claims process administered by the state department. The bill also requires employers to notify local workforce development boards and municipal officials, and provides for attorney fees if employees successfully pursue legal action against non-compliant employers.

Maddy summaryThis bill would remove a state law that currently prevents local governments from creating or enforcing eviction moratoriums, which are rules that temporarily stop landlords from evicting tenants. By repealing the specific statute that bans these local measures, the legislation would allow cities and counties to decide on their own whether to pause evictions within their jurisdictions. The change directly affects local governments, landlords, and tenants by potentially expanding the ability of communities to implement temporary eviction protections. This is a procedural change that alters existing legal restrictions rather than creating new substantive requirements for housing or eviction processes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state tax credit to help Wisconsin residents pay for health insurance premiums. It allows individuals who purchase qualified health plans to claim a credit on their state income tax return for the amount they would have received under federal premium assistance rules between 2021 and 2025. The credit is available only to full-year state residents who file their own tax returns and cannot be claimed if the taxpayer already qualifies for similar federal assistance. The legislation also authorizes state funds to pay any portion of the credit that exceeds the taxpayer's state tax liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates manoomin as the official state native grain of Wisconsin by adding a new section to the state statutes. It requires the Wisconsin Blue Book to include information about manoomin alongside other official state symbols like the state song and tree. The legislation does not change any laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic designation to recognize the cultural significance of this grain.

Maddy summaryThis bill honors the life and public service of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a civil rights activist and politician who passed away in February 2026. It formally recognizes his contributions to the American civil rights movement, his work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and his role as a presidential candidate who built a diverse coalition of underserved Americans. The resolution expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's condolences to his family and community while acknowledging his legacy of advocacy for racial equity, economic justice, and voting rights.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend the Wisconsin Constitution to remove an exception that currently allows slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. If passed, it would prohibit all forms of slavery and involuntary servitude without exception, regardless of criminal conviction. The measure requires approval by two successive legislatures and ratification by voters before it becomes law. It directly affects the state's constitutional framework regarding human rights and criminal punishment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of the Ombudsperson for Corrections within the Department of Administration to investigate complaints from prisoners, staff, contractors, and their families regarding abuse, unfair treatment, or rights violations in state correctional facilities and community-based correctional services. The ombudsperson, appointed by the governor with Senate approval, will receive complaints at no cost to the complainant after internal processes are exhausted, investigate facility policies and practices, and make recommendations to facility operators, the governor, or the legislature. The office will have authority to subpoena records and witnesses, require facility operators to cooperate with investigations, and publish annual reports with statistics on complaints and recommendations on a public website. The bill also authorizes funding for the new position and establishes the ombudsperson's role within the state's correctional oversight structure.