Rep. Kalan Haywood

Maddy summaryAB 435 restructures funding and governance for Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 conservation program. It establishes a new Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Board with specific member appointments (including assembly/senate representatives, environmental groups, tribal representatives, and outdoor recreation stakeholders) and creates two new grant programs: one for nonprofit conservation organizations ($5 million annually) and a tribal co-management program ($3 million annually). The bill also adjusts debt limits for the program and modifies how funds are allocated from the capital improvement fund to support state parks, local recreation, and boating facilities. This directly affects conservation organizations, tribal governments, local municipalities, and outdoor recreation businesses receiving program funding.

Maddy summaryAB 444 prohibits state agencies, local governments, and county sheriffs from using public facilities (including jails) to detain people solely based on immigration status. It also bans state or local funding for immigrant detention facilities. The bill directly affects all state and local entities that operate facilities or manage public funds, preventing them from participating in immigration enforcement through detention or financial support. The law creates a clear legal barrier to state involvement in immigration detention systems, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryAB 378 requires all state agencies to mask or anonymize personally identifiable information (PII) before sharing it with the federal government, directly affecting state agencies handling sensitive data like health records or social services. The bill allows limited exceptions for sharing unmasked data when required by law, for legislative constituent services, or for court operations. It also creates a civil lawsuit option for individuals harmed by negligent violations, allowing recovery of actual damages, up to $1,000 in punitive damages, and attorney fees. The law aims to strengthen data privacy protections by limiting federal access to identifiable state records without explicit safeguards.

Maddy summaryAB 489 creates a voluntary program allowing individuals to prohibit themselves from purchasing handguns for specific periods (1, 5, or 20 years, with the first year irrevocable). Individuals submit forms to the Department of Justice for verification, entering their details into a new database. This database is now checked by firearms dealers during background checks under existing law (s. 175.35), which will block sales if a person is listed. The program directly affects individuals seeking to restrict their own firearm access, with the state appropriating $150,000 annually to administer it.

Maddy summaryAB 484 modifies requirements for concealed carry license applicants and renewals in this state. It allows applicants to use copies of previous licenses (from this state, another state, or a local jurisdiction) as proof of training, instead of requiring separate documentation. The bill also mandates specific training topics for renewals, including live ammunition practice, firearm safety and storage, suicide prevention, and de-escalation techniques. License holders must submit proof of completing such training when renewing their licenses.

Maddy summaryAB 470 repeals the state's right-to-work law, which previously prohibited requiring employees to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment. The bill eliminates section 111.04(3) and amends labor statutes to allow employers to collect union dues with employee consent (via written authorization) and to enter "all-union agreements" requiring membership in collective bargaining units where a majority of workers have voted in favor. This directly affects employees, employers, and labor organizations by removing restrictions on mandatory union membership and dues in unionized workplaces. The bill also establishes a new policy declaration emphasizing fair employment relations and collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryAB 558 bans "warrior-style training" for law enforcement officers in the state, directly affecting law enforcement agencies, officers, and training organizations. The bill prohibits agencies from providing, arranging, reimbursing, or contracting for such training - defined as any program that dehumanizes individuals or encourages aggressive conduct that increases the likelihood of deadly force. It specifically exempts aikido training, allowing agencies to provide or reimburse for it. The law amends state statutes to enforce these restrictions on training content and funding.

Maddy summaryAB 441 requires law enforcement officers to clearly identify themselves during arrests or detentions. Specifically, officers must state their name, display their badge number and agency insignia (with specified visibility standards), and state the legal authority for the action. The bill prohibits concealing identity except for medical masks, tactical gear, or during imminent danger. Violating these rules is a Class D felony, though courts cannot impose jail time. This directly affects officers employed by state or local law enforcement agencies during enforcement actions.

Maddy summaryAB 145 requires the state legislature to create and pass a plan to reduce carbon emissions by 52% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The bill mandates that any legislative plan developed must prioritize improving both economic and racial equity alongside emission reductions. It directly affects the legislature, which must finalize this plan during the 2025-26 session. The key provision is establishing legally binding emission reduction targets with an explicit requirement to address equity impacts in the implementation strategy.

Maddy summaryAB 337 requires public school staff in Wisconsin to receive training focused on student mental health and social-emotional learning. This bill directly affects school staff, including teachers and administrators, by mandating new training programs. It authorizes a $500,000 funding increase for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to support these training initiatives through the Department of Public Instruction. The legislation creates a new statutory requirement (115.28 (63)(d)) for schools to implement this training, funded by the specified appropriations.