Rep. Margaret Arney

Maddy summaryAB 893 creates a $250,000 annual grant program from the environmental fund to support planning for regional biodigesters. These facilities convert organic waste (like food scraps or farm byproducts) into energy, primarily benefiting agricultural and waste management projects. The bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to administer the grants and develop rules for their use. It does not fund construction but focuses on initial planning phases for new biodigester facilities.

Maddy summaryAB 889 establishes the Wisconsin Climate Corps program to create climate-focused job opportunities for workers aged 16-30, with at least 50% from underserved communities. The program funds projects like restoring natural lands, weatherizing homes for energy efficiency, and building community gardens, administered by a board overseeing contracts with nonprofit managers. Key requirements include paying workers $15/hour, providing housing stipends ($100/week), and gold-level health insurance. Sponsors (local governments, tribes, or nonprofits) must submit annual reports, and completed projects require permanent plaques identifying them as Wisconsin Climate Corps initiatives. The bill appropriates state funds for grants to approved projects under this framework.

Maddy summaryAB 888 creates a new state-funded program providing $1.5 million annually in grants to public or private organizations for training workers in green jobs. Green jobs are defined as roles in renewable energy (like solar/wind) or environmental services that conserve resources or benefit the environment. Organizations receiving grants must provide matching funds, and the Department of Workforce Development will track outcomes like employment rates and wage changes for participants. The funding comes from the state's workforce development budget and requires annual reporting on program impact.

Maddy summaryAB 879 creates grants for cities, towns, nonprofits (501(c)(3) organizations), and tribes to plant and maintain trees in urban areas to reduce "urban heat islands" (warmer city zones). It provides up to $100,000 per project for tree planting, maintenance, and replacement, with no cost-sharing required for recipients. The bill also adds $500,000 in funding for 2025-26 and includes separate grants for tree recovery after storm damage in declared emergency areas. These grants cover full project costs without requiring applicants to pay any portion upfront.

Maddy summaryAB 830 requires the state transportation department to include specific goals in its long-range transportation plan, directly affecting how the department develops statewide infrastructure strategies. The bill mandates inclusion of a vision for low-carbon public transit, transportation electrification, cost-effective charging infrastructure, equitable clean transportation incentives, and solutions for underserved rural, low-income, and minority communities. The department must also submit a report within six months detailing progress on these requirements and future plans for implementation. This legislation sets concrete policy standards for sustainable and equitable transportation planning without specifying funding or enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryAB 815 creates a "blue envelope" program to improve communication between law enforcement and individuals with invisible disabilities during traffic stops. The program provides free blue envelopes containing vehicle registration/insurance copies, safety information for recipients, and interaction guidelines for officers. Eligible individuals (including those covered by the ADA or needing accommodations) can request an envelope by declaring their disability on a form. The state will fund this initiative through general fund appropriations and develop training materials for law enforcement under the program.

Maddy summaryAB 941 allows Wisconsin college and university student identification cards to be used as valid voter identification. It specifically applies to students at state-accredited universities (including the University of Wisconsin System) and technical colleges in the state. The bill requires these IDs to include the issuance date, student signature, and an expiration date no later than two years after issuance. If an ID is expired, voters must prove current enrollment at the institution on the day they vote. The law takes effect for institutions by August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryAB 922 requires all Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) office locations that issue operators' licenses to meet 2010 ADA accessibility standards by January 1, 2030. This directly affects DOT offices serving the public, particularly people with disabilities seeking license services. The bill mandates modifications to ensure full accessibility, prohibits using exceptions or local ordinances to avoid compliance, and sets reporting deadlines: by 2027, DOT must identify priority locations needing upgrades and cost estimates, and by 2028, submit progress reports on completed modifications.

Maddy summaryAB 917 creates a $150 million First-Time Home Buyer Purchasing Assistance Fund to provide interest-free loans for eligible buyers. It directly affects first-time homebuyers who have never owned a home (or lost one to foreclosure), earn at or below 100% of local median income, complete homebuyer education, and occupy the home as their primary residence. Loans cover up to $35,000 or 10% of the home’s purchase price (whichever is lower) for down payments, closing costs, and other expenses, with 12.5% forgiveness after 2.5 years and full forgiveness after 10 years. Repayment is triggered if the home is sold, stops being the primary residence, or if the borrower violates loan terms. The program is administered by Wisconsin’s Housing and Economic Development Authority.

Maddy summaryAB 942 requires municipalities to mail notice to all residents in an area if a polling place is discontinued after an election. Specifically, the municipal clerk must send this notice by mail at least 30 days before the next election. The bill directly affects voters in communities that change polling locations and ensures they receive timely notification. It modifies existing election procedures to add this mandatory notice requirement after a public hearing process for discontinuing polling places. This is a procedural change focused on improving voter communication, not altering voting rights or eligibility.