Rep. Shae Sortwell

Maddy summaryAJR 127 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the governor from using a partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to restrict the governor's partial veto power specifically regarding tax or fee increases. This change would directly affect the governor's authority when reviewing budget bills containing tax or fee provisions. The amendment is currently moving toward a voter referendum in November 2026, following legislative approval. It does not change current law but would require voter ratification to become effective.

Maddy summaryAB 840 regulates data centers in the state by requiring specific operational and environmental standards. It mandates that data centers use closed-loop cooling systems (recycling water instead of using fresh water) and report annual water usage to the department. The bill also requires renewable energy facilities serving data centers to be located on-site and prohibits utility customers from paying for data center infrastructure costs. Additionally, operators must provide financial bonds for construction and restore land if projects are abandoned. These provisions directly affect all data center operators and developers in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 914 expands the authority of Wisconsin-registered interior designers by allowing them to legally supervise interior construction projects and sign off on required construction documents. The bill amends statutes to clarify that "practice of interior design" includes responsible supervision of interior alterations or construction, and permits registered designers to seal interior technical submissions for public records. This directly affects licensed interior designers working on interior projects (like office remodels or retail spaces) that don't require structural changes or additional exits. The key change removes barriers preventing designers from overseeing construction work they’ve prepared plans for, aligning their role with safety and building code requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 974 establishes a permanent "public affairs network fund" to provide annual grants to WisconsinEye, the public affairs network broadcasting state government proceedings. The bill creates a new trust fund using state appropriations, donations, and interest earnings, which will fund WisconsinEye’s operating costs for live broadcasts, civic events, and free online archives of unedited government proceedings. WisconsinEye must meet specific requirements, including appointing legislative designees to its board, focusing coverage on official government business, and providing continuous free public access to broadcasts and archives. If WisconsinEye ceases operations, it must repay all grant funds to the state and transfer its archives to the state historical society.

Maddy summaryAB 990 would require Wisconsin high school students to earn at least 0.5 credits in personal financial literacy to graduate. The bill specifies that this course must cover topics like money management, saving/investing, credit/debt, and risk management. Schools could award credit for approved programs offered by financial institutions through school-based branches, as determined by the school board. This requirement would apply to students in high school grades once the law is enacted.

Maddy summaryAB 995 modifies state law governing when administrative rules and emergency rules take effect. It changes the default effective date for administrative rules to the first day of the 7th month after publication (previously 6 months) and extends the maximum duration for emergency rules from 150 to 180 days. These changes directly affect state agencies creating rules and the public subject to those regulations. The bill provides clearer timelines for when rules become enforceable and how long emergency rules may remain in effect without further legislative action.

Maddy summaryAB 747 regulates hemp-derived cannabinoid products like delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC gummies or edibles. It requires third-party lab testing for potency, safety (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals), and THC content (max 0.3% or federal max 1%), mandates clear labeling with batch numbers and manufacturer details, and bans sales to people under 21. The bill excludes prescription drugs and certain CBD products governed by separate laws. Businesses must provide test results via QR codes or labels at point of sale.

Maddy summaryAB 791 makes it illegal to intentionally send false text messages to 911 reporting a non-existent emergency. It directly affects individuals who send such deceptive messages, imposing fines ($100-$600) or up to 90 days in jail for a first offense. For repeat offenses within four years, the penalty escalates to a Class H felony charge. The bill targets misuse of emergency services by adding specific penalties for text-based false reports, which previously lacked clear legal consequences. This law aims to deter non-emergency text spam that wastes critical resources.

Maddy summaryAJR 124 is a proposed constitutional amendment requiring Wisconsin's legislature to approve spending from conservation bond funds or specially created funds for nature-based recreation. It would mandate legislative approval (via joint resolution or committee) for any expenditure exceeding a threshold amount set by law. This amendment responds to a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that struck down similar spending approval rules as unconstitutional. If passed, it would require two successive legislative approvals and voter ratification before becoming effective. The bill directly affects state agencies managing conservation funding.

Maddy summaryAB 758 modifies Wisconsin tax statutes to remove the requirement for sellers to obtain exemption certificates when selling precious metal bullion that qualifies for existing tax exemptions under specific sections (like 77.54(5)(a)3.). This directly affects businesses selling precious metal bullion (e.g., gold or silver coins/bars) that meet these exemption criteria. The key change simplifies tax administration by eliminating the need for sellers to collect and verify proof of exemption for these transactions. The bill does not alter the tax exemption status itself but streamlines the process for qualifying sales.