Rep. Shae Sortwell

Maddy summaryAJR 1 is a constitutional amendment requiring voters to present valid photo identification to cast a ballot in any election. It directly affects all voters in state elections, specifying that acceptable ID must be issued by the state, federal government, a federally recognized tribal entity, or a college/university in the state. The bill mandates the legislature to define acceptable ID types and establish exceptions, while allowing voters without ID on election day to cast a provisional ballot and submit ID later. This proposal, on second consideration after a 2023 rejection, would be submitted to voters in April 2025 if approved.

Maddy summaryAB 67 creates a new process for selecting where lawsuits involving government entities (like state officials, commissions, or federal representatives from the state) are heard in 1st or 2nd class cities. If a party requests it within 5 days of filing or service, the court clerk randomly assigns the case to another circuit court, and this assignment becomes final - no further venue changes are allowed. The bill also adds a fee for using this random venue option. It directly affects plaintiffs and defendants in such lawsuits filed in designated cities, changing how venue is determined under existing law.

Maddy summaryAB 42 prevents local governments (like cities or counties) from banning residents from keeping up to four chickens or quail on residential properties, including for property owners and owner-occupied rentals. Local units may still require permits, ask for neighbor notifications, set reasonable rules for coop locations, ban roosters, or enforce cleanliness standards. The bill specifically exempts condominiums, which remain subject to their own governing documents. This law directly affects homeowners and renters in residential zones seeking to keep small flocks for personal use.

Maddy summaryAB 41 prohibits local governments (cities, towns, or counties) from requiring permits or banning vegetable gardens on residential property. It defines a "vegetable garden" as a plot growing edible plants, flowers, or pollinator plants on a homeowner's own land. The bill allows local governments to still enforce zoning, water/fertilizer rules, and weed control as long as those regulations don't specifically target vegetable gardens. This directly affects residents who grow food or flowers in their yards, ensuring they cannot be stopped or charged fees by local authorities for doing so.

Maddy summaryAB 88 addresses civil actions and law enforcement responses related to riot and vandalism activities. The bill prohibits government officials from limiting or restricting law enforcement's authority to arrest individuals or quell such disturbances. It also creates a new civil cause of action, allowing individuals who suffer injury or property damage from riot or vandalism to sue those who committed the acts or provided material support. Victims may seek compensatory damages, an order for property repair, and legal fees, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. The bill also defines "rioting" and "incite" for these purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would permit certified advanced practice nurses (who prescribe medications) to perform radiography services, such as X-rays, as part of their existing practice. It creates a new statutory provision explicitly expanding their scope to include radiography without requiring separate radiography certification. The change directly affects these nurse prescribers, allowing them to conduct medical imaging procedures in healthcare settings. The bill was introduced in 2025 and referred to the Health committee for review.

Maddy summaryAB 205 creates a new statute (97.19) requiring that any product labeled as "maple syrup" served in public eating places must be made entirely of maple syrup. It directly affects restaurants and food service establishments that serve items marketed as maple syrup. The bill prohibits serving products identified as maple syrup unless they contain 100% maple syrup, while allowing non-maple syrup products to be served if they aren't labeled as maple syrup. This clarifies labeling standards for consumers and aligns with federal definitions for maple syrup.

Maddy summaryAB 127 modifies pharmacy laws regarding the dispensing of lawfully prescribed contraceptives. It allows pharmacists to refuse dispensing for reasons of conscience but requires them to immediately transfer the prescription to another pharmacy at the patient’s direction without delay. This directly affects pharmacists in community and hospital settings who dispense contraceptives, ensuring patients can access their prescribed medication without unnecessary delays. The bill specifies that refusals cannot be based on prescription errors, potential fraud, or drug incompatibility, and clarifies that pharmacists must transfer prescriptions rather than deny service.

Maddy summaryAB 172 creates a new consumer data protection law by defining key terms like "personal data," "biometric data," "sale of personal data," and "consumer" in section 100.80 of the statutes. This bill directly affects businesses that collect or process personal data of state residents, requiring them to follow standardized handling practices for such data. The law includes penalty provisions for violations, though specific penalty amounts and enforcement details are not provided in the available bill text.

Maddy summaryAB 132 creates a "nuclear power summit board" to organize, promote, and host a Wisconsin nuclear power summit in Madison, requiring the event to occur within one month after a specific university academic term begins. The board includes appointed legislators (two senators, two assembly members), the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO, a governor-appointed member, and nonvoting industry/faculty representatives. It is funded through a dedicated appropriation from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, with the summit allowing free attendance for Wisconsin residents and varying registration fees for others. The board must disband 180 days after the summit concludes, returning remaining assets to the University of Wisconsin-Madison's nuclear engineering program.