Rep. Shae Sortwell

Maddy summaryAB 274 establishes a 7-year expiration cycle for Wisconsin administrative rules, requiring state agencies to formally request "readoption" before rules expire. It directly affects state agencies that create and maintain administrative rules, mandating they submit detailed notices to the legislature with specific information about each rule's purpose, legal basis, and compliance status. Key provisions include new requirements for readoption notices (including statements on rule compliance), a process for legislative committees to review these notices, and a schedule for expiring rules that were in effect before 2025. The bill also creates a rules procedures manual to guide agencies on drafting and legislative review. These changes streamline rule expiration and renewal while increasing transparency for lawmakers.

Maddy summaryAB 294 amends Wisconsin law to change the composition of the Board of Nursing. It replaces two positions currently held by licensed registered nurses (RNs) with two new roles: one advanced practice nurse prescriber and one nurse educator, effective September 1, 2026. The bill also requires all RN members to have graduated from an accredited nursing program. This change directly affects the board's membership structure, not healthcare providers or patients.

Maddy summaryAJR 91 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday on October 13, 2025, marking the anniversary of the Continental Congress vote to establish the Navy on October 13, 1775. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's appreciation for the Navy's historical service and its legacy of defending U.S. freedoms, values, and interests over 250 years. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it solely serves to honor the Navy's history and its connections to Wisconsin through shipbuilding, named vessels, and military contributions.

Maddy summaryAJR 92 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday on November 10, 2025. It formally celebrates the Marine Corps' history, beginning with its founding by the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775, and acknowledges its ongoing service, including active-duty personnel and training at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin. The resolution contains no new policies, funding, or legal requirements - it solely expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's symbolic appreciation for the Marine Corps' 250 years of service. As a procedural resolution, it does not directly affect any individuals or change existing laws.

Maddy summaryAB 35 requires candidates for most Wisconsin offices (excluding district attorney) to formally withdraw their candidacy by specific deadlines before elections. To withdraw, candidates must file a sworn statement with the election commission and pay a fee ($1,000 for statewide/national offices, $250 for local offices). The law also penalizes false withdrawal statements as a Class G felony, with the commission required to verify the authenticity of all sworn statements. This law directly affects candidates who wish to withdraw from races but does not apply to district attorney candidates.

Maddy summaryAB 149 (Wisconsin Act 47) requires political parties in Wisconsin to formally nominate presidential electors when they lack a primary candidate for state legislative offices or state officers. Specifically, if a party has no nominee for the state Senate, Assembly, or state officer by October 1st before a presidential election, the party chair must nominate one elector per congressional district and two statewide electors. This replaces the previous requirement for a party convention in such cases and mandates written certification of nominees to the election commission. The bill directly affects Wisconsin political parties that fail to secure primary candidates for state offices in presidential election years.

Maddy summaryAJR 50 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025. It formally celebrates the Army's history of service and sacrifice since its founding in 1775, highlighting its role in defending the nation. The resolution specifically acknowledges Wisconsin's connection to the Army, including over 10,000 soldiers and civilians stationed in the state and Fort McCoy's economic impact. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes, it does not affect any laws or groups beyond expressing legislative appreciation.

Maddy summaryAB 232 transfers worker's compensation dispute resolution from the Division of Hearings and Appeals (Department of Administration) to the Department of Workforce Development. This change affects workers filing claims, employers, and insurers by shifting who handles appeals and decisions about compensation eligibility. The bill amends over 50 statutes to update references from the old division to the new department, ensuring all related procedures now fall under the Department of Workforce Development. The law was enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 33 after receiving gubernatorial approval on August 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have required public schools and private schools in Wisconsin to label their athletic teams and sports as male, female, or mixed-sex based on the sex assigned at birth. It prohibited students from participating in sports designated for the opposite sex and mandated written notice to students and parents if a team's designation changed. The legislation also established legal rights for female students to sue schools for damages if they were denied participation or faced retaliation for reporting violations. Although the bill passed the legislature, the governor vetoed it, and the state legislature did not override that veto.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill modifies the state's unemployment insurance law to improve how the department handles job search verification and fraud prevention. It allows employers to report when a job seeker declines offers, fails to attend interviews, or cannot perform available work, requiring the department to investigate these reports to determine eligibility. The legislation also establishes a legal presumption that anyone using a claimant's security credentials is acting on their behalf, while making the claimant responsible for protecting their login information and liable for benefits paid to unauthorized users. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department submit an annual report to the legislature detailing its efforts to detect and prosecute unemployment insurance fraud.