Rep. Dan Knodl

Maddy summaryAJR 139 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) reaffirming Wisconsin’s longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan, marking its 40th anniversary in 2026. It supports the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, encourages Wisconsin to explore establishing a representative office in Taiwan to boost trade and cultural exchanges, and backs efforts to advance a U.S.-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement. The resolution highlights Wisconsin’s economic ties with Taiwan, including $380 million in exports to Taiwan in 2023. It does not create new legal obligations but formally expresses legislative support for strengthening Wisconsin-Taiwan relations.

Maddy summaryAB 1037 modifies retainage rules for public construction contracts, specifically lowering the maximum withholdable percentage for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing subcontractors from 5% to 3% until 50% project completion. It requires prime contractors to pay these subcontractors within 7 days of receiving payment from the municipality, with full payments due after 50% completion unless work progress is unsatisfactory. The bill sets a 10% cap on total retainage and mandates final payment upon substantial completion, minus costs for corrective work. It directly affects contractors and subcontractors working on public projects, particularly those in MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) specialties. The changes aim to improve cash flow for smaller subcontractors while maintaining safeguards for project completion.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for individuals convicted of felony crimes targeting church occupants with intent to terrorize or intimidate them. It mandates a minimum one-year prison sentence (with no probation allowed) for such offenses and requires prosecutors to seek court approval before dismissing or amending charges. Additionally, it prohibits deferred prosecution programs for these cases and directs courts to verify the specific intent element during trials. The law applies to any felony where the defendant intended to terrorize two or more people inside a church.

Maddy summaryAJR 142 is a Wisconsin legislative resolution celebrating Scouting America's 115th anniversary. It expresses the legislature's support for Scouting America's values and community contributions, including its emphasis on character development and volunteerism, but does not create new laws or funding. The resolution encourages Wisconsin citizens and organizations to recognize Scouting America's role in youth development and community service. It is purely symbolic, with no policy changes or direct effects on individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryAB 1053 ensures that children in out-of-home care (like foster care) retain control over their state or federal benefits. It requires child welfare departments to hold these benefits in protected accounts that won’t reduce other benefits, provide regular financial reports to the child and their legal representatives, and return any remaining funds when the child leaves care. The bill explicitly prohibits using a child’s benefits to cover their care costs. This policy change directly affects children in state custody and their legal representatives, focusing on financial accountability and preserving benefits for the child’s future.

Maddy summaryAB 1081 adjusts payment rates for opioid treatment programs using medication-based care to match Medicare rates for comparable services starting in 2027. It also sets new staffing requirements, including a medical director with addiction medicine experience who must be present 40% of dosing time (reduced to 20% for the first 60 days of operation), and mandates one counselor for every 55 enrolled patients. The bill changes admission rules for minors, requiring documented failed detox attempts and written parental consent, while adding requirements for initial physical exams and Hepatitis/HIV testing with patient consent. These provisions directly affect all Wisconsin opioid treatment programs providing medication-assisted therapy.

Maddy summaryAB 1078 creates a $5 million biennial grant program for Wisconsin's private nonprofit colleges (specifically those in the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities) to fund new academic programs or public infrastructure projects addressing workforce needs. Institutions must provide matching funds equal to the grant amount and demonstrate a self-sustaining revenue plan after program launch. The program limits any single institution to no more than 10% of total grant funds awarded. The bill establishes this program through new statutory sections and appropriates funds for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years.

Maddy summaryAB 1062 prohibits former members of the Public Service Commission from working for 36 months with investor-owned public utilities or transmission companies in roles involving policy-making, executive decisions, operations management, or government relations. It directly affects former commissioners who seek employment in these specific high-level positions within utility companies. The law applies retroactively to those who left the Commission within the 12 months before the bill's effective date. This restriction aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest by limiting immediate post-Commission employment in regulated utility sectors.

Maddy summaryAB 1079 creates a state-funded grant program to help Wisconsin residents attend private nonprofit colleges. It provides up to $2.5 million annually for eligible students enrolled full-time at accredited private colleges in Wisconsin, with income limits under $60,000 and requiring FAFSA completion without a federal Pell Grant. Grants cover up to 10 semesters of undergraduate study, funded through the state budget. The program targets students who don’t qualify for federal aid but meet residency and financial criteria.

Maddy summaryAB 1013 updates Wisconsin's licensing rules for massage therapy and bodywork therapy businesses. It creates clear definitions for business types (like mobile services, out-call appointments, and sole practitioner operations) and allows reduced license fees for sole practitioners. The bill also establishes a "responsible manager" role for businesses and clarifies that fingerprinting is generally prohibited for licensing, except in specific cases. These changes aim to modernize the regulatory framework for massage therapy providers and their establishments.