Rep. Dan Knodl

Maddy summaryAB 161 prohibits state agencies and local governments from restricting the sale, use, or purchase of motor vehicles or other devices based on their energy source (e.g., electric, gasoline, hydrogen). It specifically allows governments to set their own purchasing policies for their own fleets but bans restrictions on consumer or commercial use. The bill directly affects state/local governments, businesses selling vehicles/devices, and residents using such products. It creates a clear rule that energy source cannot be a factor in regulatory decisions.

Maddy summaryAB 58 restricts flags displayed on state and local government buildings, requiring only the U.S. flag, Wisconsin state flag, or a state agency flag to be flown from flagpoles or exteriors. Exceptions allow flags for veterans (e.g., POW/MIA), federally recognized tribes, neighboring states at border crossings, or emergency services, but only for ceremonial or safety purposes. The bill explicitly prohibits any flag supporting political parties, social causes, racial/sexual identities, or extremist groups, including flags designed for specific holidays. It applies to all state office buildings, schools, and local government facilities, with limited exemptions for leased properties.

Maddy summaryAB 418 requires long-term care facilities (including nursing homes and assisted living facilities) and hospitals to allow specific visitation during communicable disease outbreaks. It mandates that facilities permit at least one "essential visitor" (designated by the resident or their legal representative) or one "member of the clergy" for compassionate reasons like end-of-life care, grief support, or when a healthcare professional determines the visitor's presence benefits the patient. Facilities may deny visitation only if the visitor refuses to follow health protocols, poses a contagion risk, or the patient objects. The bill also creates a process for residents or families to file complaints if facilities violate these rules.

Maddy summaryAB 406 establishes the framework for setting resident undergraduate tuition and fee rates at the University of Wisconsin System. It directly affects Wisconsin residents enrolled in undergraduate programs across UW System campuses. The bill outlines the process for determining these rates, though specific dollar amounts or changes are not detailed in the current summary. Introduced in August 2025 and referred to the Consumer Protection committee, it is currently under review with a fiscal estimate received.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution recognizes October 7, 2025, as National Propane Day in Wisconsin. It highlights propane as a clean-burning, low-carbon fuel that supports 278,175 Wisconsin homes, 1,360 jobs, and over $1 billion in annual economic activity. The resolution emphasizes propane’s role in meeting energy needs while improving air quality and supporting Wisconsin’s energy security. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations but formally acknowledges the industry’s contributions.

Maddy summaryAB 448 allows eligible nonprofit agricultural organizations (specifically, long-standing, member-directed cooperatives established before 1922 and meeting IRS 501(c)(5) requirements) to provide health benefit coverage exclusively to their members and members' families. Key provisions require these organizations to offer coverage in all state counties, provide written notice clarifying this is not health insurance, cover all physician services without preexisting condition exclusions beyond six months, and maintain sufficient financial reserves via annual actuarial reviews. The bill also mandates reinsurance with state-authorized companies and establishes complaint resolution processes mirroring those for standard health insurance. This framework directly affects qualifying agricultural co-ops and their members, creating a regulated pathway for member-only health benefits while ensuring basic consumer protections.

Maddy summaryAB 412 would require certain professionals, such as teachers and healthcare workers, to directly report suspected child abuse cases to law enforcement instead of child protective services. This changes the current reporting process by mandating immediate referrals to police for safety concerns. The bill applies to individuals already designated as mandated reporters under existing law. It was introduced in August 2025 and referred to the Criminal Justice Committee for review.

Maddy summaryAB 430 amends Wisconsin's fair employment law to clarify when employers and licensing agencies can consider an applicant's pending criminal charge. It prohibits refusing employment or licensing solely because an applicant has a pending charge, unless the charge is directly related to the job or licensed activity. The bill specifically allows decisions based on the charge's relevance to the position (e.g., denying a security job for a theft charge) but blocks blanket denials for unrelated pending cases. This directly affects job seekers and license applicants with pending criminal charges who face hiring or licensing barriers. The law aims to reduce discrimination based on arrest records while permitting relevant, job-related considerations.

Maddy summaryAB 209 creates two revolving loan programs: one for Great Lakes shoreline erosion control and another for hazard mitigation projects. It directly affects municipalities and homeowners threatened by erosion along Lake Michigan or Lake Superior, as well as local governments seeking funds for hazard mitigation. The bill establishes a $5 million appropriation from the environmental fund for the Great Lakes program and a separate hazard mitigation revolving loan fund using federal funds, state transfers, and loan repayments. All repaid loan principal and interest are recycled into the programs, creating a self-sustaining funding mechanism.

Maddy summaryAB 401 creates penalties for damaging or defacing designated historical properties in Wisconsin. It directly affects individuals who intentionally damage such properties, including vandalism or graffiti on sites with historical significance. The bill establishes specific fines or penalties for these offenses, targeting property owners or vandals who harm protected historical landmarks. This legislation focuses on safeguarding culturally significant sites through new enforcement mechanisms.