Rep. Dan Knodl

Maddy summaryAB 556 requires most state executive agencies to submit biennial budget requests using zero-based budgeting starting in 2027. This means agencies must justify each program's funding needs from scratch, not just build on previous budgets, and analyze whether each appropriation met its intended goal. The bill mandates that 20% of agencies use this method each biennium, with every agency required to submit at least one zero-based budget every five years. Agencies must also publicly post these reports on their websites.

Maddy summaryAB 471 prevents cities, towns, and counties from banning residents or businesses from using digital assets (like cryptocurrency) to pay for goods/services or storing them in personal wallets (e.g., hardware or self-hosted wallets). It explicitly allows individuals to operate blockchain nodes, develop related software, transfer digital assets, and participate in staking (locking assets to support network security). The bill defines key terms like "digital asset" and "stake" to clarify these protections, ensuring local governments cannot restrict these activities. This directly affects digital asset users, service providers, and local governments across the state.

Maddy summaryAB 393 modifies restrictions on school bus drivers over 70 years old and those with certain medical conditions, allowing them to operate school buses under new medical review requirements. The bill requires school districts to implement a standardized medical evaluation process for qualifying drivers. This directly affects school bus drivers in these categories and their employers. The legislation is currently in the Assembly Transportation Committee after recent amendments.

Maddy summaryAJR 112 proposes a constitutional amendment to Article I, Section 25, explicitly defining the right to keep and bear arms as applying to security, defense, hunting, recreation, and any other lawful purpose. It states this right is "fundamental" and requires any government restriction to undergo "strict scrutiny." The amendment would directly affect all residents by altering the state constitution's firearm rights protections. If approved by voters, it would become part of the constitution, requiring future laws restricting firearms to meet the strict scrutiny standard. The bill is currently in committee after its October 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryAB 135 requires vehicle manufacturers to provide owners and repair shops with free, unrestricted access to vehicle data (like diagnostics) and critical repair information (tools, manuals, parts specs) needed to fix cars. It prohibits manufacturers from using technological barriers (like encrypted data) or legal barriers (such as forcing owners to use dealer-approved parts) to limit repair choices. The bill directly affects car owners, independent repair shops, and aftermarket parts companies by ensuring they can access necessary information without fees or manufacturer-imposed restrictions. Manufacturers must also stop mandating specific brands of parts or tools in repair guides, though they can still recommend options with clear disclaimers. This law aims to make vehicle repairs more accessible and affordable by removing artificial barriers.

Maddy summaryAJR 49 is a joint resolution expressing formal congratulations to the Milwaukee Rufus King Cheer and Stunt Team for winning two state championships in the Wisconsin Association of Cheer and Pom Coaches (WACPC) competition on February 22, 2025. It recognizes their historic achievement as the first Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) team to win both the Non-Tumble and Cheer Dance division titles in a single season, marking their sixth overall state championship. The resolution specifically thanks the team and their coaches - Olivia Raasch, Ryonna Hendricks, Kydra Johnson, and Destiny Tillman - for their "determination, perseverance, and talent." As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies, only formally acknowledging the team's athletic accomplishment.

Maddy summaryAB 511 classifies tobacco products into two categories for tax purposes: traditional cigarettes (burning tobacco) and "heating tobacco" products (tobacco heated without combustion, excluding vapor products). It imposes a $0.63 per cigarette tax on lighter heating tobacco products (≤3 pounds per thousand) and $1.26 on heavier ones, while traditional cigarettes face lower base rates ($0.126/$0.252) with federal tax adjustments. The bill also requires distributors to pay an inventory tax on existing stock when rates increase, due within 30 days of the rate change. This directly affects tobacco manufacturers, distributors, and retailers selling these products in the state. The legislation modifies existing tax structures without banning products or making health claims.

Maddy summaryAB 380 requires judges facing allegations of misconduct or permanent disability to be suspended without pay during disciplinary proceedings. It amends statutes to mandate that both final suspensions imposed by the Supreme Court for misconduct and temporary suspensions pending investigations must be without pay. The bill directly affects judges under investigation by the Judicial Commission or facing formal complaints. This policy change clarifies that judges cannot receive salary during these disciplinary processes, applying to all cases involving alleged misconduct or disability.

Maddy summaryAB 283 expands Wisconsin's business development tax credit to include specific child care costs incurred by employers for their employees. It allows businesses to claim a tax credit covering up to 15% of eligible expenses, such as capital costs to start a child care program, operational costs, reimbursements for employee child care, purchased child care slots, and contributions to dependent care flexible spending accounts. This directly affects businesses operating in Wisconsin that provide child care benefits to employees, making these costs deductible under the existing tax credit program. The bill modifies tax code sections to define these eligible expenses and sets the effective date for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryAB 328 requires child welfare agencies to share a redacted copy of a child's permanency plan and any written comments with out-of-home care providers (such as foster parents or group homes) **before** a permanency plan review or court hearing. The bill mandates that agencies remove confidential information protected by state or federal law (like medical records or sensitive family details) before sharing. This change directly affects foster care providers by giving them advance access to plan details, helping them prepare for reviews. It applies to both foster care (under Chapter 48) and juvenile justice systems (Chapter 938), effective 30 days after enactment. The bill does not alter permanency plan content but ensures providers receive timely, relevant information.