Rep. Dan Knodl

Maddy summaryAB 461 creates a new tax deduction for Wisconsin taxpayers who earn qualifying overtime pay. It allows individuals to subtract up to $12,500 (or $25,000 for joint filers) of overtime compensation from their taxable income, provided the overtime was reported to the IRS via standard forms (like Form 1099-NEC). The deduction phases out for higher earners: it decreases by $100 for every $1,000 their modified federal adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 (or $300,000 for joint filers). This applies only to overtime pay reported to the IRS, excluding tips, and requires taxpayers to include their Social Security number on their return.

Maddy summaryAB 549 updates rules for manufactured home sales and title certificates in the state. It directly affects manufactured home dealers, buyers, and county offices handling title records. Key changes include requiring dealers to provide receipts for title payments, preventing dealers from listing themselves as owners on title applications when reselling, and mandating that title records include the home's location by county. The bill also clarifies when title applications are considered submitted and specifies details required on title documents, such as the home's address and identification number.

Maddy summaryAB 146 would require Wisconsin employers to provide written reasons for objecting to unemployment insurance claims and give them at least 12 business days to respond to information requests from the unemployment department. The department would also be permitted to seek additional details directly from employees about their eligibility, employment, or wages. This bill applies to claims filed for weeks beginning after its effective date, affecting employers, the unemployment department, and employees involved in claims. It modifies the existing process for handling claim disputes without changing benefit eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryAB 5 requires Wisconsin school boards to make textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials available for inspection by school district residents. School boards must post a list of adopted textbooks on their website and provide access to these materials within 14 days of a written request at no cost. The bill mandates that school boards establish procedures to ensure timely access to materials, while clarifying that this does not infringe on copyright law or override existing resident rights to access school records under other statutes. This directly affects school district residents (including parents and community members) and school boards in Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryWisconsin's AB 162 establishes standardized metrics to track the success of state-funded workforce programs, such as job training and employment services. It requires state agencies operating these programs to report specific outcomes, including the percentage of participants working without government support two and four quarters after program completion, median earnings, and credential attainment. Agencies must publish this data on a single state website and submit annual reports to the legislature, while exempting data involving minors or violating federal confidentiality rules. The bill directly affects all state agencies managing workforce development initiatives, including programs like corrections reentry and Wisconsin Works.

Maddy summaryAB 39 requires most Wisconsin state employees to work at their agency's office for at least 80% of their regularly scheduled work hours each month. This applies to all state agencies, including departments and boards, but excludes employees whose duties were performed off-site before March 1, 2020, and staff from the investment board. The law mandates in-office work during standard hours, with exceptions for pre-pandemic remote work patterns. It takes effect on December 31, 2025, and does not apply to legislative or judicial staff.

Maddy summaryAB 281 requires state agencies and contractors to verify employees' work eligibility through the federal E-Verify program before hiring or awarding government contracts. It prohibits contracts with employers not enrolled in E-Verify or who knowingly hire workers flagged as ineligible by the program. Contracts must include written verification statements, and violations require immediate termination without liability for uncompleted work. The law applies to state procurement, construction, and local government hiring, but stops if the federal E-Verify program ends.

Maddy summaryAB 629 prohibits operating drones over correctional facilities without authorization from facility leaders (e.g., secretary of corrections or sheriff). It imposes a $5,000 fine for unauthorized drone flights and criminalizes using weaponized drones (equipped with tasers, firearms, etc.) near prisons, classifying it as a Class H felony. The bill grants police officers authority to disable or destroy drones they reasonably believe pose an imminent threat to public safety, including through jamming or hacking, without financial liability for property damage. These provisions directly affect drone operators near prisons, facility staff, and law enforcement agencies, with specific focus on preventing security threats at correctional institutions.

Maddy summaryAB 105 requires business entities (like websites or platforms) distributing material harmful to minors to verify users' ages using approved methods before granting access. It applies specifically to sites containing a "substantial portion" (over one-third) of such material, defined as content with sexual depictions, prurient appeal, or lacking literary/artistic value for minors. The bill exempts bona fide news organizations and internet service providers from these requirements. Violations could result in civil lawsuits seeking damages, while the bill also bans publishing obscene material involving children or obscene content online.

Maddy summaryAB 415 restricts state and local government employees from using electronic devices owned by their agencies to access social media, apps, or AI tools owned by entities located in "foreign countries of concern" (as defined by federal regulations). The bill directly affects government employees and contractors who use official devices for non-law enforcement work, banning access to specific foreign-owned technology. Exceptions allow written waivers from the secretary of administration for limited job-related purposes. This policy change aims to limit government use of technology linked to designated foreign adversaries, with no impact on law enforcement activities. The bill does not create new funding or require agency budget changes.