Rep. Lindee Brill

Maddy summaryAB 660 creates a refundable tax credit for married couples who complete premarital counseling before marriage. It provides up to $600 annually for joint filers (reducing to $300 in year two and $100 in year three) or $300 for separate filers (reducing to $150 and $50), with the credit tied to the couple's first three years of marriage. To claim the credit, couples must submit written certification from a qualified counselor (including licensed therapists, psychologists, or clergy) verifying premarital counseling was completed before marriage. The credit is refundable, meaning it can be paid even if no tax is owed, and cannot be claimed by divorced couples, nonresidents, or those filing for partial tax years.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits serving margarine as a butter substitute in public restaurants unless specifically requested by the customer. It also bans using margarine instead of butter for students in schools unless ordered by the student or their parent/guardian, with limited health exceptions requiring a healthcare provider's direction. State institutions (like hospitals or prisons) can only substitute margarine for butter with superintendent approval for specific health reasons. The law aims to ensure butter substitutions are intentional and health-appropriate in these settings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public school districts to allow military recruiters access to high school common areas and school events during the school day, as mandated by federal law (10 USC 503(c)). It specifically prohibits schools from denying this access based on whether they allow college recruiters or employers, but explicitly states that classrooms during instructional time are excluded. The law applies to all public high schools and takes effect for the 2025-26 school year. It directly affects school districts, which must adjust their policies to comply.

Maddy summaryAB 210 amends Wisconsin's academic scholarship program by changing how high school seniors are selected for "academic excellence" higher education scholarships. It sets a minimum 3.800 grade point average for alternates when multiple seniors tie for top rank, requires schools with 80+ students to designate one top scholar annually, and adds rules for schools that close or merge (allowing prior scholars to retain eligibility). The bill directly affects public, private, and tribal high schools in Wisconsin with 80+ students and their graduating seniors who meet academic criteria. Key provisions clarify selection procedures, tie-breaking rules, and continuity for students at closing schools, without changing scholarship funding amounts.

Maddy summaryAB 236 ensures sexual assault victims who provide a forensic kit receive clear, timely updates about their case. It requires law enforcement to notify victims about kit testing timelines, DNA analysis results, and the kit's destruction date upon request. Victims also get updates if their case status changes (e.g., closed or reopened). The bill directly affects individuals who submit sexual assault kits, improving transparency in how their evidence is handled. It does not change criminal penalties or create new programs, but mandates specific communication protocols for law enforcement.

Maddy summaryAB 268 allows individuals who filed complaints about election officials' conduct (complainants) to appeal decisions by the Elections Commission to local court. The bill lets complainants appeal within 30 days - regardless of whether they suffered actual harm - to the circuit court in the county where the election official works or the complainant lives. It specifically clarifies that complainants can appeal if their complaint is dismissed or they don’t get the requested relief. The bill does not pause the Commission’s original decision during the appeal unless a court orders it. This bill was recommended for passage in October 2025 but was later laid on the table and did not advance further.

Maddy summaryAB 525 repeals 138 outdated tax credit and tax provision sections in the state's tax code. This directly affects taxpayers and state tax administrators by removing obsolete rules that no longer serve their intended purpose. The bill targets specific sections, such as expired credits and redundant requirements, without creating new tax policies. This action simplifies the tax code by eliminating provisions that have been deemed obsolete.

Maddy summaryAB 439 modifies eligibility rules for a state grant program that funds improvements to agricultural roads. The bill adds a new requirement: a highway must have an engineering analysis by a licensed professional showing it cannot handle heavy agricultural traffic to qualify for the grant. This directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses that rely on these roads, as it expands the criteria beyond existing structural deficiencies or weight restrictions. The change aims to ensure roads serving farming operations receive targeted funding based on actual traffic capacity needs.

Maddy summaryAB 426 establishes clear rules for election observer access during voting and recounts. It requires election officials to designate observation areas 3-8 feet from voting tables and ensures all observers (like candidates' representatives) have uniform, nondiscriminatory access to every election stage, including absentee voting, ballot counting, and recounts. Officials who violate these rules face penalties of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail. The bill directly affects election clerks, inspectors, and canvassers who must implement these procedures.

Maddy summaryAB 613 requires school principals to notify parents in writing within 5 p.m. the same day when a student is removed from a classroom in a way that reduces instructional time for other students (e.g., during drills). Notices must be electronic (or by mail if declined) and cannot include personal information. School principals must report annual removal counts to school boards by October 1, 2027, and school boards must submit this data to the state superintendent by December 1, starting in 2028. The law applies to all public schools and takes effect July 1, 2026.