Rep. Rob Kreibich

Maddy summaryAB 67 creates a new process for selecting where lawsuits involving government entities (like state officials, commissions, or federal representatives from the state) are heard in 1st or 2nd class cities. If a party requests it within 5 days of filing or service, the court clerk randomly assigns the case to another circuit court, and this assignment becomes final - no further venue changes are allowed. The bill also adds a fee for using this random venue option. It directly affects plaintiffs and defendants in such lawsuits filed in designated cities, changing how venue is determined under existing law.

Maddy summaryAB 70 creates a formal "affidavit of disclaimer" process for parents to voluntarily terminate parental rights in adoption cases. It sets strict timing rules (e.g., no execution before 120 hours post-birth or after the child's first birthday), requires mandatory counseling for minors, and specifies that mothers can revoke the disclaimer within 72 hours, while fathers can revoke until 72 hours after execution or 120 hours post-birth, whichever is later. The affidavit must include specific disclosures about legal rights, child support, and the child's status, and is irrevocable after set deadlines unless obtained through fraud or duress. This directly affects parents (including minors), adoption agencies, and courts handling adoption proceedings in Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 56 requires all state agencies, local governments, and public schools to display the national motto "In God We Trust" in specific locations. Public buildings must show it on a poster, framed document, or wall (at least 11x14 inches, in English, and visible to the public), while schools must display it in every classroom starting in the 2026-27 school year. The bill mandates these displays within six months of the law taking effect, with detailed size, format, and visibility requirements. It directly affects public school districts, charter schools, and all state/local government buildings.

Maddy summaryAB 69 amends Wisconsin law to expand the sales and use tax exemption for residential electricity and natural gas to cover the winter months of November through April. Currently, the exemption applies only to certain months, but this bill adds those six winter months to the list of qualifying periods for residential energy purchases. The change directly affects homeowners and renters who purchase electricity or natural gas for home use during these months, removing the tax on those purchases. The bill is a straightforward policy adjustment to the existing tax code, not a new program or funding measure.

Maddy summaryAB 60 modifies how local governments must phrase property tax referendum questions on ballots. It requires specific language detailing the dollar impact of a tax increase on a median single-family home in the district, including a good faith estimate and the property value used in calculations. This applies to referendums seeking to exceed existing property tax limits for school districts, municipalities, or other political subdivisions. The bill mandates that ballot questions include these concrete financial details to help voters understand the cost of proposed tax increases.

Maddy summaryAB 133 modifies Wisconsin's laws governing investment securities under the Uniform Commercial Code. It repeals outdated provisions about where securities laws apply (sections 408.110 (2)(a-d), (5-6), and 409.305 (1)(c)) and clarifies that assets held by securities intermediaries (like banks or brokers) belong to investors (entitlement holders), not the intermediary itself. The bill specifically changes priority rules to ensure investors' claims take precedence over creditor claims if a securities intermediary cannot cover all obligations. This directly affects securities intermediaries and their investor clients by strengthening investor protections in financial asset holdings. The changes take effect four months after publication.

Maddy summaryAJR 9 is a Wisconsin Assembly Joint Resolution honoring Bob Uecker, the longtime Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster and entertainer, for his 69-year career in baseball. The resolution recognizes his contributions as a broadcaster, actor (including "Mr. Belvedere" and "Major League"), philanthropist, and community figure, citing his 54-year tenure with the Brewers and his cultural impact. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a symbolic tribute passed by the Wisconsin Legislature to memorialize his legacy. The resolution extends condolences to his family and acknowledges his widespread influence on baseball fans and Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 41 prohibits local governments (cities, towns, or counties) from requiring permits or banning vegetable gardens on residential property. It defines a "vegetable garden" as a plot growing edible plants, flowers, or pollinator plants on a homeowner's own land. The bill allows local governments to still enforce zoning, water/fertilizer rules, and weed control as long as those regulations don't specifically target vegetable gardens. This directly affects residents who grow food or flowers in their yards, ensuring they cannot be stopped or charged fees by local authorities for doing so.

Maddy summaryAJR 15 is a symbolic resolution proclaiming March 26, 2025, as "Purple Day for epilepsy" in Wisconsin. It asks Wisconsinites to wear purple and encourages communities, schools, government agencies, and businesses to promote epilepsy awareness through education. The resolution highlights that epilepsy affects hundreds of thousands of people and aims to improve public understanding of the condition. This is a ceremonial gesture with no new legal requirements, focused solely on raising awareness.

Maddy summaryAB 151 creates a legal presumption that courts should prioritize custody arrangements allowing children to spend roughly equal time with each parent, whenever feasible. This applies to all custody cases filed after the bill's effective date, directly affecting parents and judges determining physical placement. The law requires courts to assume equal time is in the child's best interest unless they find, based on evidence, that it isn't - considering factors like geographic separation between households. The bill modifies Wisconsin's custody statute to make this equal-time presumption the starting point for court decisions, with specific attention to practical realities like distance between parents' homes.