Rep. Rob Kreibich

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 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 326 creates a program providing grants to small local governments (populations under 7,500) to cover costs for grant writing and compliance assistance services. Grants up to $5,000 can be used for securing funding related to public works, transportation infrastructure, public safety, utility costs, or cybersecurity projects. The program requires a simple application listing only basic details (project purpose, contact info, and estimated costs) and prioritizes first-time applicants. A report evaluating the program must be submitted by December 2028.

Maddy summaryAB 502 establishes compensation rules for outdoor advertising signs affected by highway projects. It requires state agencies to provide detailed appraisals (within 85-115% of the offered value) and specifies separate payments for sign owners (covering sign value and related losses) and property owners (for lost rights to erect signs). Nonconforming signs (those not meeting local rules) can be repositioned without losing their status, as long as size and visibility remain similar. This directly affects sign owners, local governments, and state transportation departments involved in highway construction.

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 165 defines "guaranteed income program" in Wisconsin law as a program providing regular, unearned cash payments to individuals that can be used for any purpose, with no work or training requirements. It applies specifically to "political subdivisions" (cities, villages, towns, or counties), enabling them to use their own funds - including shared revenue, tax money, or fees - to implement such programs. The bill does not create new funding or mandate local governments to establish these programs; it only provides a legal definition for future local initiatives. This definition allows local governments to structure cash assistance programs under clear statutory guidance.

Maddy summaryAB 662 prohibits Wisconsin state agencies from contracting with business entities primarily based in designated "foreign countries of concern" (like China), controlled by Chinese government entities, or subsidiaries of such entities. Contractors must certify they are not prohibited entities and ensure goods/services aren’t sourced from them. Violations trigger significant penalties, including fines up to twice the contract value or $250,000, plus a 5-year contracting ban. An exemption exists if the goods/services are unavailable elsewhere and approved by the Department of Administration.

Maddy summaryAB 673 bans medical and research facilities receiving state or federal funds from using genetic software or sequencers developed by foreign adversaries (as defined by federal regulations). It also prohibits storing human genome data of state residents in foreign adversary countries, with exceptions for certain clinical trials. The law applies to facilities, companies, and nonprofits handling genetic data, requiring them to keep such data inaccessible to foreign adversaries. Violations carry a $10,000 penalty per offense, enforced by the state Attorney General.

Maddy summaryAB 450 creates a new statute (101.02(26)) specifying that Wisconsin’s commercial building codes (Chapters SPS 361-366) apply to public buildings, structures, or places of employment when their plans are submitted to the state department or a local government authorized to review such plans under statute 101.12. It explicitly excludes Section SPS 361.03(7) from applying to these public projects. This bill directly affects public construction projects requiring building plan reviews by state or local authorities, effective August 1, 2025, with local jurisdictions required to comply by April 1, 2026. The change clarifies code applicability without altering the underlying building safety standards.

Maddy summaryAB 166 requires Wisconsin colleges and universities to collect and report specific data about student outcomes and costs starting in 2027. Institutions must report graduates' average salaries (6 months and 5 years post-graduation by major), average debt, graduation rates, cost of attendance, and popular degree programs. The state board will also create and publish a list of the 50 most in-demand jobs in Wisconsin with required education levels and average salaries. This data will be provided to high schools for students in grades 10-12 as part of required academic and career planning services. The bill directly affects higher education institutions and students seeking career guidance.