Rep. Ron Tusler

Maddy summaryAB 796 creates a $5 million annual grant program to help nonprofit religious organizations improve security. It directly affects religious groups facing bias-motivated threats or crime, prioritizing those at higher risk. Grants can cover physical security upgrades (like surveillance or fencing), staff/volunteer training, or emergency planning. No single organization can receive more than $500,000 per biennium, though umbrella groups may apply for multiple members. The program is administered by the Department of Military Affairs with additional staffing.

Maddy summaryAJR 1 is a constitutional amendment requiring voters to present valid photo identification to cast a ballot in any election. It directly affects all voters in state elections, specifying that acceptable ID must be issued by the state, federal government, a federally recognized tribal entity, or a college/university in the state. The bill mandates the legislature to define acceptable ID types and establish exceptions, while allowing voters without ID on election day to cast a provisional ballot and submit ID later. This proposal, on second consideration after a 2023 rejection, would be submitted to voters in April 2025 if approved.

Maddy summaryAJR 3 is a symbolic resolution that officially recognizes January 2025 as "Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, highlighting its prevalence across all 72 Wisconsin counties and its impact on vulnerable groups like youth and individuals with disabilities. The resolution aligns with broader state and national efforts to combat trafficking through education and community engagement. As a procedural resolution, it focuses solely on designation and awareness, with no direct policy changes or obligations for state agencies.

Maddy summaryAB 3 requires Wisconsin schools to incorporate cursive writing into the state English language arts curriculum standards and mandates that all elementary schools teach cursive writing as a core skill. Specifically, it requires public schools, charter schools, and private schools participating in parental choice programs to ensure students can write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade. The law applies to all elementary grades (K-5) and takes effect by July 1, 2026, though it excludes union high school districts. This policy change directly affects elementary school curricula across Wisconsin, requiring a specific skill-based objective in language arts education.

Maddy summaryAB 4 requires all public school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools in parental choice programs to include civics instruction in their curriculum starting in the 2027-28 school year. The instruction must cover U.S. founding principles, civic participation, government advocacy processes, and comparisons of governance systems (including communism, socialism, and totalitarianism). Schools must annually report compliance to the Department of Public Instruction, and high schools must add a half-credit civics requirement to graduation standards, effective for students graduating in 2030-31. This bill amends existing statutes to establish these requirements for K-12 civics education and reporting.

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 29 allows police to seize (impound) vehicles used in specific traffic violations, such as a second speeding offense exceeding 25 mph over the limit, repeated DUI-related violations, or reckless driving. It directly affects drivers convicted of these offenses, requiring vehicles to be held for 90 days unless released earlier through owner request (if they didn’t operate the vehicle during the violation) or court order. Owners can petition a court for immediate release within 30 days if charges are dismissed or if they prove ownership and lack of consent during the violation. If convicted, courts may adjust the impound period, and drivers must cover law enforcement’s reasonable impoundment costs.

Maddy summaryAB 91 requires first-class city school districts to maintain at least 25 school resource officers (SROs) during school hours, before/after school, and at events starting January 2024, with mandatory 40-hour training for SROs. It mandates a cost-sharing agreement where school districts cover 75% and cities cover 25% of SRO-related expenses. School districts and cities must formally agree on implementation and provide certifications to avoid state funding withholdings of up to 20% for non-compliance. The bill directly affects first-class cities and their school districts, creating specific administrative and financial obligations tied to SRO staffing.

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.