Rep. Rob Swearingen

Maddy summaryAB 584 creates a property tax exemption for prefabricated recreational structures (like temporary RVs or camping trailers) used primarily for recreation, camping, or seasonal living when located in licensed campgrounds on land not owned by the structure's owner. This exemption applies to property tax assessments starting January 1, 2026, and specifically excludes these structures from taxation under the new definition in statute 70.11(49). Local governments that would have collected taxes on these structures will be reimbursed by the state department of administration for the 2025 assessment year, with payments made annually by July 1. The bill directly affects owners of such recreational structures and local taxing jurisdictions that manage campground properties.

Maddy summaryAB 208 creates tax exemptions for income and franchise taxes related to broadband expansion funding. It directly affects internet service providers, telecom companies, and community organizations receiving grants or federal high-cost program funds for building broadband infrastructure in the state. The bill exempts from taxation: (1) state/local/tribal/federal grants for broadband expansion, and (2) federal high-cost program funding under 47 USC 254. These exemptions apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and prevent double-counting with other existing tax provisions.

Maddy summaryAB 610 creates a temporary sales and use tax exemption for firearms, bows/arrows for archery, crossbows, and ammunition sold exclusively on July 4 and during the third week of December. This exemption applies directly to retailers selling these items during those specific dates and to consumers purchasing them, removing the standard sales tax liability for these transactions. The bill adds a new provision (77.54(76)) to the tax code, explicitly listing the covered items and timeframes. It does not change year-round tax treatment but provides a limited, annual exemption for these products during the designated periods.

Maddy summaryAB 501 establishes new standards for free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges. It protects students, faculty, staff, and graduate assistants from campus restrictions on First Amendment-protected speech, including in virtual spaces (except during virtual classroom instruction). Institutions may only limit speech that violates laws, constitutes threats/harassment, or materially disrupts operations, and must use content-neutral time/place/manner rules for public forums. The bill also creates legal grounds for individuals to sue the Board of Regents or technical college boards if these protections are violated.

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 367 exempts minor league baseball players covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) from standard labor laws requiring minimum wage, overtime pay, and detailed recordkeeping. Specifically, it creates new exemptions in state labor statutes for players whose CBAs explicitly define their wages and working conditions. Employers are no longer required to track these players' hours or maintain standard payroll records. The bill applies only to players under such CBAs, not to all minor league athletes. This is a procedural change to labor law exemptions, not a new pay standard.

Maddy summaryAB 606 regulates hemp-derived cannabinoid products by creating an occupational tax on businesses selling these products, alcohol warehouses, and production facilities. It renames the state's "Division of Alcohol Beverages" to the "Division of Intoxicating Products" and grants this new division rule-making authority to enforce regulations. The bill also establishes penalties for violations of the new rules. This directly affects hemp product businesses, alcohol warehouse operators, and the state agency responsible for oversight.

Maddy summaryAB 494 extends Wisconsin's research income tax credit carryover period from 15 to 50 taxable years. This change allows businesses that claim the credit but cannot fully use it in a single year to carry forward unused credits for up to five decades. The policy directly affects Wisconsin businesses eligible for the research tax credit, providing greater flexibility to offset future tax liabilities. The bill primarily modifies tax code sections (71.07 and 71.28) to implement this extended carryover period.

Maddy summaryAB 433 changes the required typeface for legal notices published in newspapers from Times New Roman to Arial. It mandates that all legal notices use a standard 6-point Arial sans-serif font with specific spacing, while allowing larger Arial sizes (up to 12-point) with proportional fee adjustments based on column area. This directly affects newspapers publishing legal notices and the agencies or individuals placing those notices. The bill repeals the previous typeface requirement and clarifies fee adjustments for non-standard font sizes.

Maddy summaryAB 687 requires the state wildlife department to establish a statewide wolf population goal when wolves are not protected under federal or state endangered species laws. This law directly affects the department, hunters, and trappers by mandating a management plan that sets a specific population target. The key provision allows the department to regulate wolf hunting and trapping through licensing limits - such as restricting the number of hunters, trappers, or wolves taken - based on the established population goal. The bill does not change current protections but creates a framework for future management if wolves are removed from endangered lists.