Rep. Calvin Callahan

Maddy summaryAB 358 requires state agencies and contractors to submit written reports when construction or development projects disturb burial sites. This applies to projects on public or state-owned land, affecting state departments and private entities working on such developments. The bill mandates timely reporting to the designated state office overseeing cultural resources. It establishes a procedural requirement without altering existing laws or creating new regulations.

Maddy summaryAB 154 requires potato farmers planting 5 or more acres in Wisconsin to use officially certified seed potatoes, directly affecting commercial potato growers. The bill allows the department to waive this requirement for specific potato varieties if certified seed is unavailable and poses no serious disease risk, with conditions like geographic restrictions. Violations trigger a 72-hour order to remove and destroy non-compliant seed potatoes, with penalties of up to $5,000 plus $5,000 per acre planted in violation. The bill also permits penalty waivers if violations are corrected by destroying affected potatoes per department orders.

Maddy summaryAB 161 prohibits state agencies and local governments from restricting the sale, use, or purchase of motor vehicles or other devices based on their energy source (e.g., electric, gasoline, hydrogen). It specifically allows governments to set their own purchasing policies for their own fleets but bans restrictions on consumer or commercial use. The bill directly affects state/local governments, businesses selling vehicles/devices, and residents using such products. It creates a clear rule that energy source cannot be a factor in regulatory decisions.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution recognizes October 7, 2025, as National Propane Day in Wisconsin. It highlights propane as a clean-burning, low-carbon fuel that supports 278,175 Wisconsin homes, 1,360 jobs, and over $1 billion in annual economic activity. The resolution emphasizes propane’s role in meeting energy needs while improving air quality and supporting Wisconsin’s energy security. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations but formally acknowledges the industry’s contributions.

Maddy summaryAB 311 would allow transgender and intersex individuals to update their sex marker on birth certificates without requiring medical documentation. The bill directly affects people seeking to align their legal identity with their gender identity through simplified administrative changes. Key provisions would replace current requirements (like court orders or medical certifications) with a straightforward self-attestation process. The bill is currently under review in the Assembly Judiciary Committee after being introduced on June 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 261 requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to only employ surgical technologists who hold national certification from an accredited body or meet specific exceptions (like prior employment before 2028, military training, or federal service). It creates new certification standards, including mandatory completion of an accredited educational program and national certification, with a 24-month temporary employment window for those finishing education. The law excludes certain practices (like cardiac radiology or dental auxiliaries) from its requirements and takes effect January 1, 2028. This directly affects healthcare facilities hiring surgical technologists and the professionals seeking those roles.

Maddy summaryAB 181 modifies grant eligibility for county forest programs by allowing counties to receive funding for one professional forester in a county forest administrator or assistant role. The bill specifies that grants cover up to 50% of the forester’s salary and up to 40% of fringe benefits (capped at 40% of salary), using funds from a designated appropriation. It defines a qualifying "county forest administrator" as someone with a forestry degree (or equivalent), natural resources degree with 3+ years’ experience, or an associate degree in forestry with 3+ years’ experience managing county forests - excluding department employees. The changes apply retroactively to grant applications submitted on or after the bill’s effective date (January 1, 2025). This bill directly affects counties managing forest programs seeking state funding for their designated forest administration staff.

Maddy summaryAB 214 modifies Wisconsin town government procedures for appointing clerks and treasurers. It allows towns with 2,500+ residents to combine these roles under new rules, including immediate implementation when both positions become vacant or upon vacancy in one role. The bill updates deputy appointment rules (removing residency requirements) and adjusts highway discontinuance timelines. These changes primarily affect municipal officials in Wisconsin towns operating under the specified statutes.

Maddy summaryAB 229 repeals Section 164.05 of the statutes, which previously outlined specific protections for law enforcement officers under the "law enforcement officers’ bill of rights." This procedural bill directly affects law enforcement officers by removing an existing statutory provision governing their rights. The bill contains no new provisions or mechanisms - its sole action is the repeal of the referenced section. No additional policy changes or impacts are specified in the bill text.

Maddy summaryAJR 94 is a symbolic resolution that would officially recognize January as "Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" across Wisconsin. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by designating a specific month for statewide awareness efforts focused on human trafficking. The resolution has no binding legal requirements but serves as a formal declaration to encourage educational events, community outreach, and resource sharing related to human trafficking prevention during January. It does not create new laws or allocate funding.