Rep. Mark Born

Maddy summaryAB 284 streamlines the management of state construction projects by raising the cost threshold for mandatory project enumeration from $1 million to $2 million. It requires quarterly budget reports for projects needing increases, sets a 6-month deadline for the Claims Board to resolve certain construction claims, and mandates state agencies to collaborate with energy conservation contractors on pilot projects. The bill also clarifies responsibilities for utility costs in contracts, modifies bidding procedures, and transfers $32 million from the general fund to the state building trust fund for infrastructure. These changes primarily affect state agencies, the building commission, and contractors managing public construction projects.

Maddy summaryAB 315 modifies grant rules for Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program and land conservation efforts. It creates new provisions requiring governmental units and nonprofits to apply for funding *before* purchasing land to qualify for up to 50% of acquisition costs (reduced to 40% if applying after purchase). The bill maintains a 30% cap on additional costs covered by grants or in-kind contributions. These changes directly affect local governments and conservation groups seeking state funds to acquire land for parks, recreation, or conservation. The bill does not create new funding but adjusts eligibility and percentage limits for existing programs.

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 summaryAJR 99 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 14, 2025, as "First Responders Appreciation Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors all professional and volunteer first responders, including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. The resolution acknowledges their daily risks and service to the public, specifically noting Wisconsin's over 4,800 career firefighters, 20,600 volunteer firefighters, 14,700 law enforcement officers, and 17,426 EMS personnel. This is a non-binding gesture of appreciation with no direct impact on legislation or funding.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 4 (AJR 4) is a commemorative resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature. It honors the life and public service of Justice David T. Prosser Jr., recognizing his over 40 years of service in all three branches of state government, including 18 years in the Wisconsin Legislature and 18 years on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The resolution also extends condolences to his family and friends.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Wisconsin married persons credit by increasing the maximum benefit amount for spouses with lower earned income. Specifically, it raises the credit limit from $480 to $870 for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023. The change applies to married couples filing joint state tax returns where one spouse has earned income. The legislation was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill proposes to lower individual income tax rates for residents in the third tax bracket while simultaneously expanding the retirement income subtraction available to retirees. The legislation would allow more retirees to exclude a larger portion of their pension and retirement account withdrawals from state taxable income, with specific provisions added for those who are permanently and totally disabled. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill expands the state tax deduction for retirement income, allowing more people to exclude certain pension and savings withdrawals from their taxable income. It specifically increases the annual deduction limit and adds new categories of eligible payments, including those from the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Public Health Service. The legislation also clarifies the definition of disability for individuals under 65 who receive disability payments from non-retirement plans. Although the bill passed the legislature, the Governor vetoed it, and the state legislature did not override that veto, meaning the proposed changes did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill proposes expanding the state's individual income tax brackets to apply to higher income levels. It would create two new tax tiers for single filers, heads of households, and married couples, taxing income between $14,320 and $112,500 at 4.40 percent and income above $315,310 at 7.65 percent. The legislation also includes provisions to adjust these tax brackets annually based on changes in the consumer price index to account for inflation. Although the bill passed the legislature, the Governor vetoed it, and the measure failed to override that veto.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 150 updates Wisconsin's unemployment insurance law to rename the program "reemployment assistance" and establishes a new division within the Department of Workforce Development to manage it. The bill tightens eligibility rules by requiring job seekers to make at least two direct contacts with employers each week after their first week of benefits and mandates that they post current resumes on the state's job center website. Additionally, the legislation requires claimants nearing the end of their benefits to attend reemployment counseling and ensures they are offered at least four specific job opportunities weekly, including those with temporary staffing agencies. The bill also mandates that the department immediately create rules for drug testing applicants in occupations where such testing is standard and requires the state to continue participating in federal reemployment grants.