Rep. Will Penterman

Maddy summaryAB 241 amends Wisconsin statute 106.015(1) to prohibit requiring more than one journeyworker for every two apprentices in apprenticeship programs or contracts. This directly affects apprenticeship programs, particularly those governed by collective bargaining agreements, by limiting the minimum journeyworker-to-apprentice ratio. The bill prevents state agencies from enforcing or authorizing stricter ratios (e.g., requiring two journeyworkers per apprentice) through rules, program approvals, or contracts. It takes effect for collective bargaining agreements when they expire or are modified, renewed, or extended. The legislation aims to standardize ratio requirements across apprenticeship programs statewide.

Maddy summaryAB 1 standardizes how Wisconsin schools and districts are evaluated by requiring consistent assessment metrics. It mandates that the state department use the same cut scores and performance categories for English/language arts and math tests in grades 3-8 that align with national National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) standards. For high school grades 9-11, it requires using the same metrics applied in the 2021-22 school year. This directly affects all public schools and districts in Wisconsin by changing how their accountability reports are calculated. The bill aims to create uniformity in school performance evaluations across the state.

Maddy summaryAB 87 modifies Wisconsin law to require courts to order immediate restitution payments for human trafficking convictions (specifically under sections 940.302(2) or 948.051) and to enforce these payments through property execution if unpaid. It also changes voting rights restoration rules: a person convicted of a felony regains voting rights only after completing their sentence, paying all fines/costs/restitution, and finishing any court-ordered community service. The bill mandates that the elections commission must inform individuals in writing when their voting rights are restored. This directly affects people convicted of human trafficking (impacting restitution timing) and all felony offenders (impacting voting rights restoration conditions). The law was vetoed by the governor on August 11, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 85 requires Wisconsin's Department of Corrections to recommend revoking parole, probation, or extended supervision whenever a person under supervision is charged with a new crime. This applies directly to individuals on community supervision who face new criminal charges. The bill mandates that the department submit this recommendation to the appropriate administrative body, triggering a hearing process unless the person waives it. The law changes existing statutes to make this recommendation automatic upon a new charge, without requiring proof of violation first.

Maddy summaryAB 167 requires the governor or state agency to notify the Joint Committee on Finance before implementing any increase to unemployment benefits above current state law (e.g., higher weekly rates or additional benefit weeks). The committee must approve such "benefit augmentations" before they take effect, and it retains the right to terminate them at any time. This applies to federally funded benefits but excludes federal extended benefits under Section 108.141. The bill also makes minor technical updates to unemployment claim requirements, such as requiring out-of-state claimants to register with local job centers. These changes aim to centralize oversight of unemployment benefit adjustments at the state level.

Maddy summaryAB 461 creates a new tax deduction for Wisconsin taxpayers who earn qualifying overtime pay. It allows individuals to subtract up to $12,500 (or $25,000 for joint filers) of overtime compensation from their taxable income, provided the overtime was reported to the IRS via standard forms (like Form 1099-NEC). The deduction phases out for higher earners: it decreases by $100 for every $1,000 their modified federal adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 (or $300,000 for joint filers). This applies only to overtime pay reported to the IRS, excluding tips, and requires taxpayers to include their Social Security number on their return.

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 39 requires most Wisconsin state employees to work at their agency's office for at least 80% of their regularly scheduled work hours each month. This applies to all state agencies, including departments and boards, but excludes employees whose duties were performed off-site before March 1, 2020, and staff from the investment board. The law mandates in-office work during standard hours, with exceptions for pre-pandemic remote work patterns. It takes effect on December 31, 2025, and does not apply to legislative or judicial staff.

Maddy summaryAB 457 would allow California school districts to adopt resolutions exceeding their legally set revenue limits under specific, defined conditions. It directly affects school districts seeking flexibility to spend more than their allocated budget for certain needs, such as addressing unexpected costs or funding critical projects. The bill establishes clear criteria and procedures districts must follow to request and receive approval for exceeding revenue limits. Currently, the bill has passed the Education Committee and is pending further review by the Rules Committee, but it has not yet become law.

Maddy summaryAB 460 changes eligibility rules for parental choice education programs (like school vouchers or education savings accounts). It allows a student to qualify for such a program if a sibling or dependent child of their parent/guardian is already enrolled in the program. This directly affects families with multiple children, making it easier for additional children in the same household to access these programs once one child qualifies. The bill is currently under review by the Rules Committee after passing the Education Committee.