Rep. David Steffen

Maddy summaryAJR 57 is a Wisconsin legislative resolution urging support for a constitutional amendment that would allow states and Congress to regulate campaign spending in elections. It specifically seeks to clarify that such regulations can distinguish between individual citizens and organizations (like corporations or unions). The resolution does not create new laws but formally declares Wisconsin's position in favor of this amendment to restore state authority over campaign finance rules. It directs Wisconsin's congressional delegation to forward this resolution to federal leaders.

Maddy summaryAB 148 allows courts to permit interpreters to provide services remotely via telephone or live video in civil and criminal court proceedings (excluding trials), upon a party's request. This amendment updates statutes to explicitly include remote interpretation as an option for civil cases (via 807.14) and criminal cases (via 967.09), replacing previous restrictions. It directly affects individuals involved in court cases who require language assistance, making it easier to access interpreters without in-person attendance. The bill does not mandate remote interpretation but expands court flexibility in approving it. This change applies to all relevant civil and criminal proceedings where an interpreter is requested.

Maddy summaryAB 183 creates new standard tax classification codes (7213 for "Linen supply" and 7218 for "Industrial launderers") to clarify which businesses qualify for manufacturing and agriculture tax credits. It specifically adds qualifying laundry services to these tax credits, including uniforms, linens, workwear, and cleaning supplies sold to commercial, industrial, or government clients. The changes apply to property tax exemptions starting January 1, 2025, and tax credit claims for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025. This bill directly affects industrial laundry businesses that provide these services to commercial or government entities.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin joint resolution (AJR 101) honors Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent advocate for liberty, following his assassination. It recognizes his work promoting "faith, liberty, and truth," his role as a devoted family man, and his impact on inspiring young Americans. The resolution includes three key parts: honoring his life and legacy, commending his memory to future generations, and joining in prayer for his family and the nation. As a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or funding, it does not affect laws or individuals.

Maddy summaryAB 198 creates two key programs: (1) grants for technical colleges offering emergency medical services (EMS) training, provided they don't give admission priority based on residency; and (2) a reimbursement program for individuals or their employers who paid tuition/materials for initial EMS certification/licensure as an emergency medical responder or practitioner. Eligible applicants must complete required courses, pass exams, and obtain their license/certification through the Department of Health Services. The bill also establishes a "live 911" pilot program allowing grants for real-time video communication during emergency calls, requiring a performance report by October 2027. This directly affects EMS students, practitioners, their employers, and public safety answering points.

Maddy summaryAB 199 changes reimbursement rates for ambulance services under Wisconsin's Medical Assistance program (state Medicaid) when patients are not transported to a facility. Starting January 1, 2027, the state will increase payments for "ambulance response and treatment, no transport" (code A0998) to match the rate for transport services (code A0429), directly benefiting ambulance providers. The bill also requires the Department of Health Services to annually report by September 15 on how national changes to emergency medical responder scope of practice may affect training in Wisconsin. These provisions specifically impact ambulance service providers, state health officials, and the Medical Assistance program.

Maddy summaryAB 398 requires schools, child care centers, and nursery schools to include specific information about immunization waiver processes in their enrollment or admission materials. This means parents and guardians would see clear details on how to request waivers when signing up their children, rather than learning about it later. The bill standardizes this information across all covered institutions to improve transparency. It directly affects families during enrollment and the institutions managing those applications.

Maddy summaryAB 30 prohibits foreign adversaries (defined as foreign governments or entities deemed a threat to U.S. security by the federal Commerce Secretary) from acquiring, owning, or holding any agricultural or forestry land in the state. It also imposes a 640-acre ownership limit for non-resident aliens, foreign corporations, and certain entities with foreign ownership. Owners exceeding these limits must divest the excess land within four years or forfeit it to the state. The bill directly affects foreign governments/entities designated as adversaries and current landowners who violate the ownership limits. It creates new enforcement mechanisms but does not apply to land acquired before July 1, 1982.

Maddy summaryAB 587 requires ticket sellers (including operators, resellers, and online platforms) to clearly display all fees during purchase and prohibits reselling tickets above face value without event operator approval. It applies to all commercial ticket resales, with small sellers earning under $10,000 annually exempt. Violations incur $1,000 fines per violation plus forfeiture of profits from illegal sales. The bill aims to increase transparency and prevent price gouging in entertainment ticket markets.

Maddy summaryAB 54 prohibits the state department from requiring prior authorization or other utilization management controls for FDA-approved antipsychotic prescription drugs under the Medical Assistance program. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who rely on these medications, removing barriers to accessing prescribed antipsychotic treatments. The bill creates a new statute section explicitly stating that utilization management controls (such as step therapy or prior approval) cannot be imposed on these specific drugs. The policy change aims to streamline access to necessary antipsychotic medications without altering drug approval standards.