Rep. Clint Anderson

Maddy summaryAB 761 redirects $2 million annually from the college savings program trust fund to the Department of Financial Institutions. It directs the department to deposit funds into college savings accounts for children born or adopted in the state, residing there, and designated as beneficiaries under existing law. These deposits cover qualified higher education expenses for the children. The bill also appropriates additional funds ($446,900 for 2025-26, $317,900 for 2026-27) to administer this program and fund an additional full-time position.

Maddy summaryAJR 3 is a symbolic resolution that officially recognizes January 2025 as "Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, highlighting its prevalence across all 72 Wisconsin counties and its impact on vulnerable groups like youth and individuals with disabilities. The resolution aligns with broader state and national efforts to combat trafficking through education and community engagement. As a procedural resolution, it focuses solely on designation and awareness, with no direct policy changes or obligations for state agencies.

Maddy summaryAB 20 allows married individuals living apart due to domestic abuse (as defined in state law) to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) when filing a separate state tax return, rather than being required to file jointly. It establishes a state tax credit equal to 4%, 11%, or 34% of the federal EITC amount they’d qualify for if unmarried, depending on having one, two, or three or more qualifying children living with them. The bill directly affects survivors of domestic abuse who cannot file jointly with their spouse and are already eligible for the federal EITC but lose state credit access under current rules. It amends state tax code to create this exception, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryAB 62 establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board to address prescription drug costs. The board, with members representing pharmaceutical companies, health insurers, healthcare providers, and the public, must meet quarterly and avoid conflicts of interest. Key provisions include creating a $500,000 annual grant program for healthcare providers to develop tools showing patients the cost of prescriptions (Section 601.415), launching a diabetes medication pilot project (Section 601.41), and repealing a section requiring copayments for certain Medicaid services (Section 7). This bill directly affects insurers, pharmacies, drug manufacturers, and healthcare providers who must disclose drug costs to patients.

Maddy summaryAB 48 creates a state program to reimburse public and private schools for the cost of providing free meals to all students, including lunch and breakfast. Schools must participate in federal meal programs and offer free meals to every student without charge. The state will pay schools an amount equal to the federal reimbursement rate for free meals (minus any federal funds received), based on meals served in the prior school year. This applies to public, private, charter, tribal, and specialized schools meeting eligibility requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 52 expands the homestead income tax credit for homeowners with low to moderate income. It establishes new income-based limits: households earning $8,060 or less get credit covering 80% of property taxes, while higher earners get credit on taxes exceeding 5.614% of income over $8,060. The credit is unavailable if household income exceeds $35,000. The law also adds automatic inflation adjustments to these thresholds starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryAB 125 designates February 18 as a special observance day in Wisconsin public schools to honor Vel R. Phillips' birthday. The bill adds this date to school calendar requirements, directing schools to recognize Vel R. Phillips' contributions during the school year following the law's effective date. This applies directly to all Wisconsin public schools.

Maddy summaryAB 79 prevents the prosecution of minors under 18 for prostitution offenses when a court determines it serves the minor's best interests and protects public safety. Instead, the court may use diversion programs like consent decrees or deferred prosecution agreements under existing laws. The bill amends statutes to remove prosecution as an option for juveniles in these cases while maintaining DNA collection and expungement requirements for other serious juvenile offenses. This change directly affects minors charged with prostitution under section 944.30 (1m) by prioritizing rehabilitation over criminal prosecution.

Maddy summaryAB 142 prohibits landlords and software providers from using algorithmic software to set rents or occupancy rates based on private competitor data (like unpublicized rent or occupancy details). It directly affects residential landlords, property management companies, and software vendors selling such tools. The bill bans both selling/licensing the software and using it for rent decisions, with penalties of up to $1,000 per violation per rental unit. Tenants may also sue for damages or injunctive relief, while exemptions cover aggregated rental data publications and affordable housing tools.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 24 expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's support for strengthening its relationship with Taiwan. The resolution reaffirms the existing sister-state ties between Wisconsin and Taiwan and reiterates support for the federal Taiwan Relations Act. It also endorses Taiwan's pursuit of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States to foster closer economic partnerships. Furthermore, the resolution advocates for Taiwan's increased participation in international organizations that impact its people's well-being.