Rep. Clint Anderson

Maddy summaryAB 621 prohibits virtual schools from participating in parental choice education programs. It directly affects virtual schools (defined under Section 118.076(4)(a)) that would otherwise qualify for these programs. The bill adds new requirements to statutes governing parental choice, explicitly stating that participating schools cannot be virtual schools. This change takes effect for the 2026-27 school year.

Maddy summaryAB 222 establishes a $1.50 per gallon tax credit for producers of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the state. The credit applies to SAF meeting a 90% renewable source requirement (from synthetic, renewable, and nonpetroleum sources like energy crops grown in the U.S.) and is available for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2027. Producers can claim the credit against state tax liability, but partnerships and similar entities cannot claim it directly - they must distribute credit eligibility to owners based on ownership shares. The bill also clarifies administrative rules and integrates the credit into existing tax code sections for consistency.

Maddy summaryAB 322 designates the monarch butterfly as Wisconsin's official state butterfly. The bill adds a specific statutory provision (1.10(3)(w)) stating "The monarch butterfly is the state butterfly" and amends another section to include "butterfly" in the list of symbols featured in the Wisconsin Blue Book. This symbolic designation directly affects all Wisconsin residents by formally recognizing the monarch butterfly as a state emblem. The bill does not create new regulations or impact any policies - its sole purpose is to establish a ceremonial state symbol.

Maddy summaryAB 138 modifies Wisconsin Retirement System rules for retirees who return to work. It specifically allows former jailers and protective occupation retirees (who previously received retirement benefits) to opt out of rejoining the retirement system if they are rehired by a participating employer within 75 days of leaving their prior job. To qualify, they must not have a pre-existing agreement to return and must formally decline re-enrollment using a department-provided form. This change applies only to those retiring from these specific roles and does not alter other retirement eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryAB 600 establishes new rules for faculty tenure and probationary appointments at University of Wisconsin System institutions. It defines "probationary appointments" as temporary positions (capped at 7 consecutive academic years, excluding approved leaves) and "tenure appointments" as permanent roles. The bill requires tenure decisions to follow a multi-step process: a chancellor's recommendation, a committee review if the academic department rejects tenure, and adherence to board-defined rules prohibiting discriminatory or irrelevant factors in decisions. It also clarifies that tenure is institution-specific and mandates procedural safeguards, including due process for dismissals, for both tenured and probationary faculty.

Maddy summaryAB 611 modifies how state funding for public schools is calculated by changing the formula for per-pupil aid starting in the 2026-27 school year. It directly affects school districts receiving state funding, specifically for students in grades 9-12. The bill requires that each year's per-pupil aid amount equals the previous year's amount plus any positive annual change in a separate funding formula (s. 119.23 (4) (bg) 3) for high school students. This creates an automatic annual adjustment tied to that specific funding change, rather than using a fixed rate.

Maddy summaryAB 608 allocates $10 million annually for two years (2025-26 and 2026-27) to support student success and retention programs at University of Wisconsin System institutions and Wisconsin technical colleges. The funding, designated as a continuing appropriation, directly supports institutions in enhancing academic advising and other retention-focused initiatives. It creates new statutory provisions to channel these funds through the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. The bill does not establish new programs but provides dedicated annual funding for existing student support efforts at these public institutions.

Maddy summaryAB 513 modifies Wisconsin law to clarify procedures for employment discrimination cases involving unfair honesty testing or genetic testing. It allows individuals or the department to file civil lawsuits in circuit court within 300 days of an alleged violation, with courts able to award compensatory damages and punitive damages up to specific caps based on employer size (e.g., $50,000 for businesses with ≤100 employees). The bill also establishes a process for automatic annual adjustments to these damage caps using the consumer price index. It ensures complainants receive clear notices about their right to pursue legal action after administrative decisions.

Maddy summaryAB 567 bans most post-employment non-compete agreements in the state, making them illegal and unenforceable for employees after their job ends. The bill specifically allows exceptions only for protecting a customer list or intellectual property (like trade secrets or proprietary data). Employers must post clear notices about this ban in visible locations and on their websites. The law applies only to new non-compete clauses entered into, renewed, or modified after the bill’s effective date.

Maddy summaryAB 482 repeals provisions that allowed cities, towns, and counties to create local family and medical leave ordinances. It directly affects local governments (like cities and counties) that previously could require employers to provide such leave, and employers in those jurisdictions. The bill amends statutes to prohibit local governments from enacting or enforcing any ordinance requiring employers to provide family or medical leave benefits, including existing ordinances in effect as of April 18, 2018. This shifts authority away from local governments to the state level for family leave policies.