Rep. Randy Udell

Maddy summaryAB 1017 creates a new child care subsidy program specifically for custodial parents who work as employees in child care facilities. It allows these parents to qualify for subsidies under revised eligibility rules, bypassing standard income and asset requirements that typically apply to other subsidy recipients. The bill appropriates $1.2 million in fiscal year 2025-26 for administrative costs related to this new program. This directly affects parents employed by child care providers who have primary custody of children under 13 (or 19 if disabled) and meet the new eligibility criteria.

Maddy summaryAB 1020 designates specific highway segments in Wisconsin as "Memorial Highways" honoring eight fallen state troopers, naming each route after a trooper (e.g., STH 23 near Green Lake for Trooper Donald C. Pederson). The bill requires the state transportation department to install commemorative signs on these routes only if sufficient private contributions cover all costs - no state funds may be used. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes to transportation or law enforcement, directly affecting the named highways and the troopers' families.

Maddy summaryAJR 136 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would add a new Section 1m to Article I of the state constitution, stating: "As a necessary part of a free society, the people have an individual and fundamental right to privacy." This resolution, introduced by multiple assembly members and senators, would establish this privacy right as a fundamental constitutional protection for all residents. The bill requires voter approval at the next general election, as it must be referred to voters following a three-month publication period. It does not create immediate legal requirements but proposes a foundational constitutional change.

Maddy summaryAB 1030 increases the state earned income tax credit for low-income working families with fewer than three children. Starting in 2026, eligible individuals will receive a credit equal to 34% of the federal earned income credit (if they have children) or 15% (if they have no children), up from previous rates. This policy directly benefits qualifying working adults and families who earn below certain income thresholds. The change applies to tax returns filed for years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 1031 exempts menstrual discharge collection devices from sales tax. The bill defines these products to include tampons, pads, menstrual cups, period underwear, and other similar items designed for menstrual cycle use (such as period swimwear or sleep shorts), while explicitly excluding regular grooming products like soap or toothpaste. It adds these items to the list of tax-exempt goods under state law, meaning retailers won’t charge sales tax on them. This change directly affects consumers who purchase these products, making them more affordable by removing the tax burden.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege victory (where British forces withdrew on Saint Patrick's Day) and recognizes Irish Americans' contributions to the Revolutionary War. It specifically highlights figures like General John Sullivan (son of Irish immigrants), eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signatories, and historical connections such as John Dunlap’s printing of the Declaration. The resolution directs the legislature to formally acknowledge these events and send copies to Irish officials, including Senator Mark Daly and the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on policy or constituents.

Maddy summaryAB 1015 adjusts Wisconsin Shares child care assistance copayment rules and increases funding. It limits copayments to no more than 7% of a family’s gross income (49.155 (5) (ag)) and waives copayments entirely for families earning below 150% of the federal poverty line (49.155 (5) (ar)). The bill also increases annual funding for child care subsidies by $22.93 million for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. These changes directly affect low-income families using Wisconsin Shares child care assistance.

Maddy summaryAB 1041 requires all Wisconsin public, private, and charter schools to integrate age-appropriate instruction about African American history into K-12 social studies curricula. It mandates the development of a state model curriculum covering African American contributions to U.S. and state history, with collaboration from organizations like the Wisconsin Black Historical Society. The bill funds three full-time education consultants ($384,900 annually) to support schools in implementing this curriculum. This policy directly affects all K-12 schools and educators, requiring concrete changes to social studies teaching standards starting with the 2026-27 school year.

Maddy summaryAB 1040 requires all public and private school boards, including charter schools, to maintain an easily accessible on-site supply of opioid antagonists (medication used to reverse opioid overdoses) at every school they oversee. It creates a grant program funded by a $100,000 appropriation increase for fiscal year 2026-27, allowing schools to purchase these antidotes to comply with the new requirement. The law takes effect on September 1, 2026, directly affecting school administrators and staff responsible for implementing this safety measure. This bill focuses on making life-saving medication readily available in schools without specifying outcomes or advocating for policy positions.

Maddy summaryAB 1055 creates a grant program to fund crime victim protective services, including temporary housing, for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors' offices. It allocates $2,572,900 for the 2025-26 fiscal year (with $2,574,100 for 2026-27) from the Justice Department's budget. The Department of Justice will administer the program, developing grant criteria without needing formal rulemaking, and will add one full-time staff position to manage it. This bill directly affects agencies providing support to individuals who have been victims of crime.