Rep. Randy Udell

Maddy summaryAB 620 requires teachers and administrators in Wisconsin's parental choice programs and Special Needs Scholarship Program to hold state teaching licenses starting July 1, 2027. Schools may employ educators with at least five years of prior experience (as of July 1, 2027) under a temporary, nonrenewable waiver until July 1, 2032. The law creates a process for these educators to apply for waivers while working toward full licensure, with the state department developing implementing rules. It applies specifically to private schools participating in these state-funded education choice programs.

Maddy summaryAJR 110 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Wisconsin Legislature condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine, specifically targeting the abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. It declares these actions violate the Genocide Convention and constitute genocide, citing Russia's systematic efforts to separate children from families, facilitate forced adoptions, and re-educate them in occupied territories. The resolution formally holds the Russian government responsible for these acts, which it states aim to destroy Ukraine's cultural identity and future generations. As a joint resolution (not a law), it has no legal effect but serves as a formal statement of condemnation.

Maddy summaryAB 436 requires animal testing facilities and breeders to offer dogs and cats for adoption to shelters or rescue groups before euthanizing them, if the animals don't pose health/safety risks. Facilities must provide a 3-week window for adoption offers and submit annual reports tracking adoption numbers, animals used in testing, and shelter partners. This directly affects animal testing facilities (including research labs) and breeders who sell animals to such facilities. Violations carry a $5,000 penalty per animal, with no state liability for compliance actions.

Maddy summaryAB 440 modifies how the village of Oregon and the towns of Oregon and Rutland in Dane County calculate their annual tax levy limits. It prevents the state from reducing the base tax amount for these municipalities based on payments made in 2024 for joint fire department or emergency medical services district costs. This ensures their 2025 tax levy limits remain at 2024 levels for these specific shared services, rather than adjusting downward for those expenses. The bill directly affects these three local governments' budgeting for shared public safety services.

Maddy summaryAB 368 prevents health insurance plans from requiring prior authorization for the first 12 visits of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or chiropractic care per treatment episode. It also eliminates prior authorization for non-drug pain management (like therapy) for chronic pain patients during the first 90 days of treatment (up to twice weekly). Health plans must explain coverage denials in plain language, apply similar copays for these therapies as for primary care, and decide on reauthorization requests within 3 business days. This bill directly affects patients seeking these services, healthcare providers, and all health benefit plans or self-insured employer health plans in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 106 exempts electricity delivered to Level 3 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations installed at residences from the existing EV charging tax. This directly affects homeowners who own or operate Level 3 chargers at their primary residence. The bill removes the tax on electricity used for charging EVs at these residential stations, effective retroactively from January 1, 2025. The exemption applies specifically to Level 3 chargers at homes, not to commercial or public charging locations.

Maddy summaryAB 197 creates a new exemption allowing local governments (like counties or municipalities) to count certain regional emergency medical services costs toward their budget limits without triggering spending restrictions. To qualify, the service must cover at least 232 square miles or include 8 municipalities, and annual cost increases must stay below the inflation rate plus 5%. The exemption requires confirmation of a regional service area and a designated coordination entity for EMS across the area. This specifically affects jurisdictions operating joint emergency medical services districts or intergovernmental agreements for EMS, including fire department-provided services.

Maddy summaryAJR 109 is a symbolic joint resolution honoring Wisconsin's Hispanic and Latino veterans. It formally recognizes their service and sacrifices throughout U.S. military history, including specific references to the Borinqueneers unit and General Richard Cavazos. The resolution expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's gratitude through a formal statement, acknowledging these veterans' contributions without creating new programs or altering laws. This is a commemorative gesture, not a policy change, and directly affects no individuals or entities through legislative action.

Maddy summaryAB 622 amends Wisconsin's unemployment insurance law to extend the period during which job seekers may refuse work without losing benefits from 6 to 10 weeks after becoming unemployed. It clarifies that workers who quit jobs they could have refused (e.g., due to unsafe conditions) may still qualify for benefits within this 10-week window, regardless of their stated reason for leaving. The bill also updates the definition for "suitable work" in the 7th-11th week of unemployment to require wages above the lowest wage quartile for similar jobs in the area. These changes directly affect unemployed workers applying for benefits and the Department of Workforce Development’s eligibility determinations.

Maddy summaryAB 553 requires Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources to install and maintain metal containers for hunters to dispose of deer carcasses at state-designated locations, with regular carcass removal. It increases annual funding by $500,000 for these disposal sites and $250,000 for hunter education about chronic wasting disease (CWD) and proper carcass disposal. The bill directly affects hunters who must use these disposal sites and the Department of Natural Resources, which implements the program. Funding applies to fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 as specified in the appropriations schedule.