Rep. Joy Goeben

Maddy summaryAB 421 prohibits cities, towns, and counties from enacting "rights of nature" ordinances that grant legal rights to natural resources like rivers or forests. The bill defines such ordinances as those conferring rights to exist, be protected from pollution, or maintain healthy ecosystems. It creates a new state law (66.0132) banning these local measures, preventing municipalities from using this approach to legally protect natural areas. The bill was introduced in September 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryAB 448 allows eligible nonprofit agricultural organizations (specifically, long-standing, member-directed cooperatives established before 1922 and meeting IRS 501(c)(5) requirements) to provide health benefit coverage exclusively to their members and members' families. Key provisions require these organizations to offer coverage in all state counties, provide written notice clarifying this is not health insurance, cover all physician services without preexisting condition exclusions beyond six months, and maintain sufficient financial reserves via annual actuarial reviews. The bill also mandates reinsurance with state-authorized companies and establishes complaint resolution processes mirroring those for standard health insurance. This framework directly affects qualifying agricultural co-ops and their members, creating a regulated pathway for member-only health benefits while ensuring basic consumer protections.

Maddy summaryAB 412 would require certain professionals, such as teachers and healthcare workers, to directly report suspected child abuse cases to law enforcement instead of child protective services. This changes the current reporting process by mandating immediate referrals to police for safety concerns. The bill applies to individuals already designated as mandated reporters under existing law. It was introduced in August 2025 and referred to the Criminal Justice Committee for review.

Maddy summaryAB 401 creates penalties for damaging or defacing designated historical properties in Wisconsin. It directly affects individuals who intentionally damage such properties, including vandalism or graffiti on sites with historical significance. The bill establishes specific fines or penalties for these offenses, targeting property owners or vandals who harm protected historical landmarks. This legislation focuses on safeguarding culturally significant sites through new enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryAB 7 requires local governments (cities, villages, or towns) to approve large-scale wind and solar projects (15 megawatts or more) before the Public Service Commission can approve them. Developers must seek municipal approval, which must be granted or denied within 90 days (with possible 90-day extensions for specific reasons). If a municipality fails to act within the deadline, the project is automatically approved. This bill directly affects renewable energy developers and local governments, shifting approval authority to municipalities for qualifying projects.

Maddy summaryAB 229 repeals Section 164.05 of the statutes, which previously outlined specific protections for law enforcement officers under the "law enforcement officers’ bill of rights." This procedural bill directly affects law enforcement officers by removing an existing statutory provision governing their rights. The bill contains no new provisions or mechanisms - its sole action is the repeal of the referenced section. No additional policy changes or impacts are specified in the bill text.

Maddy summaryAB 216 reduces the real estate transfer fee from 30 to 20 cents per $100 of property value for all transactions. It changes fee distribution so 50% remains with counties and 50% goes to the state, with 46% of state funds allocated to county land information systems through new grant formulas. The bill also requires counties to establish free property monitoring systems for residents tracking changes to their properties, with no fees charged for this service. These changes directly affect all real estate buyers/sellers and county governments managing land records.

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 summaryAJR 100 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 2025 as "Vaccine Injury Awareness Month" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws, programs, or funding; instead, it formally acknowledges the national observance to raise awareness about vaccine-related injuries and support affected individuals and families. The resolution highlights the use of a black ribbon symbol for this awareness month and notes concerns about incomplete vaccine information in medical settings. This is a procedural recognition by the Wisconsin Legislature with no direct policy or regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryAB 191 requires that subpoenas directed at law enforcement officers or tribal law enforcement officers serving in their official capacity must be delivered only to the officer's work address, not their personal residence. This applies to all such officers as defined in existing statutes (including tribal officers under Section 165.85(2)(g)). The bill specifies three acceptable service methods: handing the subpoena to the officer, giving them a copy, or leaving a copy at their work address. It does not change the officers' duties or responsibilities but modifies the procedural requirement for subpoena delivery. This is a procedural rule affecting how legal process is served to these officers during official duties.