Rep. Joy Goeben

Maddy summaryAB 587 requires ticket sellers (including operators, resellers, and online platforms) to clearly display all fees during purchase and prohibits reselling tickets above face value without event operator approval. It applies to all commercial ticket resales, with small sellers earning under $10,000 annually exempt. Violations incur $1,000 fines per violation plus forfeiture of profits from illegal sales. The bill aims to increase transparency and prevent price gouging in entertainment ticket markets.

Maddy summaryAB 485 simplifies the application process for students continuing in Wisconsin's parental choice programs. It removes the requirement for parents to submit residency documentation for returning students unless their address has changed since the previous school year. The bill modifies administrative rules to streamline verification for schools, applying only to students who attended a participating private school in the prior year. This change takes effect for the 2026-27 school year.

Maddy summaryAB 432 regulates prior authorization processes for health insurance plans in Wisconsin. It requires insurance companies to follow specific transparency rules when denying coverage for medical services (called "adverse determinations"), mandating that these decisions be made by qualified health providers like physicians or nurse practitioners under medical directors' oversight. The bill defines key terms like "prior authorization" (pre-approval for services) and "urgent health care service" (requiring faster decisions), and sets deadlines for non-urgent cases. It directly affects health insurance plans, self-insured employer plans, and enrollees who seek covered services. The law aims to make the approval process clearer and more timely for patients.

Maddy summaryAB 463 would change the rules for people with four or more convictions for driving under the influence (DWI). If passed, it would permanently revoke driving privileges for these individuals instead of allowing a temporary work-related license after 180 days (previously available after 45 days for three convictions). The bill amends statutes to remove eligibility for occupational licenses after 180 days of revocation for those with four or more DWI convictions, while requiring ignition interlock devices for any licensed driving. This applies specifically to individuals with multiple DWI convictions, not to first-time offenders or other traffic violations.

Maddy summaryAB 428 modifies Wisconsin's veterans property tax credit to tie the credit amount to a veteran's service-connected disability rating (for those under 100%) and caps the credit based on the first $350,000 of a property's value. It also allocates $180,000 annually for two fiscal years to fund the University of Wisconsin's Missing-in-Action Recovery Project, requiring detailed annual reports on case progress, federal collaboration, and student involvement. Additionally, the bill increases funding for the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program by $900,000 for 2025-26 and $1.05 million for 2026-27 to cover facility leasing and operational costs. These changes directly affect eligible veterans, surviving spouses, and veterans' housing services in Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 609 modifies firearm regulations in the state by reducing the restricted distance near schools and hospitals from 1,700 to 1,200 feet for hunting. It removes restrictions on loading firearms in vehicles and discharging weapons within 50 feet of roadways for certain individuals. The bill clarifies that law enforcement officers, qualified out-of-state officers, and former officers are exempt from specific firearm restrictions while acting in their official duties. These changes primarily affect law enforcement personnel and their operational procedures, not general public carry rights. The bill does not create new carry permits or alter concealed weapon licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 438 proposes changing the official title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate" across state statutes. This bill directly affects current and future physician assistants, as well as the licensing board overseeing their credentials. Key mechanisms include amending over 30 sections of law to replace "physician assistant" with "physician associate" in definitions, title usage rules, and board references. The bill does not alter practice authority or requirements - it only standardizes terminology. This is a procedural title change bill, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summaryAB 556 requires most state executive agencies to submit biennial budget requests using zero-based budgeting starting in 2027. This means agencies must justify each program's funding needs from scratch, not just build on previous budgets, and analyze whether each appropriation met its intended goal. The bill mandates that 20% of agencies use this method each biennium, with every agency required to submit at least one zero-based budget every five years. Agencies must also publicly post these reports on their websites.

Maddy summaryAB 393 modifies restrictions on school bus drivers over 70 years old and those with certain medical conditions, allowing them to operate school buses under new medical review requirements. The bill requires school districts to implement a standardized medical evaluation process for qualifying drivers. This directly affects school bus drivers in these categories and their employers. The legislation is currently in the Assembly Transportation Committee after recent amendments.

Maddy summaryAJR 112 proposes a constitutional amendment to Article I, Section 25, explicitly defining the right to keep and bear arms as applying to security, defense, hunting, recreation, and any other lawful purpose. It states this right is "fundamental" and requires any government restriction to undergo "strict scrutiny." The amendment would directly affect all residents by altering the state constitution's firearm rights protections. If approved by voters, it would become part of the constitution, requiring future laws restricting firearms to meet the strict scrutiny standard. The bill is currently in committee after its October 2025 introduction.