Rep. Joy Goeben

Maddy summaryAB 61 increases penalties for harming police or fire department animals used in official duties. It creates three penalty tiers: a Class A misdemeanor for negligent harm, a Class I H felony for intentional injury, and a Class H G felony for intentional killing. The law applies specifically to animals working for law enforcement or fire departments during their duties. Penalties depend on the perpetrator's intent (intentional vs. negligent) and the outcome (injury vs. death). This bill, enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 28, directly affects individuals who intentionally or negligently injure or kill such animals.

Maddy summaryAB 237 extends the age limit for infants covered under Wisconsin's safe haven law from 72 hours to 30 days. This means parents can now safely relinquish an infant to a hospital or emergency responder without legal consequences if the child is 30 days old or younger, instead of only 72 hours. The bill modifies three statutes to update references to "72 hours" to "30 days" in the legal definitions for safe haven surrender, court findings of relinquishment, and related procedures. It directly affects parents seeking to surrender newborns and impacts hospitals, law enforcement, and child welfare systems that handle these surrenders. The change provides a longer window for parents to make this decision while maintaining the legal framework for safe relinquishment.

Maddy summaryAJR 97 designates October 2025 as "Careers in Construction Month" in Wisconsin. The resolution highlights construction as a major industry employing nearly 6% of Wisconsin's workforce and emphasizes career pathways through apprenticeships without student debt. It encourages employers, schools, and communities to host job fairs and events during that month to promote construction careers. The bill does not create new laws or affect specific individuals - it is a symbolic recognition of the industry’s role in building homes, schools, and infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution, not a law. It declares January as Blood Donor Month in Wisconsin to honor voluntary blood donors and raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations. The resolution urges all Wisconsin residents to recognize donors' lifesaving contributions, encourages eligible people to donate regularly, and asks businesses and organizations to sponsor community blood drives. It does not create new requirements or funding but aims to increase public awareness and participation in blood donation.

Maddy summaryAB 294 amends Wisconsin law to change the composition of the Board of Nursing. It replaces two positions currently held by licensed registered nurses (RNs) with two new roles: one advanced practice nurse prescriber and one nurse educator, effective September 1, 2026. The bill also requires all RN members to have graduated from an accredited nursing program. This change directly affects the board's membership structure, not healthcare providers or patients.

Maddy summaryAB 123 defines "driving miles" as the actual road distance between locations and requires parents with court-ordered physical placement to seek court permission before relocating more than 100 driving miles from the other parent. If parents already live more than 100 miles apart, relocation only requires 60 days' written notice (including new address and move date) instead of a court motion. The bill allows parents to agree on relocation through a stipulation, which the court may incorporate into an order unless it deems the change not in the child's best interest. This directly affects parents in Wisconsin family court cases involving child custody and relocation disputes.

Maddy summaryAB 302 amends Wisconsin statute 347.25(3) to allow funeral procession vehicles to use flashing amber or purple lights exclusively during processions. The law permits the lead vehicle in a procession to display such lights, or requires all vehicles in the procession to have them if any vehicle uses them. This change directly affects funeral homes, drivers, and vehicles participating in formal funeral processions by standardizing permissible lighting for visibility and safety during these events.

Maddy summaryAB 456 updates Wisconsin's real estate laws for residential transactions involving properties with one to four dwelling units. It requires real estate licensees to obtain written consent from property owners before sharing listing details with other agents or advertising properties online. The bill also mandates that owners must actively opt-in to public marketing (via a signed disclosure form) rather than having to opt-out, and prohibits licensees from accepting third-party fees without all parties' written agreement. These changes directly affect real estate agents and property owners in residential sales or leasing. The bill passed both chambers in November 2025 and is awaiting the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryAB 201 modifies Wisconsin law to require sex offender registration for individuals convicted of sexual extortion or certain related offenses. It directs courts to mandate registration under Wisconsin Statute 301.45 if the underlying conduct was "sexually motivated" (as defined in Statute 980.01(5)), including violations of statutes related to sexual extortion (e.g., 942.09, 942.095). The bill affects offenders convicted of sexual extortion or sexually motivated crimes under Chapters 940, 942, 943, 944, or 948. Courts may later release individuals from registration if they meet conditions set by the court. This is a policy change to expand registration requirements for specific sexual offenses, not a new criminal penalty.

Maddy summaryAJR 59 is a ceremonial resolution proclaiming June as Dairy Month in Wisconsin. It recognizes the state's long-standing dairy heritage, including its role as a national leader in dairy production since the 1800s, the $45.6 billion annual economic contribution of the industry, and the work of over 6,000 dairy farms. The resolution does not create new laws or regulations but formally honors Wisconsin's dairy farmers and industry as a key part of the state's identity. It directly affects Wisconsin residents by highlighting the industry's historical and economic significance during June. This resolution was passed by the legislature in June 2025.