Rep. Jenna Jacobson

Maddy summaryAB 608 allocates $10 million annually for two years (2025-26 and 2026-27) to support student success and retention programs at University of Wisconsin System institutions and Wisconsin technical colleges. The funding, designated as a continuing appropriation, directly supports institutions in enhancing academic advising and other retention-focused initiatives. It creates new statutory provisions to channel these funds through the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. The bill does not establish new programs but provides dedicated annual funding for existing student support efforts at these public institutions.

Maddy summaryAB 593 amends Wisconsin statutes to clarify and strengthen collective bargaining processes for University of Wisconsin System employees covered by union contracts. It requires pay increases to align with existing compensation plans or collective bargaining agreements, prohibits closed-session negotiations for finalizing agreements, and updates funding mechanisms for grievance arbitrations and training. The bill directly affects UW System employees in unionized positions and their bargaining representatives. Key provisions include revised rules for pay adjustments, transparency in negotiation procedures, and specific appropriations for dispute resolution services under existing labor laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Wisconsin state highway maps to specifically identify the Brooklyn Area Veterans Memorial in Brooklyn, Green County. It creates a new statutory reference (84.02 (5) (d) 2. r.) to ensure the memorial's location appears on official state highway maps. The bill directly affects state transportation mapping practices but does not alter veterans' benefits, funding, or other policies. This is a procedural change to improve map accuracy for the memorial's location.

Maddy summaryAB 641 creates a dedicated $500,000 annual appropriation for the University of Wisconsin Missing-in-Action (MIA) Recovery and Identification Project within the 2025-27 fiscal biennium. The bill directly affects Wisconsin veterans missing in action by funding their recovery and identification efforts through the University of Wisconsin System. It requires the UW Board of Regents to allocate funds annually for this mission and mandates a detailed report on findings and spending to state legislative committees, the governor, and veterans agencies. The legislation establishes a continuing funding mechanism without altering existing veterans' benefits or services.

Maddy summaryAB 520 requires the state department to erect and maintain two directional highway signs along USH 18 (eastbound and westbound) for the Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial. This bill directly affects the memorial's visibility by mandating specific signage for drivers approaching the site. The key provision is the requirement for the department to install and upkeep these signs, with no financial or operational impact beyond this specific signage. As a commemorative procedural bill, it does not change laws or policies affecting people or programs.

Maddy summaryAB 208 creates tax exemptions for income and franchise taxes related to broadband expansion funding. It directly affects internet service providers, telecom companies, and community organizations receiving grants or federal high-cost program funds for building broadband infrastructure in the state. The bill exempts from taxation: (1) state/local/tribal/federal grants for broadband expansion, and (2) federal high-cost program funding under 47 USC 254. These exemptions apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and prevent double-counting with other existing tax provisions.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (AJR 93) is a ceremonial expression of congratulations from the Wisconsin Legislature to the Brookfield Central Girls Soccer team for winning the 2025 Division 2 State Soccer Championship. It directly recognizes the team's 15-5 season, seventh state title, and "selfless teamwork" in defeating Pewaukee High School. The resolution contains no policy changes, funding, or obligations - it simply commends the team through a formal legislative statement. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect beyond expressing support.

Maddy summaryAB 386 creates a $30 million agricultural purchase program to fund grants for organizations buying food made or grown in the state. It directly affects nonprofit food banks, pantries, and local food distributors that provide food assistance, allowing them to use these grants to purchase state-grown products. The program is administered by the Department of Agriculture, which will also add two new staff positions (program specialist and grants specialist) funded by this appropriation. The bill establishes a continuing appropriation under statute 20.115 and outlines specific grant eligibility under new statute 93.62.

Maddy summaryAB 290 creates a special vehicle registration plate titled "Protect Pollinators" with a voluntary $25 annual or $50 biennial fee for vehicle owners who choose it. All fees collected beyond $23,700 (or production costs, whichever is less) are deposited into the conservation fund to support pollinator protection programs. The plate must display "Protect Pollinators" and cover the entire plate, as specified in the bill. This directly affects Wisconsin vehicle owners who select this plate option, directing funds toward conservation efforts.

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.