Rep. Todd Novak

Maddy summaryAB 813 amends Wisconsin's Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Program, which provides grants through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), to allow funding for non-public events that attract national exposure or boost economic growth - such as private conferences or industry gatherings - under specific conditions. The bill creates a new provision (3)(cm) limiting such non-public event funding to 25% of annual program funds, requiring WEDC to prioritize events during tourist off-seasons or economic downturns, and banning funding for regularly scheduled events. It also mandates that applicants secure non-state matching funds equal to the grant amount and requires WEDC to submit annual reports detailing all funded projects and their projected economic impact. This directly affects event organizers and businesses applying for WEDC grants to attract major opportunities to Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 239 prohibits harassment of search and rescue dogs trained by state or nationally recognized agencies to locate missing people during disasters. It defines these dogs specifically and bans actions harming them while they perform official duties. Violations carry penalties ranging from a Class B forfeiture for basic violations to a Class H felony if the dog’s death results from intentional harm. The law applies directly to anyone who harasses these dogs, with stricter penalties for intentional acts causing injury or death. This bill strengthens protections for animals critical to emergency response efforts.

Maddy summaryAB 155 designates a specific segment of U.S. Highway 12 in Lake Delton, Sauk County, as the "Tom Diehl Memorial Highway." The bill requires the state transportation department to officially mark this portion of the highway with the memorial name. This is a commemorative designation with no substantive policy changes or financial impact beyond signage. It directly affects the highway location in Lake Delton and honors Tom Diehl through the naming.

Maddy summaryAB 562 requires the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) to erect signs marking the Mississippi River Trail after municipalities along the route approve the trail's path. Once municipalities adopt resolutions supporting the trail, the DOT must notify the legislative bureau and erect signs within 18 months. The bill allows the DOT to request supplemental funding from the finance committee without needing to declare an emergency. This procedural bill directly affects local governments (through approval requirements) and the DOT (through signage implementation), focusing solely on physical trail signage.

Maddy summaryAB 659 modifies Wisconsin's tuition benefit policies for veterans and their families. It reduces the required residency period from 5 to 3 consecutive years in the state before enrollment for veterans themselves and their dependents (spouses or children) to qualify for tuition exemptions or grants at University of Wisconsin System schools, technical colleges, or private nonprofit institutions. The bill applies to veterans who served honorably, died on duty or from service-connected disabilities, or have a 30% service-connected disability rating, and to dependents who meet the revised residency requirement. It does not change eligibility for veterans who were Wisconsin residents at the time of military entry. The policy change takes effect for the first semester or session beginning after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryAB 459 changes the minimum cost threshold for county public works projects that require competitive bidding. Currently, counties must use competitive bidding for projects over $50,000; this bill raises that threshold to $100,000. As a result, counties will no longer need to hold competitive bids for smaller public works projects between $50,000 and $100,000. The bill directly affects county governments by reducing administrative requirements for certain construction and service contracts.

Maddy summaryAB 822 modifies Wisconsin's local roads improvement program for town road projects. It exempts projects under $65,000 from requiring registered engineer certification, sets a minimum 10-year design life for funded improvements (requiring professional review for shorter assessments), and prevents counties from contracting with towns for road work they've already estimated. The bill creates new deadlines for towns to submit applications to county facilitators and establishes committees to review funding requests. These changes directly affect towns seeking road funding, counties managing projects, and county highway commissioners handling contracts.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded mentorship program to support beginning music, art, and performing arts teachers in Wisconsin. It appropriates $50,000 for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years to contract with a nonprofit organization to pair experienced mentors with new teachers. The program provides classroom guidance, resources, conference support, and materials to help new teachers succeed and prepare students for performances. The nonprofit must match the state funding and provide quarterly reports on program activities and expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans, including those for government employees and public schools, to cover prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces when deemed medically necessary by a licensed healthcare provider. The law defines prostheses as devices that replace missing limbs and custom orthotic braces as personalized devices that correct or support musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring coverage includes materials, instruction, and repairs under specific circumstances. Coverage must match or exceed federal standards and apply to replacement or repair when medically needed due to changes in the patient's condition or when repair costs exceed 60 percent of replacement costs. The bill also mandates that plans maintain access to at least two in-network providers in the state and requires written explanations for any coverage denials based on medical necessity.

Maddy summaryAB 1019 allows vehicle owners to purchase an annual state park admission receipt when registering or renewing their vehicle license. It adds a line on vehicle registration forms where owners can choose to pay an additional fee (with discounts for seniors or those with existing park passes). The collected fees are deposited quarterly into the conservation fund, specifically for state parks, recreation areas, and forest lands. This affects all vehicle owners in the state during registration, streamlining park access without requiring separate purchases.