Rep. Todd Novak

Maddy summaryAJR 9 is a Wisconsin Assembly Joint Resolution honoring Bob Uecker, the longtime Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster and entertainer, for his 69-year career in baseball. The resolution recognizes his contributions as a broadcaster, actor (including "Mr. Belvedere" and "Major League"), philanthropist, and community figure, citing his 54-year tenure with the Brewers and his cultural impact. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a symbolic tribute passed by the Wisconsin Legislature to memorialize his legacy. The resolution extends condolences to his family and acknowledges his widespread influence on baseball fans and Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 129 requires all public and private schools to implement safe drinking water systems by developing management plans that specify locations for filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 100 occupants) and filtered faucets. The bill mandates regular testing for lead (max 5 ppb) and PFAS chemicals, with immediate action if contaminants exceed limits - including shutting off affected outlets and replacing filters. Schools must maintain these systems, conduct annual testing, and update plans every five years. The bill is currently pending in the Education Committee after introduction in March 2025.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 24 expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's support for strengthening its relationship with Taiwan. The resolution reaffirms the existing sister-state ties between Wisconsin and Taiwan and reiterates support for the federal Taiwan Relations Act. It also endorses Taiwan's pursuit of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States to foster closer economic partnerships. Furthermore, the resolution advocates for Taiwan's increased participation in international organizations that impact its people's well-being.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 23 designates April 2025 and April 2026 as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Months in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to raise public awareness and understanding of Parkinson's disease, a chronic neurological condition.

Maddy summaryAB 120 proposes to increase the staffing of the Office of School Safety, which operates under the Department of Justice. The bill authorizes an additional 14.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the department. These new positions, funded by general purpose revenue, would become effective on October 1, 2025. The stated purpose of this increase is to support and enhance school safety initiatives.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 22 creates specific exceptions for Tax Incremental District (TID) Number 6 in the city of Middleton. It exempts this particular district from a 12 percent limit on the total value of taxable property that can be included within it. The bill also removes other general limitations that would otherwise apply to TIDs. These exceptions are applicable only if TID Number 6 is established by the city of Middleton's common council on or before June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 43 permits pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives to individuals aged 18 and older. Pharmacists must adhere to new rules, including requiring patients to complete a self-assessment questionnaire and undergo a blood pressure screening. The bill also mandates that pharmacists report prescriptions to the patient's primary care provider, provide a written record, and carry malpractice liability insurance. Furthermore, it ensures these contraceptives are covered under Medical Assistance when prescribed by pharmacists and grants the Pharmacy Examining Board authority for related rule-making.

Maddy summaryAB 137 modifies regulations specific to Tax Incremental District (TID) Number 9 in the village of DeForest. It extends the maximum life and the period for allocating tax increments for this district to 30 years after its creation. The bill also provides an exception for the village of DeForest, allowing it to exceed a 12 percent limit on the total value of taxable property included in tax incremental financing districts for one amendment to TID Number 9's project plan. These changes aim to adjust the financial tools available to the village for development within this specific district.

Maddy summaryAB 159 creates a grant program to support rural creative economy development in Wisconsin. It provides competitive grants of up to $50,000 to eligible applicants - including rural cities, tribes, nonprofits, and economic development organizations - for projects like renovating public spaces, supporting public arts, and promoting local creative businesses. Applicants must secure matching funds from nonstate sources (with no more than 25% in-kind), and grants must directly benefit rural areas defined as populations under 10,000 or non-urbanized regions. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation must report on the program's effectiveness by May 2027.

Maddy summaryAB 300 creates a state grant program to help local law enforcement agencies purchase automated license plate reader systems (high-speed cameras that scan plates and convert data for law enforcement use). The program requires at least half of the grant funds to go to agencies in rural areas (defined as cities/towns under 20,000 population, at least 15 miles from larger cities). Agencies must submit a spending plan to the Department of Justice for review before receiving grants, which are limited to public safety and crime prevention purposes. The bill does not apply to state-level agencies or require specific outcomes, focusing solely on funding access for local rural and urban law enforcement.