Rep. Lee Snodgrass

Maddy summaryAB 288 prohibits retailers and plant providers from labeling plants as "beneficial to pollinators" if those plants were treated with systemic insecticides that carry pollinator warnings on their labels (such as "bee protection" statements or environmental hazard notices). The law directly affects businesses selling plants at retail or to end users, requiring them to avoid misleading claims about pollinator benefits when insecticides with specific warnings were used. Key provisions define "systemic insecticide" and require that labeling aligns with the insecticide's actual pollinator safety status. This creates a clear policy change: plants treated with pollinator-risk insecticides cannot be marketed as pollinator-friendly, aiming to prevent consumer confusion about environmental impact.

Maddy summaryAB 333 creates a refundable tax credit for low-income residents who purchase bicycles (including electric bikes) for their dependents. Eligible claimants - those with family income under 200% of the federal poverty line - can claim up to $200 per dependent annually, based on actual purchase costs. The credit is refundable, meaning unused portions are paid directly by the state via a dedicated appropriation. Claimants must submit proof of purchase with their tax return and meet residency and income requirements.

Maddy summaryAJR 76 proposes removing a constitutional ban that currently defines marriage as only between one man and one woman. If passed, this change would eliminate the restriction preventing the state from recognizing same-sex marriages or creating equivalent legal status for unmarried couples. The bill directly affects all residents by removing a constitutional barrier to marriage equality, allowing the state to legally recognize same-sex marriages without requiring separate legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $2 million annually for two years to fund LGBTQIA+ rights training for school counselors and social workers in Wisconsin public schools. It requires school boards to provide department-approved training on LGBTQIA+ rights, defined as including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other nonheterosexual or noncisgender identities. The training must be developed or approved by the state Department of Public Instruction. School counselors and social workers employed by participating school boards will directly receive this training through the grant program. The funding is tied to specific statutory provisions creating new grant categories under education budgets.

Maddy summaryAB 336 would allocate $11 million annually for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years to fund additional mental and behavioral health services at the University of Wisconsin System. The bill specifically directs these funds toward improving student health services through enhanced staffing, training, prevention programs, and assessment tools. It directly affects all University of Wisconsin System campuses and their students by expanding access to mental health support. The funding mechanism is a direct state appropriation with no additional requirements for institutions.

Maddy summaryAB 359 prohibits licensed mental health professionals from providing conversion therapy to individuals under 18 years old. The bill defines conversion therapy as any attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, while explicitly excluding supportive counseling for gender transition, general acceptance, or safety-focused interventions. Violations could lead to disciplinary actions by licensing boards, including license suspension, revocation, or limitations on practice. This law directly affects minors under 18 and mental health professionals licensed under chapters 448, 455, or 457 of the statutes.

Maddy summaryAB 361 eliminates specific criminal defenses in cases where a defendant claims they acted due to the victim's gender identity or sexual orientation. The bill amends statutes to prevent defendants from using "adequate provocation," "self-defense," or "not guilty by reason of mental disease" as justifications if the claim relates to the victim's actual or perceived gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. This specifically blocks defenses in situations like when the victim made a romantic advance without force or when the defendant and victim dated. The law applies to offenses committed on its effective date and directly affects defendants in criminal cases involving these specific circumstances.

Maddy summaryAB 365 requires cities, towns, and homeowners' associations to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - small secondary homes on existing properties - as a "permitted use" without special permits on eligible parcels. It prohibits local governments and HOAs from charging extra fees (beyond standard building permits), imposing stricter design rules than for main homes, requiring separate utilities or parking, or banning ADUs via deed restrictions. The bill permits size limits (capping ADUs at 75% of the main home's square footage on single-family parcels) but bans all other restrictive rules. It directly affects local zoning authorities, municipal ordinances, and HOA covenants governing residential properties.

Maddy summaryAJR 79 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month in Wisconsin. It formally acknowledges the state’s historical support for LGBTQ rights - including being the first to pass anti-discrimination laws in 1982 - and highlights ongoing community efforts, though it does not create new policies or affect specific groups. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal force or binding requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 355 removes specific restrictions on abortion access and requires certain health insurance plans to cover abortion care without cost-sharing. It directly affects patients seeking abortion services and health insurers offering coverage under specified plans. Key provisions eliminate mandatory waiting periods and counseling requirements, while mandating coverage for abortion services in state-regulated health insurance plans. This policy change aims to improve access by removing regulatory barriers and ensuring insurance coverage.