Rep. Lee Snodgrass

Maddy summaryThe bill title claims to address LLC filing fees, but the provided text actually amends a statute about student enrollment requirements (183.0122), not business fees. The bill text specifies that a student must be enrolled in a postsecondary institution, public/private/tribal high school, or home-based private program to qualify for certain benefits. It does not change LLC filing fees or affect business entities. The mismatch between the title and the actual content in the bill text makes it impossible to summarize the LLC fee aspect as described. This appears to be an error in the provided bill text.

Maddy summaryAB 378 requires all state agencies to mask or anonymize personally identifiable information (PII) before sharing it with the federal government, directly affecting state agencies handling sensitive data like health records or social services. The bill allows limited exceptions for sharing unmasked data when required by law, for legislative constituent services, or for court operations. It also creates a civil lawsuit option for individuals harmed by negligent violations, allowing recovery of actual damages, up to $1,000 in punitive damages, and attorney fees. The law aims to strengthen data privacy protections by limiting federal access to identifiable state records without explicit safeguards.

Maddy summaryAB 490 creates a statewide suicide prevention program funded by an annual $250,000 appropriation. The program requires the Department of Health Services to implement public awareness campaigns, coordinate with community groups, and provide training for law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, and others who interact with people at risk of suicide. It specifically targets at-risk groups including youth, elderly individuals, Native Americans, and rural residents through county-level initiatives, crisis service enhancements, and a centralized resource website. The bill also mandates annual reports to the legislature on program activities starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryAB 489 creates a voluntary program allowing individuals to prohibit themselves from purchasing handguns for specific periods (1, 5, or 20 years, with the first year irrevocable). Individuals submit forms to the Department of Justice for verification, entering their details into a new database. This database is now checked by firearms dealers during background checks under existing law (s. 175.35), which will block sales if a person is listed. The program directly affects individuals seeking to restrict their own firearm access, with the state appropriating $150,000 annually to administer it.

Maddy summaryAB 480 requires most employers to include a salary range (minimum and maximum) and details about benefits like health insurance or retirement plans in all public job postings. Employers must also retain these posting records for two years and allow department or employee review. Penalties include $300-$600 for small businesses (under 50 employees) and $1,000-$2,000 for larger businesses for repeated violations. Third parties (e.g., staffing agencies) posting jobs on behalf of employers must follow the same rules.

Maddy summaryAB 484 modifies requirements for concealed carry license applicants and renewals in this state. It allows applicants to use copies of previous licenses (from this state, another state, or a local jurisdiction) as proof of training, instead of requiring separate documentation. The bill also mandates specific training topics for renewals, including live ammunition practice, firearm safety and storage, suicide prevention, and de-escalation techniques. License holders must submit proof of completing such training when renewing their licenses.

Maddy summaryAB 479 reduces costs for individuals seeking trade licenses by creating a funding mechanism to offset fees for third-party-administered examinations. It allocates $181,900 annually (for 2025-26 and 2026-27) from the General Purpose Revenue fund to lower exam costs required for occupations like electricians or plumbers. The bill directly affects license applicants who must pay these third-party exams, as the funding lowers their out-of-pocket expenses. This is a straightforward appropriation bill with no new regulatory requirements, solely focused on reducing financial barriers for license seekers.

Maddy summaryAB 256 designates April 24 as Armenian Genocide Awareness Day in Wisconsin public schools, to be observed annually as part of Genocide Awareness Month. The bill requires schools to recognize this day on their calendars but does not mandate specific curriculum or activities. It directly affects all public K-12 schools in Wisconsin, beginning with the school year after the law takes effect. The legislation creates a new statutory provision (118.02 (7d)) to formalize this observance without altering existing educational requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 470 repeals the state's right-to-work law, which previously prohibited requiring employees to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment. The bill eliminates section 111.04(3) and amends labor statutes to allow employers to collect union dues with employee consent (via written authorization) and to enter "all-union agreements" requiring membership in collective bargaining units where a majority of workers have voted in favor. This directly affects employees, employers, and labor organizations by removing restrictions on mandatory union membership and dues in unionized workplaces. The bill also establishes a new policy declaration emphasizing fair employment relations and collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryAJR 94 is a symbolic resolution that would officially recognize January as "Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" across Wisconsin. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by designating a specific month for statewide awareness efforts focused on human trafficking. The resolution has no binding legal requirements but serves as a formal declaration to encourage educational events, community outreach, and resource sharing related to human trafficking prevention during January. It does not create new laws or allocate funding.