Rep. Dean Kaufert

Maddy summaryAB 340 increases state reimbursement for school medical services in Wisconsin from 60% to 100% of the federal share for eligible school districts, cooperative agencies, and specialized programs like the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It also raises reimbursement for administrative costs from 90% to 100% of the federal share, using time studies to calculate these costs. The bill explicitly includes common carrier transportation costs as part of reimbursable school medical services, unless federal policy changes prohibit it. School districts and agencies must still comply with federal health department requirements to receive these reimbursements.

Maddy summaryAB 284 streamlines the management of state construction projects by raising the cost threshold for mandatory project enumeration from $1 million to $2 million. It requires quarterly budget reports for projects needing increases, sets a 6-month deadline for the Claims Board to resolve certain construction claims, and mandates state agencies to collaborate with energy conservation contractors on pilot projects. The bill also clarifies responsibilities for utility costs in contracts, modifies bidding procedures, and transfers $32 million from the general fund to the state building trust fund for infrastructure. These changes primarily affect state agencies, the building commission, and contractors managing public construction projects.

Maddy summaryAB 178 creates a new state grant program to fund county and tribal programs that offer treatment alternatives to jail for people facing criminal charges related to substance use or mental health issues. It requires these programs to use evidence-based treatment, integrate mental health services, and include graduated incentives for participants. The bill directly affects criminal defendants with substance use disorders or mental illness who qualify for these programs, as well as counties and tribes receiving grants. Key provisions include mandating collaboration between courts, prosecutors, public defenders, and health agencies to develop and oversee the programs, while exempting participants in approved programs from losing good time credit in jail.

Maddy summaryAJR 86 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late Representative Jim Rooney, a former Wisconsin State Assembly member (1972-1985) and lifelong public servant from Racine County. The resolution expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and recognizes his career, including chairing the Wisconsin Waterways Commission and contributing to Racine's lakefront revitalization. As a procedural resolution (not a policy bill), it contains no new laws or funding but formally commemorates his service and legacy. It was adopted by the legislature on October 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 229 repeals Section 164.05 of the statutes, which previously outlined specific protections for law enforcement officers under the "law enforcement officers’ bill of rights." This procedural bill directly affects law enforcement officers by removing an existing statutory provision governing their rights. The bill contains no new provisions or mechanisms - its sole action is the repeal of the referenced section. No additional policy changes or impacts are specified in the bill text.

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 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.

Maddy summaryAB 198 creates two key programs: (1) grants for technical colleges offering emergency medical services (EMS) training, provided they don't give admission priority based on residency; and (2) a reimbursement program for individuals or their employers who paid tuition/materials for initial EMS certification/licensure as an emergency medical responder or practitioner. Eligible applicants must complete required courses, pass exams, and obtain their license/certification through the Department of Health Services. The bill also establishes a "live 911" pilot program allowing grants for real-time video communication during emergency calls, requiring a performance report by October 2027. This directly affects EMS students, practitioners, their employers, and public safety answering points.

Maddy summaryAB 77 prohibits the use of devices designed to conceal, alter, or obstruct license plates on vehicles. It defines such devices as any manual, electronic, or mechanical tool that switches plates, moves them, or makes registration numbers unreadable. The bill bans possessing, selling, installing, or using these devices, and allows police to impound vehicles equipped with them (with costs paid by the owner). Violators face fines up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail. This directly affects vehicle owners who might use such devices to obscure license plates.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific overpass on I-39 over STH 82 in Oxford, Marquette County as the "Greg Quinn and Larry Millard Memorial Bridge" to honor two firefighters who died in the line of duty. The state must install signs identifying the bridge, but only using private donations - no state funds may be used for the signs or their maintenance. The bill is purely commemorative and does not create new policy or affect public services.