Rep. Dean Kaufert

Maddy summaryAB 968 would require virtual currency kiosks (machines exchanging cash for digital currency or vice versa) to obtain state licenses, display mandatory fraud warnings, and verify customer identities using government ID and photos. It sets a $500 daily transaction limit, caps fees at 3% or $5 per transaction, and mandates detailed receipts showing all transaction details. The bill directly affects kiosk operators and customers, aiming to prevent fraud through identity checks and clear transaction records. Currently under review in the Financial Institutions committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates "independence accounts" allowing individuals to save up to $15,000 annually from their gross earnings without that money counting toward Medicaid asset limits. It specifically excludes assets acquired through inheritance when determining eligibility for benefits. The department must seek federal approval to implement this change, though the program would take effect if federal authorities approve. The bill directly affects people applying for or receiving Medicaid benefits in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 445 updates procedures for county registers of deeds regarding property records and transportation project maps (plats). It revises how documents are numbered, indexed, and recorded - requiring unique sequential numbers for each document and clarifying "legal description" definitions for property records. These changes directly affect county offices handling property deeds, mortgages, and transportation project plats, streamlining administrative processes without altering fees or substantive rights. The bill focuses on procedural consistency in record-keeping across statutes.

Maddy summaryAB 984 sets new standards for community-based residential facilities that use the "memory care" designation in their name, advertising, or communications. It requires these facilities to serve only individuals with irreversible dementia (like Alzheimer’s) and to provide mandatory staff training on dementia care. The training must cover dementia basics, person-centered care, communication techniques, non-drug behavioral interventions, and supporting residents’ independence - both for initial hiring and annually thereafter. These requirements take effect July 1, 2027, with existing facilities needing compliance by that date to continue using the designation.

Maddy summaryAB 1044 creates a state grant program allocating $300,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year to help adult family homes, community-based residential facilities, nursing homes, and residential care apartment complexes purchase patient lift devices. These devices must be state-approved, allow independent or staff-assisted operation, and mechanically lift a person. Facilities receiving grants must report usage data, with up to $100,000 of the appropriation reserved for collecting and analyzing this information.

Maddy summaryAB 992 revises cost thresholds for administrative rule reviews, lowering the trigger point from $10 million to $4 million in projected costs for businesses, local governments, and individuals over two years. It prohibits agencies from splitting a single rule into multiple rules to avoid this cost analysis requirement. Agencies must halt rulemaking if costs exceed the threshold unless they modify the rule to reduce costs, then re-evaluate. This directly affects state agencies creating regulations and entities bearing compliance costs.

Maddy summaryAB 884 amends Wisconsin's tax code with three key changes. It requires background checks for individuals handling federal tax data when contracted by state departments (affecting state agencies and contractors). It updates retirement plan tax benefits, allowing individuals aged 67+ to subtract up to $24,000 annually from taxable income (or $48,000 for married couples filing jointly), subject to specific rules. Finally, it clarifies film production credit eligibility by defining "production expenditures" to include local spending on Wisconsin-based music, travel agencies, and insurance services, while excluding marketing costs. These changes directly impact state agencies, retirees, and film productions seeking tax credits.

Maddy summaryAB 778 changes eligibility rules for Wisconsin's Transform Milwaukee Jobs and Transitional Jobs programs. It requires applicants to have neither filed for unemployment insurance benefits nor be eligible for them. The bill repeals an existing eligibility provision (49.163(2)(am)4) and amends the current rule (49.163(2)(am)5) to clarify this requirement. This directly affects individuals seeking employment assistance through these specific Milwaukee-based workforce programs. The change simplifies eligibility by excluding those currently accessing unemployment benefits.

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 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.