Rep. Dave Murphy

Maddy summaryAB 897 removes the right to a jury trial in Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) proceedings for non-Indian children. It also restricts requests to substitute judges in parental rights termination cases to only the parent and petitioner, limiting such requests to one per case and requiring them within 10 days of a new judge's assignment. The bill affects parents and children in these specific child welfare cases, directly changing court procedures for CHIPS petitions and termination hearings. These changes apply only to cases filed after the bill's effective date, with Indian children’s cases remaining exempt under federal law.

Maddy summaryAB 906 bans foreign nationals from contributing to or influencing referendum committees that support or oppose ballot measures. It defines "foreign national" broadly to include non-citizens, foreign governments, and foreign-owned entities, and requires committees to obtain written confirmations from contributors that they are not foreign nationals and haven’t received over $100,000 from foreign sources in the past four years. Committees must also attest they haven’t accepted such funds and cannot allow foreign nationals to direct or control their activities related to referendums. The bill directly affects referendum committees, campaign finance committees, and anyone contributing to ballot measure campaigns.

Maddy summaryAB 948 requires Wisconsin public school boards to adopt policies by July 1, 2027, prohibiting students from using personal wireless devices (like cell phones, tablets, and laptops) during the entire school day - including instruction, recess, transitions, and lunch - except for specific exceptions. These exceptions include emergencies, health management, accommodations under IEPs or 504 plans, and teacher-approved educational use. Schools must annually provide students with a copy of the policy and submit it to the Department of Justice by October 1, 2027, with annual updates thereafter. The bill affects all public school students and boards in Wisconsin, taking effect July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryAJR 131 is a symbolic resolution designating March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes MS as a significant health issue affecting thousands in the state. The resolution encourages Wisconsin residents to learn about MS and support those impacted by the disease and their families. It was introduced by multiple legislators and co-sponsored by numerous colleagues as a gesture of awareness, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryAB 818 creates a "demonstration public school operator" designation for charter school operators that meet specific requirements. To qualify, operators must document best practices, provide teacher professional development, participate in longitudinal studies, evaluate their educational models, track student progress, partner with community organizations, and collaborate with research entities like the Wisconsin Center for Educational Research. Designated operators receive an additional $6,863 per student starting in the 2026-27 school year, plus annual reporting requirements including financial data, student achievement metrics, and transition outcomes. The designation lasts up to 5 years with possible renewal, contingent on continued compliance with the specified requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 900 modifies eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits by prohibiting credits for any qualifying farmland where a non-accessory photovoltaic solar energy system (like standalone solar panels) is located during the taxable year. This directly affects farmers or landowners who seek these tax credits but have installed such solar systems on their eligible farmland. The bill creates new definitions to clarify that credits cannot be claimed for acres with these non-accessory solar installations, while maintaining credit eligibility for land without them. The policy change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines artificial intelligence and explicitly states that AI systems are not considered legal persons under Wisconsin law. It prevents AI from being granted rights such as marriage, holding property, serving in corporate roles, or facing legal liability, while assigning ownership of any assets generated by AI to its developers, manufacturers, or owners. The legislation clarifies that any attempt to grant AI legal personhood would be void and unenforceable.

Maddy summaryAB 961 requires distributors of explicit content (such as publishers and digital platforms) to display specific warning labels on all adult-oriented material. For print publications, labels must appear on the cover in 20-point bold Arial font; for digital content, labels must appear before access, remain visible for 10 seconds, and occupy two-thirds of the screen. The labels must include standardized language warning: "WARNING: This material contains explicit content that may be harmful or offensive. Viewer discretion is advised. Not intended for minors." Violations incur fines, with 50% of fines funding a state appropriation via a surcharge.

Maddy summaryAB 962 requires app store providers to verify the age of users creating accounts in the state and link accounts of minors (under 18) to parent accounts. Before minors can purchase apps, make in-app purchases, or download apps, providers must obtain explicit parental consent after disclosing age ratings, content descriptions, and data practices. The bill also mandates that providers notify parents of significant app changes (like new in-app purchases or privacy shifts) affecting apps downloaded by minors. This directly affects minors using app stores, their parents, and app store operators like Apple or Google.

Maddy summaryAB 971 creates a state program to reimburse community paramedics and community emergency medical services practitioners for tuition and materials costs incurred in completing approved training programs. It covers individuals who paid for their own training or employers who paid for their employees' training. To qualify, applicants must complete a state-approved training program and receive department approval. Reimbursement requires applying through the state board and meeting specific training completion criteria.