Rep. Dave Murphy

Maddy summaryAB 58 restricts flags displayed on state and local government buildings, requiring only the U.S. flag, Wisconsin state flag, or a state agency flag to be flown from flagpoles or exteriors. Exceptions allow flags for veterans (e.g., POW/MIA), federally recognized tribes, neighboring states at border crossings, or emergency services, but only for ceremonial or safety purposes. The bill explicitly prohibits any flag supporting political parties, social causes, racial/sexual identities, or extremist groups, including flags designed for specific holidays. It applies to all state office buildings, schools, and local government facilities, with limited exemptions for leased properties.

Maddy summaryAB 418 requires long-term care facilities (including nursing homes and assisted living facilities) and hospitals to allow specific visitation during communicable disease outbreaks. It mandates that facilities permit at least one "essential visitor" (designated by the resident or their legal representative) or one "member of the clergy" for compassionate reasons like end-of-life care, grief support, or when a healthcare professional determines the visitor's presence benefits the patient. Facilities may deny visitation only if the visitor refuses to follow health protocols, poses a contagion risk, or the patient objects. The bill also creates a process for residents or families to file complaints if facilities violate these rules.

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 406 establishes the framework for setting resident undergraduate tuition and fee rates at the University of Wisconsin System. It directly affects Wisconsin residents enrolled in undergraduate programs across UW System campuses. The bill outlines the process for determining these rates, though specific dollar amounts or changes are not detailed in the current summary. Introduced in August 2025 and referred to the Consumer Protection committee, it is currently under review with a fiscal estimate received.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution recognizes October 7, 2025, as National Propane Day in Wisconsin. It highlights propane as a clean-burning, low-carbon fuel that supports 278,175 Wisconsin homes, 1,360 jobs, and over $1 billion in annual economic activity. The resolution emphasizes propane’s role in meeting energy needs while improving air quality and supporting Wisconsin’s energy security. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or obligations but formally acknowledges the industry’s contributions.

Maddy summaryAB 311 would allow transgender and intersex individuals to update their sex marker on birth certificates without requiring medical documentation. The bill directly affects people seeking to align their legal identity with their gender identity through simplified administrative changes. Key provisions would replace current requirements (like court orders or medical certifications) with a straightforward self-attestation process. The bill is currently under review in the Assembly Judiciary Committee after being introduced on June 6, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 421 prohibits cities, towns, and counties from enacting "rights of nature" ordinances that grant legal rights to natural resources like rivers or forests. The bill defines such ordinances as those conferring rights to exist, be protected from pollution, or maintain healthy ecosystems. It creates a new state law (66.0132) banning these local measures, preventing municipalities from using this approach to legally protect natural areas. The bill was introduced in September 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryAB 261 requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to only employ surgical technologists who hold national certification from an accredited body or meet specific exceptions (like prior employment before 2028, military training, or federal service). It creates new certification standards, including mandatory completion of an accredited educational program and national certification, with a 24-month temporary employment window for those finishing education. The law excludes certain practices (like cardiac radiology or dental auxiliaries) from its requirements and takes effect January 1, 2028. This directly affects healthcare facilities hiring surgical technologists and the professionals seeking those roles.

Maddy summaryAB 448 allows eligible nonprofit agricultural organizations (specifically, long-standing, member-directed cooperatives established before 1922 and meeting IRS 501(c)(5) requirements) to provide health benefit coverage exclusively to their members and members' families. Key provisions require these organizations to offer coverage in all state counties, provide written notice clarifying this is not health insurance, cover all physician services without preexisting condition exclusions beyond six months, and maintain sufficient financial reserves via annual actuarial reviews. The bill also mandates reinsurance with state-authorized companies and establishes complaint resolution processes mirroring those for standard health insurance. This framework directly affects qualifying agricultural co-ops and their members, creating a regulated pathway for member-only health benefits while ensuring basic consumer protections.

Maddy summaryAB 412 would require certain professionals, such as teachers and healthcare workers, to directly report suspected child abuse cases to law enforcement instead of child protective services. This changes the current reporting process by mandating immediate referrals to police for safety concerns. The bill applies to individuals already designated as mandated reporters under existing law. It was introduced in August 2025 and referred to the Criminal Justice Committee for review.