Rep. Dave Murphy

Maddy summaryAB 282 prevents local town and village boards from using their own rules to block the reconsideration of an ordinance or resolution that was previously voted on but not approved. Specifically, it requires that boards cannot prohibit revisiting a proposal that is substantially similar to one rejected at least two years earlier. This rule applies to town boards (under 60.20(4)), village boards (under 61.32(6)), and common councils (under 62.11(3)(e)), ensuring they cannot permanently block similar proposals after a two-year waiting period. The bill directly affects local governing bodies handling ordinances and resolutions, creating a clear mechanism to allow reconsideration without permanent restrictions.

Maddy summaryAB 47 creates a tuition and fee remission program for veterans and their dependents in Wisconsin's University of Wisconsin System and technical colleges. It provides full remission of nonresident tuition, academic fees, and segregated fees for up to 128 credits or 8 semesters, covering eligible veterans who served honorably and met specific residency requirements (either at service entry or for 5+ years after age 18), as well as dependents of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities. The bill requires applicants to first use all available VA education benefits (like 38 USC 3319) before applying for remission, and it specifies how partial coverage from VA benefits affects the 128-credit limit. It also establishes a reimbursement process for veterans eligible for multiple benefit programs, ensuring they receive the full educational benefit they're entitled to.

Maddy summaryAB 609 modifies firearm regulations in the state by reducing the restricted distance near schools and hospitals from 1,700 to 1,200 feet for hunting. It removes restrictions on loading firearms in vehicles and discharging weapons within 50 feet of roadways for certain individuals. The bill clarifies that law enforcement officers, qualified out-of-state officers, and former officers are exempt from specific firearm restrictions while acting in their official duties. These changes primarily affect law enforcement personnel and their operational procedures, not general public carry rights. The bill does not create new carry permits or alter concealed weapon licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 556 requires most state executive agencies to submit biennial budget requests using zero-based budgeting starting in 2027. This means agencies must justify each program's funding needs from scratch, not just build on previous budgets, and analyze whether each appropriation met its intended goal. The bill mandates that 20% of agencies use this method each biennium, with every agency required to submit at least one zero-based budget every five years. Agencies must also publicly post these reports on their websites.

Maddy summaryAB 135 requires vehicle manufacturers to provide owners and repair shops with free, unrestricted access to vehicle data (like diagnostics) and critical repair information (tools, manuals, parts specs) needed to fix cars. It prohibits manufacturers from using technological barriers (like encrypted data) or legal barriers (such as forcing owners to use dealer-approved parts) to limit repair choices. The bill directly affects car owners, independent repair shops, and aftermarket parts companies by ensuring they can access necessary information without fees or manufacturer-imposed restrictions. Manufacturers must also stop mandating specific brands of parts or tools in repair guides, though they can still recommend options with clear disclaimers. This law aims to make vehicle repairs more accessible and affordable by removing artificial barriers.

Maddy summaryAB 380 requires judges facing allegations of misconduct or permanent disability to be suspended without pay during disciplinary proceedings. It amends statutes to mandate that both final suspensions imposed by the Supreme Court for misconduct and temporary suspensions pending investigations must be without pay. The bill directly affects judges under investigation by the Judicial Commission or facing formal complaints. This policy change clarifies that judges cannot receive salary during these disciplinary processes, applying to all cases involving alleged misconduct or disability.

Maddy summaryAB 328 requires child welfare agencies to share a redacted copy of a child's permanency plan and any written comments with out-of-home care providers (such as foster parents or group homes) **before** a permanency plan review or court hearing. The bill mandates that agencies remove confidential information protected by state or federal law (like medical records or sensitive family details) before sharing. This change directly affects foster care providers by giving them advance access to plan details, helping them prepare for reviews. It applies to both foster care (under Chapter 48) and juvenile justice systems (Chapter 938), effective 30 days after enactment. The bill does not alter permanency plan content but ensures providers receive timely, relevant information.

Maddy summaryAB 473 prevents residential contractors from promising to rebate insurance deductibles or negotiating claims on behalf of homeowners after disasters like fires, floods, or tornadoes. It requires contractors to provide a written notice in bold type explaining that signing an assignment transfers insurance claim rights, including a 5-day cancellation window and a warning that insurers may not cover all claimed costs. The bill applies to contractors repairing residential roofs or exterior damage from covered events, ensuring homeowners understand they may still owe costs if insurance doesn’t cover full repairs. Assignments must itemize work and costs but cannot override insurer terms or mortgagee rights.

Maddy summaryAB 389 would require California's Department of Motor Vehicles to add a visible symbol or notation on driver's licenses and identification cards to indicate veteran status for certain service members. It directly affects veterans who have received an honorable discharge or have a service-connected disability, allowing them to visibly identify their military service. The key provision mandates that the DMV create and implement this indicator on state-issued IDs, with the specific symbol to be determined by the agency. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly, having recently received a fiscal estimate and added co-authors.

Maddy summaryAB 560 prohibits municipalities from using physical drop boxes or other physical receptacles to collect voted absentee ballots in any election. Instead, the bill requires all absentee ballots to be returned exclusively by mail. This directly affects local governments that currently operate drop boxes for voter convenience. The law would eliminate a common method for returning absentee ballots, requiring voters to mail their completed ballots instead.