Rep. Rick Gundrum

Maddy summaryAB 817 increases the state reimbursement for certified veteran organizations providing military funeral honors from $50 to $100 per funeral. It directly affects local veteran groups certified by the department to perform these honors. The bill amends statute 45.60(2) to allow this higher reimbursement amount from a specific state fund, covering costs incurred by these organizations. The change applies to all military funerals in the state where honors are provided.

Maddy summaryAB 993 establishes a process for automatically removing expired state rules from Wisconsin's official rulebook. It requires agencies to conduct economic impact analyses for new rules that could cost businesses, local governments, or individuals over $10 million in implementation and compliance costs over two years, potentially halting rulemaking. The bill includes special provisions for "readopting" existing rules (renewing without changes), requiring agencies to analyze costs and benefits of the original rules instead of new rule costs. This affects state agencies creating rules and businesses, local governments, and individuals impacted by regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryAB 701 adopts the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act to shield individuals and organizations from lawsuits targeting their speech on matters of public concern. It creates a "special motion" allowing defendants to quickly dismiss such cases within 60 days of being sued, with the court requiring the plaintiff to prove their claim has merit. The law specifically protects speech in government proceedings, political expression, or press freedoms, but excludes lawsuits by/against government entities or commercial speech related to sales. This applies to civil suits where the core issue involves public discourse, not private business disputes.

Maddy summaryAB 752 makes it a Class H felony to use an absentee ballot drop box, U.S. mail, or commercial carrier while committing election fraud under existing law (s. 12.13). The bill directly affects individuals who attempt to fraudulently submit absentee ballots through these specific methods. Its key provision increases penalties for this type of fraud by classifying it as a felony rather than a lesser offense. The law focuses solely on the method of submission during fraudulent activity, not on the act of voting itself.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally recognizes December 25 as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ for the Wisconsin Legislature. It expresses the legislature's acknowledgment of Christmas as a sacred day for Christians, referencing biblical events in its preamble. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws, alter policies, or affect any specific group or policy. The resolution serves only to affirm the legislature's symbolic recognition of the holiday's religious significance.

Maddy summaryAB 767 requires Wisconsin's retirement systems (including the Wisconsin Retirement System and Milwaukee's city/county systems) to vote on shareholder proposals based solely on the financial returns for participants, not social or environmental goals. It prohibits voting to advance environmental, social, or governance objectives unless an economic analysis proves it benefits participants financially. The bill also restricts how retirement boards use proxy advisory firms, mandating that their recommendations must align with the sole economic interest of participants and banning recommendations based on prior shareholder support or non-financial criteria. These rules apply to all voting on shareholder proposals, including executive compensation votes.

Maddy summaryAB 732 prohibits the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on outdoor ornamental plants, trees, or turf grown for noncommercial purposes (like home gardens or personal landscaping) starting January 1, 2026. The bill allows exceptions for tree injections, applications by certified professionals, and uses related to growing agricultural crops for sale. This directly affects homeowners and non-commercial landscapers who currently use these pesticides on decorative plants or lawns.

Maddy summaryAB 763 caps the annual percentage rate (APR) for most consumer loans at 36%, affecting licensed lenders regulated by the Department of Financial Institutions. It requires these lenders to report detailed data on high-rate loans, including the number of loans above 18% APR, repossession rates, and default outcomes. The bill also clarifies who qualifies as a lender to prevent evasion, such as disguising loans as property sales or leasebacks. These changes aim to increase transparency and limit excessive interest charges for borrowers.

Maddy summaryAB 764 reforms payday loan regulations in the state. It defines "payday loan" as short-term, unsecured loans with terms under six months and requires lenders to verify borrowers' repayment ability before issuing loans. The bill caps total debt from all lenders at $1,500 or 35% of a borrower's monthly income, bans loans with maturity dates under 90 days, and mandates that all loans use precomputed interest (interest calculated upfront). These changes directly affect payday lenders and borrowers by imposing new underwriting standards, debt limits, and loan term requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 748 exempts home producers of shelf-stable food products (like pickled fruits/vegetables and baked goods) from state licensing requirements, directly affecting small-scale home cooks and cottage food businesses. The bill creates a registration system requiring producers to register with the department, maintain liability insurance, and label products with their registration number, preparation date, and a "made in a private home" statement. It limits annual sales to under $40,000 and mandates specific labeling for allergens, while requiring inspections for producers with sales between $10,000-$40,000. Producers must sell directly to consumers (e.g., farmers' markets or home delivery) and comply with new safety labeling and insurance rules. The bill replaces prior licensing rules with this structured framework for home food sales.