Rep. Rick Gundrum

Maddy summaryAB 204 creates a 30% tax credit for video game developers in the state, directly affecting companies producing qualifying video games within the state. The credit applies to 30% of eligible wages paid to workers directly developing games or eligible expenditures (like software licenses), excluding wages, marketing costs, capital expenses, or content violating specific laws. Developers must certify claims with an independent CPA audit and comply with strict definitions, such as excluding political, educational, or social media-focused games. The credit is funded through a new appropriation account and cannot exceed the state’s tax liability for the year.

Maddy summaryAB 587 requires ticket sellers (including operators, resellers, and online platforms) to clearly display all fees during purchase and prohibits reselling tickets above face value without event operator approval. It applies to all commercial ticket resales, with small sellers earning under $10,000 annually exempt. Violations incur $1,000 fines per violation plus forfeiture of profits from illegal sales. The bill aims to increase transparency and prevent price gouging in entertainment ticket markets.

Maddy summaryAB 542 requires dental insurance plans (like defined network plans or preferred provider plans) that rent their provider networks to disclose this practice to dentists. Specifically, insurers must notify dentists in writing or electronically within 45 days if their network is rented to another entity, including the name of the renting entity. The bill also mandates that any entity renting a dental network must honor the original contract terms (such as discounted rates) between the insurer and the dentist. This directly affects dentists, insurers, and third-party entities that rent dental provider networks, ensuring transparency and protecting contractual obligations.

Maddy summaryAB 54 prohibits the state department from requiring prior authorization or other utilization management controls for FDA-approved antipsychotic prescription drugs under the Medical Assistance program. This directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who rely on these medications, removing barriers to accessing prescribed antipsychotic treatments. The bill creates a new statute section explicitly stating that utilization management controls (such as step therapy or prior approval) cannot be imposed on these specific drugs. The policy change aims to streamline access to necessary antipsychotic medications without altering drug approval standards.

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 397 requires businesses and organizations receiving state economic development grants or loans to submit annual reports detailing how funds were used. It directly affects grant and loan recipients by mandating transparency in fund allocation and project outcomes. The key provision establishes standardized reporting templates and deadlines for these entities to submit to the state. The bill, currently in the Assembly Jobs and Economy Committee, aims to improve accountability without changing grant eligibility or funding levels. (Note: An amendment was offered on October 30, 2025, but specific changes are not detailed in the provided context.)

Maddy summaryAB 438 proposes changing the official title of "physician assistant" to "physician associate" across state statutes. This bill directly affects current and future physician assistants, as well as the licensing board overseeing their credentials. Key mechanisms include amending over 30 sections of law to replace "physician assistant" with "physician associate" in definitions, title usage rules, and board references. The bill does not alter practice authority or requirements - it only standardizes terminology. This is a procedural title change bill, not a substantive policy shift.

Maddy summaryAB 471 prevents cities, towns, and counties from banning residents or businesses from using digital assets (like cryptocurrency) to pay for goods/services or storing them in personal wallets (e.g., hardware or self-hosted wallets). It explicitly allows individuals to operate blockchain nodes, develop related software, transfer digital assets, and participate in staking (locking assets to support network security). The bill defines key terms like "digital asset" and "stake" to clarify these protections, ensuring local governments cannot restrict these activities. This directly affects digital asset users, service providers, and local governments across the state.

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 249 prohibits the abandonment of boats on state waters or adjacent land without landowner consent. It defines abandonment as leaving a boat unattended for over 7 days without intent to return, or leaving a neglected boat that poses navigation, safety, or environmental hazards. The bill requires law enforcement to issue a 30-day removal notice to owners; if not complied with, or if the boat presents an immediate hazard, authorities may remove it without notice. Violators face fines up to $10,000, up to 9 months in jail, or both, plus liability for removal costs. This directly affects boat owners who leave vessels unattended in waterways.