Rep. Rick Gundrum

Maddy summaryAB 501 establishes new standards for free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges. It protects students, faculty, staff, and graduate assistants from campus restrictions on First Amendment-protected speech, including in virtual spaces (except during virtual classroom instruction). Institutions may only limit speech that violates laws, constitutes threats/harassment, or materially disrupts operations, and must use content-neutral time/place/manner rules for public forums. The bill also creates legal grounds for individuals to sue the Board of Regents or technical college boards if these protections are violated.

Maddy summaryAB 524 raises the legal age for purchasing, selling, or possessing cigarettes, nicotine products, tobacco products, and electronic vaping devices from 18 to 21 years old. The bill prohibits retailers, vendors, and manufacturers from selling these products to anyone under 21, with limited exceptions for parental accompaniment or specific retail settings. It requires stores to display clear signage about the age restriction and mandates training for employees handling these products. The law applies directly to businesses selling tobacco, nicotine, or vaping products across the state, with penalties including fines for violations.

Maddy summaryAB 252 requires Wisconsin child welfare agencies to notify the U.S. Department of Defense within 24 hours if they investigate child abuse or neglect involving a child or unborn child whose parent is in the military (active duty, reserves, or Wisconsin National Guard). This affects military-connected families in Wisconsin and child welfare agencies. The law limits the notice to only the child's or expectant mother's name, address, and the fact that an investigation has started - no additional details. It also reinforces confidentiality for all related reports and records, restricting disclosure to authorized personnel only.

Maddy summaryAJR 110 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Wisconsin Legislature condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine, specifically targeting the abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. It declares these actions violate the Genocide Convention and constitute genocide, citing Russia's systematic efforts to separate children from families, facilitate forced adoptions, and re-educate them in occupied territories. The resolution formally holds the Russian government responsible for these acts, which it states aim to destroy Ukraine's cultural identity and future generations. As a joint resolution (not a law), it has no legal effect but serves as a formal statement of condemnation.

Maddy summaryAB 9 allows representatives from specific federally chartered youth organizations (like those in U.S. Code titles 36, chapters 301, 309, 311, 709, or 803) to provide information to students on public school property. It requires school principals to schedule at least one designated time during the start of each school term for these organizations to share details about their educational and civic programs. The bill directly affects public schools (including charter schools) and students, with the goal of encouraging student participation in these youth organizations. It takes effect for the 2026-27 school year and does not alter existing school policies on other activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits serving margarine as a butter substitute in public restaurants unless specifically requested by the customer. It also bans using margarine instead of butter for students in schools unless ordered by the student or their parent/guardian, with limited health exceptions requiring a healthcare provider's direction. State institutions (like hospitals or prisons) can only substitute margarine for butter with superintendent approval for specific health reasons. The law aims to ensure butter substitutions are intentional and health-appropriate in these settings.

Maddy summaryAB 236 ensures sexual assault victims who provide a forensic kit receive clear, timely updates about their case. It requires law enforcement to notify victims about kit testing timelines, DNA analysis results, and the kit's destruction date upon request. Victims also get updates if their case status changes (e.g., closed or reopened). The bill directly affects individuals who submit sexual assault kits, improving transparency in how their evidence is handled. It does not change criminal penalties or create new programs, but mandates specific communication protocols for law enforcement.

Maddy summaryAB 296 removes a 13-week waiting period that previously required employers (garnishees) to verify if they would owe wages within 13 weeks before processing wage garnishments. It directly affects debtors with ongoing wage garnishment orders and the employers handling those garnishments. The bill eliminates this waiting period, allowing garnishments to begin immediately upon employer notification. It also maintains existing priority rules, ensuring child support and restitution garnishments take precedence over other wage garnishments, with specific limits on the percentage of disposable earnings that can be garnished.

Maddy summaryAB 525 repeals 138 outdated tax credit and tax provision sections in the state's tax code. This directly affects taxpayers and state tax administrators by removing obsolete rules that no longer serve their intended purpose. The bill targets specific sections, such as expired credits and redundant requirements, without creating new tax policies. This action simplifies the tax code by eliminating provisions that have been deemed obsolete.

Maddy summaryAB 439 modifies eligibility rules for a state grant program that funds improvements to agricultural roads. The bill adds a new requirement: a highway must have an engineering analysis by a licensed professional showing it cannot handle heavy agricultural traffic to qualify for the grant. This directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses that rely on these roads, as it expands the criteria beyond existing structural deficiencies or weight restrictions. The change aims to ensure roads serving farming operations receive targeted funding based on actual traffic capacity needs.