Rep. Rick Gundrum

Maddy summaryAB 193 ratifies Wisconsin's participation in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, an agreement allowing respiratory care practitioners licensed in one participating state to practice in Wisconsin without obtaining a new license. This bill amends Wisconsin statutes to recognize "respiratory care compact privileges," enabling out-of-state practitioners to work across state lines under the compact's terms. It affects respiratory care practitioners seeking to work in Wisconsin from other compact states, streamlining licensure for those already certified elsewhere. The bill does not create new practice standards but facilitates cross-state practice through existing interstate agreement terms.

Maddy summaryAB 573 clarifies which costs related to sexual assault forensic examinations are covered under compensation programs for victims. It specifically defines "examination costs" to include evidence-gathering procedures, STI testing/prevention, HIV prophylaxis (medication to prevent HIV exposure), and STI treatment medications provided during the exam. The bill explicitly excludes administrative fees, attorney costs, and other non-medical expenses from coverage. Additionally, it requires applicants to submit only medical records directly related to the covered services, such as examinations, treatments, or preventive medications, and prohibits submitting unrelated documentation. This bill adjusts eligibility criteria for compensation without creating new benefits or funding.

Maddy summaryAB 635 requires the state environmental department to notify county health departments, tribal health departments, and county land conservation departments within 7 business days whenever groundwater protection standards or PFAS standards are exceeded. The bill creates a formal notification system to alert affected local governments and adjacent counties that might face negative impacts, with notices available for public review under state law. This law directly affects local health and land management agencies in counties where water contamination breaches are confirmed, ensuring timely public awareness of groundwater safety issues.

Maddy summaryAB 433 changes the required typeface for legal notices published in newspapers from Times New Roman to Arial. It mandates that all legal notices use a standard 6-point Arial sans-serif font with specific spacing, while allowing larger Arial sizes (up to 12-point) with proportional fee adjustments based on column area. This directly affects newspapers publishing legal notices and the agencies or individuals placing those notices. The bill repeals the previous typeface requirement and clarifies fee adjustments for non-standard font sizes.

Maddy summaryAB 207 requires clear, plain-language disclosure notices for all statewide referenda and constitutional amendments on ballots. It mandates that each notice include the full ballot text, a plain-language summary of current law, and specific explanations of how "yes" and "no" votes would affect voters - all limited to one page. These notices must be posted online 30 days before voting, included with sample ballots and absentee ballots, and published by county clerks. The bill directly affects voters by improving their access to understandable information and election officials who must implement these disclosure requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 306 sets a 60-day limit on emergency proclamations issued by local government leaders (such as mayors, county executives, or town board chairs) during crises when their governing body cannot meet promptly. It requires these proclamations to be ratified, modified, or extended only by the full governing body once they reconvene, with extensions permitted only by that body. The bill defines "chief executive officer" to include specific roles like mayors, county administrators, and village presidents. This directly affects local officials who declare emergencies, ensuring temporary emergency powers remain subject to elected oversight. The law does not create new policy but clarifies time limits for existing emergency authority.

Maddy summaryAB 212 requires out-of-state health care providers to register with the state department or credentialing board to legally offer telehealth services to patients within the state. To register, providers must hold an active, unencumbered license from another state or territory that permits similar services, provide proof of malpractice insurance, disclose disciplinary history, and designate a state agent for legal notices. The state will maintain a public online registry listing registered providers, including their out-of-state credentials, specialty, insurance details, and disciplinary history. This bill directly affects telehealth providers from other states seeking to serve patients in this state, while prohibiting them from opening local offices or offering in-person care without a full state license.

Maddy summaryAB 97 extends health coverage under Wisconsin's Medicaid program (Medical Assistance) for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women who qualify for the program. The bill changes eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family incomes above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if their income is spent on medical care or health insurance premiums. This policy update aims to provide longer-term health coverage for new mothers during a critical postpartum period.

Maddy summaryAB 263 requires disability insurance policies and self-insured health plans to cover diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental screenings for individuals at increased breast cancer risk, as defined by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines or breast density (per American College of Radiology standards). It mandates coverage without copays or deductibles for these specific screenings, including diagnostic exams for abnormalities and supplemental screenings for high-risk patients. The bill applies to all affected plans, ensuring coverage regardless of symptoms and prohibiting cost-sharing for these services. This directly impacts patients with dense breast tissue, family history, or other risk factors, as well as the insurers and employers offering these health plans.

Maddy summaryAB 555 creates a new Class H felony charge for intentionally disarming correctional officers while they are on duty. It specifically targets individuals who take dangerous weapons, devices (as defined in §941.26), or official duty items like radios, keys, or other tools from correctional officers without consent. The law applies when these items are being carried by the officer or within their immediate presence. This bill directly affects correctional officers working in state facilities and establishes criminal penalties for interference with their safety equipment during official duties.