Rep. Rick Gundrum

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill proposes changes to the state's unemployment insurance law, specifically requiring the Joint Committee on Finance to approve certain federally authorized benefits before they are implemented. The legislation would mandate that the governor notify the committee whenever federal actions increase weekly benefit rates, total benefit amounts, or add new stipends based on unemployment eligibility. Additionally, it restricts the transfer of block grant funds between different programs unless the Joint Committee on Finance explicitly approves the move. Although the bill was amended and placed on the calendar, it ultimately failed to pass the legislature in 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Wisconsin laws to allow prosecutors to dismiss or amend certain criminal charges and adjust deferred prosecution agreements for specific offenses. It directly affects prosecutors, courts, and defendants charged with crimes such as domestic abuse, stalking, and various violent felonies. The key provisions require court approval before dismissing these charges to ensure public safety interests are met and mandate that deferred prosecution programs include community service work for public or nonprofit agencies. Additionally, the bill updates how domestic abuse surcharges are collected and directed toward services for abuse victims.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill prohibits health care providers from performing gender-affirming surgeries, administering puberty-blocking drugs, or prescribing high-dose hormones to minors under 18. The law specifically bans procedures intended to change a minor's body to match a sex different from their biological sex, with exceptions only for treating medically verifiable genetic disorders or life-threatening conditions. If a provider violates these rules, the state medical board must investigate and can revoke their license without the possibility of reinstatement. Additionally, the bill prevents courts from issuing injunctions to stop the enforcement of these medical restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have clarified the legal status of individuals participating in clinical research trials by explicitly stating that they are not employees of the organizations conducting the research. The legislation aimed to exempt these participants from being classified as employees for the purposes of employment-related laws, even if they receive payment, stipends, or compensation for their involvement. By defining these participants separately from employees, the bill sought to ensure that their involvement in trials does not trigger standard employment protections or liabilities. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposed changes to how Wisconsin fills vacancies in specific executive branch offices, including the secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general, and state superintendent. Under the new rules, the governor would be allowed to appoint a permanent replacement for these positions if a vacancy occurs on or after January 1 of an election year, rather than only using a temporary provisional appointment. The appointed official would serve the remainder of the term with the advice and consent of the Senate, but the bill explicitly prohibited the governor from using a provisional appointee for these roles. Although the legislation was passed by the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill expands the state tax deduction for retirement income, allowing more people to exclude certain pension and savings withdrawals from their taxable income. It specifically increases the annual deduction limit and adds new categories of eligible payments, including those from the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Public Health Service. The legislation also clarifies the definition of disability for individuals under 65 who receive disability payments from non-retirement plans. Although the bill passed the legislature, the Governor vetoed it, and the state legislature did not override that veto, meaning the proposed changes did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific rights for parents and guardians regarding their children's upbringing, education, and healthcare, while creating a legal cause of action for violations of these rights. It requires schools to notify parents about controversial subjects taught in classrooms, such as gender identity or systemic racism, and grants parents the ability to opt their children out of related classes based on religious or personal convictions. Additionally, the legislation mandates that parents be informed about disciplinary actions, medical records, and school security systems, and it allows them to file complaints with school boards or sue for up to $10,000 if they believe their rights have been infringed. The law explicitly states that these provisions do not override existing court orders or authorize parents to neglect or abuse their children.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill proposes expanding the state's individual income tax brackets to apply to higher income levels. It would create two new tax tiers for single filers, heads of households, and married couples, taxing income between $14,320 and $112,500 at 4.40 percent and income above $315,310 at 7.65 percent. The legislation also includes provisions to adjust these tax brackets annually based on changes in the consumer price index to account for inflation. Although the bill passed the legislature, the Governor vetoed it, and the measure failed to override that veto.

Maddy summaryThis bill would update Wisconsin's voter registration rules to ensure that people living in certain residential care facilities and retirement homes can request absentee ballots. It also establishes a process for the state election commission to automatically restore voting rights for individuals whose previous court rulings declared them ineligible to vote, provided a later court review overturns that decision. Under the proposed changes, the commission must notify affected voters of their eligibility within three business days and provide them with the necessary forms to re-register if needed. The legislation aims to streamline administrative procedures and correct past determinations without requiring voters to navigate complex legal hurdles to regain their right to vote.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits cities, villages, towns, and counties in Wisconsin from using their own funds to pay individuals under guaranteed income programs. It defines these programs as those providing regular, unearned cash payments that recipients can use for any purpose, while explicitly excluding initiatives that require work or training. The law restricts the use of local tax revenues, shared state funds, and fees for these payments, effectively banning municipal funding for such initiatives.