Maddy summaryAB 19 increases penalties for crimes against elders (60+ years) and adults at risk (a defined term under state law) by raising felony classifications for physical abuse and sexual assault. It requires courts to allow these victims to participate in hearings via phone or video, and allows asset freezes for defendants charged with financial exploitation of such victims. Crucially, the bill states that defendants cannot claim ignorance of the victim’s age or status as a defense. The bill directly affects vulnerable adults, courts handling related cases, and defendants facing charges under these provisions. It amends multiple statutes to implement these changes without creating new offenses.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends residency requirements for people circulating nomination papers or recall petitions. It requires circulators to certify their residence (with street address if applicable) and confirms they are either a qualified elector of the state or a U.S. citizen aged 18+ who would not be disqualified from voting if they lived in the state. For recall petitions specifically, the certification must state the circulator is a qualified elector. These changes directly affect individuals collecting signatures for candidate nominations or recall efforts, ensuring circulators meet clear residency and eligibility standards before submitting petitions.
Maddy summaryAB 446 requires all state agencies and local governments (including cities, counties, and school districts) to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition of antisemitism when evaluating evidence in discrimination cases based on race, religion, color, or national origin. This applies to both civil policies prohibiting discrimination and criminal cases where bias against a victim's identity is a factor for enhanced penalties. The bill explicitly states it does not affect First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state antidiscrimination laws.
Maddy summaryAB 822 modifies Wisconsin's local roads improvement program for town road projects. It exempts projects under $65,000 from requiring registered engineer certification, sets a minimum 10-year design life for funded improvements (requiring professional review for shorter assessments), and prevents counties from contracting with towns for road work they've already estimated. The bill creates new deadlines for towns to submit applications to county facilitators and establishes committees to review funding requests. These changes directly affect towns seeking road funding, counties managing projects, and county highway commissioners handling contracts.
Maddy summaryAB 180 requires the state Department of Health Services to request a federal waiver from the USDA to prohibit the use of FoodShare benefits (the state's name for SNAP) for purchasing candy or sugary drinks. The bill mandates that if the waiver is granted, candy and sugary drinks would be excluded from eligible items; if denied, the state must reapply annually. This applies directly to FoodShare recipients who currently can use benefits for these items. The bill creates a procedural requirement for the state to seek this change but does not immediately ban the purchases.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for knowingly sharing personally identifying information about law enforcement officers online. It directly affects anyone who posts details like names, addresses, or other identifying data about police, correctional, or federal officers on public internet sites or forums. The law specifically prohibits sharing such information when done with the intent to intimidate, threaten, harass, or obstruct the officer's duties. Violating this provision would result in a Class H felony charge. The bill defines "officer" broadly to include various types of law enforcement personnel operating within the state.
Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 12 designates February 28, 2026, as Rare Disease Day in Wisconsin to raise awareness about rare diseases, which affect millions of Americans including Wisconsin residents. The resolution acknowledges challenges like delayed diagnosis and limited treatment access for conditions impacting fewer than 200,000 people. It aligns with a national observance organized by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and serves as a symbolic gesture without creating new laws or funding.
Maddy summaryAB 1024 requires food products containing lab-grown milk (defined as milk replicated without mammal harvesting) to be prominently labeled with the phrase "lab-grown milk" in large, contrasting text on packaging. It mandates full ingredient lists and specific labeling for multi-component products. The bill prohibits using lab-grown milk as a milk substitute in restaurants without customer order and restricts its use in state institutions like schools or hospitals without medical authorization. Violations carry fines of $100-$500 for first offenses and up to $1,000 for repeat violations. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
Maddy summaryAJR 135 is a commemorative resolution honoring Wisconsin's Polish community for 180 years of residence and contributions. It formally recognizes the historical significance of Polish immigrants who arrived seeking freedom after Poland's partition, and acknowledges their cultural enrichment of Wisconsin. The resolution pays tribute to the community's enduring legacy, including figures like Polish-American heroes and refugees from historical events like the January Uprising and the Września Children's Strike. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the community's historical impact.
Maddy summaryAB 1006 amends Wisconsin law to create a new definition of "veteran" specifically for state veterans benefits eligibility. It defines a veteran as a current or former National Guard member who completed their initial obligated service term and received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions. This change directly expands eligibility for state veterans benefits to include qualifying National Guard members who previously might not have met the existing definition. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or other eligibility criteria beyond this definition update.