Maddy summaryWisconsin's AB 162 establishes standardized metrics to track the success of state-funded workforce programs, such as job training and employment services. It requires state agencies operating these programs to report specific outcomes, including the percentage of participants working without government support two and four quarters after program completion, median earnings, and credential attainment. Agencies must publish this data on a single state website and submit annual reports to the legislature, while exempting data involving minors or violating federal confidentiality rules. The bill directly affects all state agencies managing workforce development initiatives, including programs like corrections reentry and Wisconsin Works.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryAB 281 requires state agencies and contractors to verify employees' work eligibility through the federal E-Verify program before hiring or awarding government contracts. It prohibits contracts with employers not enrolled in E-Verify or who knowingly hire workers flagged as ineligible by the program. Contracts must include written verification statements, and violations require immediate termination without liability for uncompleted work. The law applies to state procurement, construction, and local government hiring, but stops if the federal E-Verify program ends.
Maddy summaryAB 165 defines "guaranteed income program" in Wisconsin law as a program providing regular, unearned cash payments to individuals that can be used for any purpose, with no work or training requirements. It applies specifically to "political subdivisions" (cities, villages, towns, or counties), enabling them to use their own funds - including shared revenue, tax money, or fees - to implement such programs. The bill does not create new funding or mandate local governments to establish these programs; it only provides a legal definition for future local initiatives. This definition allows local governments to structure cash assistance programs under clear statutory guidance.
Maddy summaryAB 450 creates a new statute (101.02(26)) specifying that Wisconsin’s commercial building codes (Chapters SPS 361-366) apply to public buildings, structures, or places of employment when their plans are submitted to the state department or a local government authorized to review such plans under statute 101.12. It explicitly excludes Section SPS 361.03(7) from applying to these public projects. This bill directly affects public construction projects requiring building plan reviews by state or local authorities, effective August 1, 2025, with local jurisdictions required to comply by April 1, 2026. The change clarifies code applicability without altering the underlying building safety standards.
Maddy summaryAB 518 allows private schools participating in state parental choice programs (like voucher systems) to hire substitute teachers who hold a state-issued substitute teaching permit. Currently, these schools must employ teachers with full teaching licenses or bachelor's degrees. The bill creates a specific exception to that requirement for substitute permit holders at eligible schools. This directly affects private schools in choice programs and substitute teachers seeking positions in those settings.
Maddy summaryAB 225 clarifies venue rules for civil cases involving businesses. It states that courts cannot count insurers or other joined parties when deciding if a county is the proper location for a case. For businesses, the bill defines "residence" as the state or country where they were incorporated, and "substantial business" as only occurring in their main county of operation. This directly affects corporations, LLCs, and civil lawsuits where venue is contested, simplifying how courts determine case locations. The law passed in November 2025 and is now in effect.
Maddy summaryAB 248 creates a new statutory section (17.03(10m)) clarifying how vacancies are handled in appointive state offices with fixed terms. It defines "appointive state office" to include positions in state departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and authorities (but excludes the legislature and courts). The bill specifies that when an appointee's fixed term expires, the vacancy is filled under existing procedures - without changing current rules. This is a procedural clarification, not a policy change, affecting state government appointees but not altering how vacancies are currently managed.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates "independence accounts" allowing individuals to save up to $15,000 annually from their gross earnings without that money counting toward Medicaid asset limits. It specifically excludes assets acquired through inheritance when determining eligibility for benefits. The department must seek federal approval to implement this change, though the program would take effect if federal authorities approve. The bill directly affects people applying for or receiving Medicaid benefits in the state.
Maddy summaryAB 194 modifies Wisconsin's housing programs under the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. It redefines "developer" to include tribal housing authorities (Section 3) and clarifies "residential housing" to include tax-exempt reservation or trust lands (Section 4). The bill reduces maximum loan limits for housing projects from 33% to 20% of development costs (Section 10) and from 25% to 10% (Section 11). It also requires local governments to submit cost-reduction analyses showing how zoning or fee changes lowered housing costs (Section 7), directly affecting developers, tribal entities, and local governments administering housing programs.
Maddy summaryAB 454 establishes a statewide "workforce home loan" revolving loan program to help low-to-moderate income workers purchase homes. It creates a new fund that will provide loans to first-time homebuyers whose household income is at or below 100% of the local area median income, with requirements including no prior residential property ownership in the past three years and meeting specific debt-to-income and credit score standards (minimum 580 FICO score for deferred payment options). The program uses repayments from existing loans to replenish the fund, allowing it to serve more borrowers over time. This directly affects eligible workforce households in housing markets across the state who qualify under the defined income and underwriting criteria.