Rep. Rob Brooks

Maddy summaryAB 840 regulates data centers in the state by requiring specific operational and environmental standards. It mandates that data centers use closed-loop cooling systems (recycling water instead of using fresh water) and report annual water usage to the department. The bill also requires renewable energy facilities serving data centers to be located on-site and prohibits utility customers from paying for data center infrastructure costs. Additionally, operators must provide financial bonds for construction and restore land if projects are abandoned. These provisions directly affect all data center operators and developers in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 894 prohibits businesses from selling gift cards or certificates with expiration dates shorter than 5 years (or 5 years after reloading for reloadable cards). It bans hidden inactivity or dormancy fees unless clearly disclosed on the card, limits such fees to once per month, and requires specific fee details to be visible. Consumers can seek double damages or $200 per violation, and businesses face state penalties of $100-$10,000 per violation. The law directly affects gift card buyers and sellers, applying to all gift obligations sold after its effective date.

Maddy summaryAB 864 updates the state lottery code by creating new definitions for three game types: "break open games" (pull-tab style), "instant games" (scratch-offs), and "lotto games." It adjusts vendor payments to align with these categories and establishes a performance-based compensation program for retailers, capping payments at 1% of revenue for instant and lotto games, and 2% for break open games. The bill also requires retailers to display a sign about top prize claims and allows for shorter retailer contracts. These changes clarify operational and financial arrangements for lottery vendors and retailers.

Maddy summaryAB 994 creates an expedited process for state agencies to repeal outdated regulations they no longer have legal authority to enforce. It defines "restricted agencies" as those inactive for 10+ years or delinquent in required reporting, requiring them to submit reports before proposing new rules. The bill establishes a new petition process where agencies can request the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules to approve rule repeals, bypassing standard rulemaking steps for "unauthorized" rules. This directly affects state agencies managing obsolete regulations, streamlining removal of outdated rules without full legislative review. The change aims to reduce regulatory clutter by making it easier to eliminate rules no longer legally supported.

Maddy summaryAB 704 increases fees for snowmobile registration and trail use stickers in Wisconsin. It raises the public-use registration fee from $30 to $45 (with a $5 fee for political subdivisions), keeps private-use registration fee-free, and increases trail sticker fees: from $49.25 to $69.25 for exempt snowmobiles, $9.25 to $19.25 for club members meeting specific criteria, and $29.25 to $49.25 for others. The bill directly affects snowmobile owners who register their vehicles or use public trails. Key provisions include standardized fee increases and a reduced rate for members of qualifying snowmobile clubs.

Maddy summaryAJR 125 is a symbolic legislative resolution congratulating the Grafton Black Hawks high school football team for winning the 2025 Wisconsin State Football Championship. It specifically recognizes their perfect 14-0 season record, championship victory at Camp Randall Stadium, and individual honors for players and coaches. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but formally expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's support for the team's achievement. It directly affects the Grafton community and the team members by acknowledging their athletic success.

Maddy summaryAB 799 establishes a voluntary, confidential health professional assistance program for licensed health care providers (like doctors and nurses) in Wisconsin who may have conditions affecting their ability to practice safely. The bill requires credentialing boards to participate in the program for specific licenses, charges a $70 fee per participating credential (paid with license fees), and mandates the program to provide science-based support, including evaluation and treatment. It protects participants from civil liability and ensures confidentiality, while allowing colleagues or boards to report concerns without legal risk. The program operates through a contracted entity meeting specific qualifications, focusing on early intervention rather than disciplinary action.

Maddy summaryAJR 1 is a constitutional amendment requiring voters to present valid photo identification to cast a ballot in any election. It directly affects all voters in state elections, specifying that acceptable ID must be issued by the state, federal government, a federally recognized tribal entity, or a college/university in the state. The bill mandates the legislature to define acceptable ID types and establish exceptions, while allowing voters without ID on election day to cast a provisional ballot and submit ID later. This proposal, on second consideration after a 2023 rejection, would be submitted to voters in April 2025 if approved.

Maddy summaryAB 119 repeals statute 150.345, which previously governed procedures for transferring nursing home beds between facilities. This bill removes an existing regulatory requirement that nursing homes had to follow when moving beds. It directly affects nursing homes and state agencies responsible for implementing this rule. The bill makes no new policy changes but eliminates a current administrative requirement.

Maddy summaryAB 46 restricts flag displays on state and local government properties to only the U.S. flag, state flag, POW/MIA flag (recognized by Congress), and military branch flags. It applies to all state agencies and political subdivisions (cities, towns, counties) that own or occupy government buildings. The bill allows exceptions only if the legislature passes a joint resolution with a three-fourths majority vote for state facilities or a local governing body votes with a three-fourths majority for municipal properties. It repeals an existing administrative rule and takes effect January 1, 2027.