Rep. Elijah Behnke

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 24 expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's support for strengthening its relationship with Taiwan. The resolution reaffirms the existing sister-state ties between Wisconsin and Taiwan and reiterates support for the federal Taiwan Relations Act. It also endorses Taiwan's pursuit of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States to foster closer economic partnerships. Furthermore, the resolution advocates for Taiwan's increased participation in international organizations that impact its people's well-being.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 30 (AJR 30) congratulates the University of Wisconsin-Madison women’s hockey team on winning the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Hockey National Championship. It commends the team, coaching staff, athletic department, and chancellor for their achievement.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 160 proposes to eliminate daylight saving time in Wisconsin. It achieves this by repealing the state statute that currently mandates the annual time change. If enacted, Wisconsin residents and businesses would no longer adjust their clocks forward in spring or backward in fall. The bill also amends regulations for certain licensed premises, removing the special one-hour extension that currently occurs on the Sunday daylight saving time begins. This would establish a consistent standard time throughout the year for the state.

Maddy summaryAB 184 establishes state-level regulations for health plans concerning coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions and benefit limits. The bill mandates that most individual and group health plans accept all applicants, prohibits preexisting condition exclusions, and bans lifetime and annual dollar limits on benefits. It also restricts how health plans can vary premium rates based on factors like age and tobacco use. These provisions would only become applicable if related federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements are no longer enforceable or no longer preempt state law.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 84 establishes a new "prostitution crime surcharge" for individuals convicted of or placed on probation for certain prostitution-related offenses. If passed, courts would be required to impose a $5,000 surcharge in these cases. Funds collected from this surcharge would be divided equally: half would support treatment and services for sex-trafficking victims, and the other half would fund criminal investigative operations and law enforcement efforts against Internet crimes against children.

Maddy summaryAB 120 proposes to increase the staffing of the Office of School Safety, which operates under the Department of Justice. The bill authorizes an additional 14.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the department. These new positions, funded by general purpose revenue, would become effective on October 1, 2025. The stated purpose of this increase is to support and enhance school safety initiatives.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 43 congratulates the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women's gymnastics team for winning the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship. This resolution formally recognizes the team's achievement and individual honors earned by its members.

Maddy summaryAB 88 addresses civil actions and law enforcement responses related to riot and vandalism activities. The bill prohibits government officials from limiting or restricting law enforcement's authority to arrest individuals or quell such disturbances. It also creates a new civil cause of action, allowing individuals who suffer injury or property damage from riot or vandalism to sue those who committed the acts or provided material support. Victims may seek compensatory damages, an order for property repair, and legal fees, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. The bill also defines "rioting" and "incite" for these purposes.

Maddy summaryAB 247 requires local governments to reduce building permit fees for certain home improvements benefiting disabled veterans. Political subdivisions must lower these fees by 75% or $500, whichever is less. This reduction applies when the permit is for improvements to a disabled veteran's primary residence that are necessary to accommodate their disability. The residence must be owned by the veteran or their caretaker, and local governments may request proof of eligibility.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 11 mandates that hospitals must obtain written informed consent from a patient before a pelvic examination is performed solely for educational purposes while the patient is under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious. This bill creates a new statute requiring hospitals to ensure this consent is secured. Additionally, it directs hospitals to establish and maintain written policies and procedures that enforce this requirement for educational pelvic exams on unconscious patients.