Rep. Elijah Behnke

Maddy summaryAB 583 helps people wrongfully imprisoned in Wisconsin by providing them with tax-exempt compensation, health coverage, and transition support. It exempts state compensation payments for wrongful imprisonment from state income tax, covers health insurance premiums (with shared costs), and requires a 5-day transition plan for released individuals to access housing, job help, and healthcare. The bill creates new funding mechanisms (like appropriations under 20.515) to pay for these benefits and mandates state agencies to coordinate with counties on post-release support. It directly affects individuals who receive state compensation under wrongful imprisonment claims (s. 775.05) and the state budget.

Maddy summaryAB 270 establishes a state-funded loan program for graduate students pursuing school psychologist careers in Wisconsin. It provides up to $10,000 annually (maximum $30,000 total) for eligible Wisconsin residents enrolled at least half-time in state graduate programs leading to school psychologist licensure, requiring a 3.0 GPA. Loans carry a 5% interest rate, but 25% of the loan and interest is forgiven each year a recipient works full-time as a school psychologist in a public or private school within an urbanized area or a designated rural county. The program aims to support workforce development in school psychology by reducing financial barriers for students and incentivizing long-term employment in underserved educational settings.

Maddy summaryAB 10 creates a sales and use tax exemption for gun safes specifically designed to store firearms, excluding general gun storage items like locking cabinets or racks. This exemption applies to buyers purchasing qualifying safes, meaning they won’t pay state sales or use tax on these items. The bill amends tax statutes to explicitly list gun safes under exempt categories, ensuring retailers don’t need to collect tax for these purchases. It directly affects consumers and retailers selling purpose-built gun safes, with no impact on other firearm-related products or tax policies.

Maddy summaryAB 639 expands the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors in Wisconsin. It specifically allows them to provide "expedited partner therapy" for sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis) under new section 466.052, enabling them to prescribe antibiotics to sexual partners of infected patients. The bill also requires naturopathic doctors to maintain malpractice insurance (with limited exceptions for government employees) under amended section 466.05(3). Additionally, it updates prescription drug and controlled substance regulations to explicitly include naturopathic doctors in relevant statutes (e.g., 961.23(6)). These changes directly affect naturopathic doctors and patients seeking STI treatment in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 564 updates Wisconsin law to allow chiropractors to perform health examinations required for school employees (like teachers and staff). The bill amends statute 118.25(1)(a) by explicitly adding "chiropractor" to the list of licensed professionals authorized to conduct these exams, alongside physicians, naturopathic doctors, and physician assistants. This change directly affects school employees needing these exams and chiropractors who can now legally provide them. The law does not alter exam requirements or costs but expands who may perform the exams. The bill was introduced in October 2025 and referred to the Health Committee for review.

Maddy summaryAB 584 creates a property tax exemption for prefabricated recreational structures (like temporary RVs or camping trailers) used primarily for recreation, camping, or seasonal living when located in licensed campgrounds on land not owned by the structure's owner. This exemption applies to property tax assessments starting January 1, 2026, and specifically excludes these structures from taxation under the new definition in statute 70.11(49). Local governments that would have collected taxes on these structures will be reimbursed by the state department of administration for the 2025 assessment year, with payments made annually by July 1. The bill directly affects owners of such recreational structures and local taxing jurisdictions that manage campground properties.

Maddy summaryAB 377 establishes English as the official language of the state and requires all state agencies and local governmental units (like cities, counties, and school districts) to conduct official communications in English. It allows these entities to use artificial intelligence or machine translation tools instead of hiring human interpreters for individuals with language barriers, while still requiring interpreters in specific cases like health/safety emergencies or legal proceedings. The bill permits limited exceptions for non-English communication (e.g., for teaching languages, protecting criminal defendants' rights, or complying with federal law), but prohibits restricting private language use for non-governmental purposes. This law directly affects government operations and individuals seeking services who need language assistance.

Maddy summaryAB 226 prohibits public school districts and independent charter schools from serving free or reduced-price school meals containing five specific ingredients: brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, azodicarbonamide, and red dye 3. The law applies to meals under federal programs like the National School Lunch Program and takes effect July 1, 2027. It does not restrict private vendors from serving these ingredients at school events or on school premises. The bill directly affects schools serving subsidized meals to eligible students.

Maddy summaryAB 417 creates a process for testing criminal defendants for certain communicable diseases (like HIV or sexually transmitted infections) without their consent in specific cases. It applies when defendants are charged with crimes involving bodily fluids (such as blood, semen, or saliva) that could transmit disease to victims, public safety workers, prosecutors, or correctional staff. The district attorney must seek a court order for testing, but can request an emergency order without a hearing if delaying testing risks immediate harm to those workers. Test results cannot reveal the defendant's identity, cannot be used in court, and cannot be added to the defendant's permanent medical records.

Maddy summaryAB 362 requires all public school districts and charter schools to create written cardiac emergency response plans for cardiac emergencies occurring on school property or at school-sponsored athletic events, starting in the 2026-27 school year. These plans must include core elements like designated response teams, clear AED placement and maintenance, annual drills, and staff training in CPR and AED use following American Heart Association guidelines. Schools must also ensure coaches at athletic events hold current CPR/AED certification and that AEDs are accessible at all athletic venues. The law directly affects all K-12 schools and their staff, aiming to improve immediate response to cardiac emergencies.