Rep. Jerry O'Connor

Maddy summaryAB 758 modifies Wisconsin tax statutes to remove the requirement for sellers to obtain exemption certificates when selling precious metal bullion that qualifies for existing tax exemptions under specific sections (like 77.54(5)(a)3.). This directly affects businesses selling precious metal bullion (e.g., gold or silver coins/bars) that meet these exemption criteria. The key change simplifies tax administration by eliminating the need for sellers to collect and verify proof of exemption for these transactions. The bill does not alter the tax exemption status itself but streamlines the process for qualifying sales.

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 summaryAJR 3 is a symbolic resolution that officially recognizes January 2025 as "Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, highlighting its prevalence across all 72 Wisconsin counties and its impact on vulnerable groups like youth and individuals with disabilities. The resolution aligns with broader state and national efforts to combat trafficking through education and community engagement. As a procedural resolution, it focuses solely on designation and awareness, with no direct policy changes or obligations for state agencies.

Maddy summaryAB 4 requires all public school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools in parental choice programs to include civics instruction in their curriculum starting in the 2027-28 school year. The instruction must cover U.S. founding principles, civic participation, government advocacy processes, and comparisons of governance systems (including communism, socialism, and totalitarianism). Schools must annually report compliance to the Department of Public Instruction, and high schools must add a half-credit civics requirement to graduation standards, effective for students graduating in 2030-31. This bill amends existing statutes to establish these requirements for K-12 civics education and reporting.

Maddy summaryAB 29 allows police to seize (impound) vehicles used in specific traffic violations, such as a second speeding offense exceeding 25 mph over the limit, repeated DUI-related violations, or reckless driving. It directly affects drivers convicted of these offenses, requiring vehicles to be held for 90 days unless released earlier through owner request (if they didn’t operate the vehicle during the violation) or court order. Owners can petition a court for immediate release within 30 days if charges are dismissed or if they prove ownership and lack of consent during the violation. If convicted, courts may adjust the impound period, and drivers must cover law enforcement’s reasonable impoundment costs.

Maddy summaryAB 60 modifies how local governments must phrase property tax referendum questions on ballots. It requires specific language detailing the dollar impact of a tax increase on a median single-family home in the district, including a good faith estimate and the property value used in calculations. This applies to referendums seeking to exceed existing property tax limits for school districts, municipalities, or other political subdivisions. The bill mandates that ballot questions include these concrete financial details to help voters understand the cost of proposed tax increases.

Maddy summaryAB 90 modifies rules for accessing certain birth records (vital records) in Wisconsin. It extends the waiting period before records can be disclosed: for births where the mother was unmarried during pregnancy, records become accessible only after 100 years from the date of the request (previously fixed to 1907). The bill allows disclosure only to people with a "direct and tangible interest" in the record or with a court order, and requires written requests with fees for older records. This affects individuals seeking birth certificates for events occurring after 1907, with the cutoff date dynamically shifting based on when the request is made.

Maddy summaryAB 91 requires first-class city school districts to maintain at least 25 school resource officers (SROs) during school hours, before/after school, and at events starting January 2024, with mandatory 40-hour training for SROs. It mandates a cost-sharing agreement where school districts cover 75% and cities cover 25% of SRO-related expenses. School districts and cities must formally agree on implementation and provide certifications to avoid state funding withholdings of up to 20% for non-compliance. The bill directly affects first-class cities and their school districts, creating specific administrative and financial obligations tied to SRO staffing.

Maddy summaryAJR 9 is a Wisconsin Assembly Joint Resolution honoring Bob Uecker, the longtime Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster and entertainer, for his 69-year career in baseball. The resolution recognizes his contributions as a broadcaster, actor (including "Mr. Belvedere" and "Major League"), philanthropist, and community figure, citing his 54-year tenure with the Brewers and his cultural impact. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a symbolic tribute passed by the Wisconsin Legislature to memorialize his legacy. The resolution extends condolences to his family and acknowledges his widespread influence on baseball fans and Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAJR 15 is a symbolic resolution proclaiming March 26, 2025, as "Purple Day for epilepsy" in Wisconsin. It asks Wisconsinites to wear purple and encourages communities, schools, government agencies, and businesses to promote epilepsy awareness through education. The resolution highlights that epilepsy affects hundreds of thousands of people and aims to improve public understanding of the condition. This is a ceremonial gesture with no new legal requirements, focused solely on raising awareness.