Rep. Jerry O'Connor

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Wisconsin's retirement system rules for state retirees who return to work. It allows retirees who rejoin state employment (after a 75-day separation) to choose whether to keep their retirement annuity for up to 60 months, instead of having it automatically suspended. If they elect to keep the annuity, their new employer must pay equivalent retirement contributions to the system. The policy directly affects state retirees returning to jobs where they work at least two-thirds full-time, while ensuring retirement fund contributions remain intact.

Maddy summaryAB 296 removes a 13-week waiting period that previously required employers (garnishees) to verify if they would owe wages within 13 weeks before processing wage garnishments. It directly affects debtors with ongoing wage garnishment orders and the employers handling those garnishments. The bill eliminates this waiting period, allowing garnishments to begin immediately upon employer notification. It also maintains existing priority rules, ensuring child support and restitution garnishments take precedence over other wage garnishments, with specific limits on the percentage of disposable earnings that can be garnished.

Maddy summaryAB 525 repeals 138 outdated tax credit and tax provision sections in the state's tax code. This directly affects taxpayers and state tax administrators by removing obsolete rules that no longer serve their intended purpose. The bill targets specific sections, such as expired credits and redundant requirements, without creating new tax policies. This action simplifies the tax code by eliminating provisions that have been deemed obsolete.

Maddy summaryAB 509 updates Wisconsin's rules for highway project delivery by creating new definitions for alternative methods like "design-build" and excluding others. It establishes a $300 million annual funding limit for alternative delivery projects (adjusted yearly using the DOT's construction cost index), with a cap of six contracts per year. The bill specifically prohibits using "construction manager-general contractor" or "progressive design-build" methods in the pilot program. This directly affects the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, contractors bidding on highway projects, and state transportation budget allocations.

Maddy summaryAB 315 modifies grant rules for Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program and land conservation efforts. It creates new provisions requiring governmental units and nonprofits to apply for funding *before* purchasing land to qualify for up to 50% of acquisition costs (reduced to 40% if applying after purchase). The bill maintains a 30% cap on additional costs covered by grants or in-kind contributions. These changes directly affect local governments and conservation groups seeking state funds to acquire land for parks, recreation, or conservation. The bill does not create new funding but adjusts eligibility and percentage limits for existing programs.

Maddy summaryAB 439 modifies eligibility rules for a state grant program that funds improvements to agricultural roads. The bill adds a new requirement: a highway must have an engineering analysis by a licensed professional showing it cannot handle heavy agricultural traffic to qualify for the grant. This directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses that rely on these roads, as it expands the criteria beyond existing structural deficiencies or weight restrictions. The change aims to ensure roads serving farming operations receive targeted funding based on actual traffic capacity needs.

Maddy summaryAB 399 requires certain telecommunications providers serving residential customers to offer a basic voice service plan. This directly affects telecom companies that provide phone service in the state, mandating them to maintain an affordable, essential phone service option. The key provision is that providers must offer this service at a fixed, low cost to ensure accessibility for all residents, particularly in underserved communities. The bill aims to guarantee reliable communication for emergencies and daily needs without requiring new infrastructure.

Maddy summaryAB 644 modifies state aid formulas for school districts that consolidate. It provides consolidated districts that merge in 2026, 2027, or 2028 with a higher initial payment of $2,000 per student in their first year, followed by $150 per student for the next four years. Districts consolidating outside this window receive $150 per student for five years (first year plus four subsequent years). The bill directly affects school districts undergoing consolidation, ensuring adjusted funding during transition periods. It passed the Assembly on November 19, 2025, with 53-44 support.

Maddy summaryAB 648 provides supplemental state aid to school districts formed by consolidation after July 1, 2026. It directly affects these newly consolidated districts by determining eligibility based on property tax rates: if their projected tax rate after consolidation exceeds the lowest rate of the original districts, they qualify for aid. The aid amount is calculated as the difference between the projected tax rate and the lowest original rate, multiplied by the district's property valuation. Payments are phased over four years (100% in the first year, then 80%, 60%, and 40% in subsequent years) if state funds are sufficient.

Maddy summaryAB 647 creates a 4-year grant program for school districts that enter into whole grade sharing agreements (where districts share entire grade levels, such as all 5th graders). Eligible school boards receive $500 per enrolled student in the shared grade level each school year, starting in 2026-27, with funds distributed annually. The program requires school districts to submit annual reports on grant usage, and the state department must report to the legislature on grant distribution and spending. This directly affects school districts participating in grade-sharing arrangements by providing ongoing funding for shared educational resources.