Rep. Jerry O'Connor

Maddy summaryAB 565 amends tax credit eligibility rules for qualified new business ventures in Wisconsin. It increases the investment cap from $12 million to $20 million for businesses claiming tax credits under specific statutes (71.07, 71.28, 71.47, 76.638) for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025. The bill also requires businesses receiving such credits to agree not to relocate outside Wisconsin for three years, with penalties for violations. These changes directly affect new businesses seeking state tax credits to support growth. The bill repeals outdated provisions and updates the rules to adjust investment limits and relocation requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 422 extends the time limit for prosecuting crimes involving hidden bodies. It allows prosecutors to file charges within the standard statute of limitations period or within 6 years after the corpse is discovered or identified, whichever date is later. This directly affects homicide cases where bodies are concealed and discovered years after the crime, giving prosecutors additional time to pursue charges. The bill creates a new provision in state law that applies to cases where the original time limit had not expired when the law took effect.

Maddy summaryAB 433 changes the required typeface for legal notices published in newspapers from Times New Roman to Arial. It mandates that all legal notices use a standard 6-point Arial sans-serif font with specific spacing, while allowing larger Arial sizes (up to 12-point) with proportional fee adjustments based on column area. This directly affects newspapers publishing legal notices and the agencies or individuals placing those notices. The bill repeals the previous typeface requirement and clarifies fee adjustments for non-standard font sizes.

Maddy summaryAB 207 requires clear, plain-language disclosure notices for all statewide referenda and constitutional amendments on ballots. It mandates that each notice include the full ballot text, a plain-language summary of current law, and specific explanations of how "yes" and "no" votes would affect voters - all limited to one page. These notices must be posted online 30 days before voting, included with sample ballots and absentee ballots, and published by county clerks. The bill directly affects voters by improving their access to understandable information and election officials who must implement these disclosure requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 195 clarifies rules for property transfers after death and related financial processes. It specifies that Transfer-on-Death (TOD) beneficiary designations only take effect after the owner's death, and owners can revoke these designations anytime by recording a new document meeting specific requirements. The bill also standardizes how deposits must be returned when real estate contracts are rescinded (to the seller or third-party assignee) and outlines acceptable documents for filing satisfaction of judgments. It requires property tax bills as evidence when transferring property after a person's death, streamlining documentation for county offices. These changes primarily affect property owners, real estate professionals, and court clerks handling property transfers and judgments.

Maddy summaryAB 306 sets a 60-day limit on emergency proclamations issued by local government leaders (such as mayors, county executives, or town board chairs) during crises when their governing body cannot meet promptly. It requires these proclamations to be ratified, modified, or extended only by the full governing body once they reconvene, with extensions permitted only by that body. The bill defines "chief executive officer" to include specific roles like mayors, county administrators, and village presidents. This directly affects local officials who declare emergencies, ensuring temporary emergency powers remain subject to elected oversight. The law does not create new policy but clarifies time limits for existing emergency authority.

Maddy summaryThis bill (AB 354) addresses the timing of state equalization aid payments to public school districts. It does not specify new funding amounts or eligibility but focuses on adjusting when these payments are distributed. The bill was recently passed by the State Affairs Committee with unanimous support (10-0) after an amendment was adopted. As a procedural fiscal bill, it directly affects school districts receiving state funding by changing payment schedules. The exact timing changes are not detailed in the provided context.

Maddy summaryAB 240 creates a sales and use tax exemption for equipment used to train, manage, or control search and rescue dogs. It directly affects state and nationally recognized search and rescue agencies that deploy canines to locate missing persons or assist in disaster response. The bill exempts the cost of such equipment from state sales tax, reducing operational expenses for these agencies. This policy change provides immediate financial relief for agencies that rely on specialized dog teams in emergency operations.

Maddy summaryAB 185 modifies property tax exemption rules to expand eligibility for nonprofit theaters. It creates a new provision (70.11 (29m)(b)) requiring qualifying theaters to be operated by an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit (with a determination letter by October 1, 1990), use all property for theater arts, and have a total seating capacity of at least 240 persons. The bill repeals the previous exemption section (70.11 (29p)) and applies to property tax assessments starting January 1, 2025. This change directly affects nonprofit theaters meeting these specific criteria, potentially reducing their property tax burden.

Maddy summaryAB 263 requires disability insurance policies and self-insured health plans to cover diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental screenings for individuals at increased breast cancer risk, as defined by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines or breast density (per American College of Radiology standards). It mandates coverage without copays or deductibles for these specific screenings, including diagnostic exams for abnormalities and supplemental screenings for high-risk patients. The bill applies to all affected plans, ensuring coverage regardless of symptoms and prohibiting cost-sharing for these services. This directly impacts patients with dense breast tissue, family history, or other risk factors, as well as the insurers and employers offering these health plans.