Rep. Jerry O'Connor

Maddy summaryThis bill would have modified Wisconsin's farmland preservation tax credit rules to exclude land used for non-accessory photovoltaic solar energy systems from eligibility. Specifically, it aimed to prevent landowners from receiving tax credits for acres occupied by solar installations that are not considered secondary uses of the property. The legislation sought to apply these changes to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have required public schools and private schools in Wisconsin to label their athletic teams and sports as male, female, or mixed-sex based on the sex assigned at birth. It prohibited students from participating in sports designated for the opposite sex and mandated written notice to students and parents if a team's designation changed. The legislation also established legal rights for female students to sue schools for damages if they were denied participation or faced retaliation for reporting violations. Although the bill passed the legislature, the governor vetoed it, and the state legislature did not override that veto.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have exempted private individuals who sell their own cars from legal liability for accidents or violations that occur after the buyer takes possession of the vehicle. Under the proposed rules, a seller would be protected from civil and criminal claims if they properly signed over the title and both parties intended to transfer ownership, even if the official registration paperwork was not yet completed. The exemption specifically applies to private sales and excludes licensed dealers or wholesalers, while still holding sellers accountable if death or injury resulted from willful or reckless behavior. Although the legislation was passed by the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill modifies the state's unemployment insurance law to improve how the department handles job search verification and fraud prevention. It allows employers to report when a job seeker declines offers, fails to attend interviews, or cannot perform available work, requiring the department to investigate these reports to determine eligibility. The legislation also establishes a legal presumption that anyone using a claimant's security credentials is acting on their behalf, while making the claimant responsible for protecting their login information and liable for benefits paid to unauthorized users. Additionally, the bill mandates that the department submit an annual report to the legislature detailing its efforts to detect and prosecute unemployment insurance fraud.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Wisconsin married persons credit by increasing the maximum benefit amount for spouses with lower earned income. Specifically, it raises the credit limit from $480 to $870 for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023. The change applies to married couples filing joint state tax returns where one spouse has earned income. The legislation was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific rules for election observers in Wisconsin, ensuring they have uniform and non-discriminatory access to all stages of the election process, including voting, tabulation, and recounts. It mandates that officials designate observation areas within a set distance from voter registration and name announcement tables to allow clear visibility of public election activities. The legislation also requires that all recount steps be conducted publicly and grants candidates and their representatives the right to view and identify ballots and materials during these proceedings. Additionally, it sets penalties for election officials who fail to provide proper access or violate the public nature of recounts, including potential jail time or fines.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges from requiring individuals or groups to pledge allegiance to specific political ideologies, including statements on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as a condition for admission, funding, or employment. It mandates that these institutions publicly post all training materials and policies related to nondiscrimination and bias to ensure transparency. Additionally, the legislation establishes strict penalties for violations, including mandatory unpaid leave and termination for employees who enforce such pledges, while allowing individuals to sue institutions for damages or reinstatement if their rights are infringed. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill proposes to lower individual income tax rates for residents in the third tax bracket while simultaneously expanding the retirement income subtraction available to retirees. The legislation would allow more retirees to exclude a larger portion of their pension and retirement account withdrawals from state taxable income, with specific provisions added for those who are permanently and totally disabled. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill proposes changes to the state's unemployment insurance law, specifically requiring the Joint Committee on Finance to approve certain federally authorized benefits before they are implemented. The legislation would mandate that the governor notify the committee whenever federal actions increase weekly benefit rates, total benefit amounts, or add new stipends based on unemployment eligibility. Additionally, it restricts the transfer of block grant funds between different programs unless the Joint Committee on Finance explicitly approves the move. Although the bill was amended and placed on the calendar, it ultimately failed to pass the legislature in 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill prohibits health care providers from performing gender-affirming surgeries, administering puberty-blocking drugs, or prescribing high-dose hormones to minors under 18. The law specifically bans procedures intended to change a minor's body to match a sex different from their biological sex, with exceptions only for treating medically verifiable genetic disorders or life-threatening conditions. If a provider violates these rules, the state medical board must investigate and can revoke their license without the possibility of reinstatement. Additionally, the bill prevents courts from issuing injunctions to stop the enforcement of these medical restrictions.