Rep. Bob Donovan

Maddy summaryAB 1019 allows vehicle owners to purchase an annual state park admission receipt when registering or renewing their vehicle license. It adds a line on vehicle registration forms where owners can choose to pay an additional fee (with discounts for seniors or those with existing park passes). The collected fees are deposited quarterly into the conservation fund, specifically for state parks, recreation areas, and forest lands. This affects all vehicle owners in the state during registration, streamlining park access without requiring separate purchases.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege victory (where British forces withdrew on Saint Patrick's Day) and recognizes Irish Americans' contributions to the Revolutionary War. It specifically highlights figures like General John Sullivan (son of Irish immigrants), eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signatories, and historical connections such as John Dunlap’s printing of the Declaration. The resolution directs the legislature to formally acknowledge these events and send copies to Irish officials, including Senator Mark Daly and the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on policy or constituents.

Maddy summaryAB 1062 prohibits former members of the Public Service Commission from working for 36 months with investor-owned public utilities or transmission companies in roles involving policy-making, executive decisions, operations management, or government relations. It directly affects former commissioners who seek employment in these specific high-level positions within utility companies. The law applies retroactively to those who left the Commission within the 12 months before the bill's effective date. This restriction aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest by limiting immediate post-Commission employment in regulated utility sectors.

Maddy summaryAJR 127 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the governor from using a partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to restrict the governor's partial veto power specifically regarding tax or fee increases. This change would directly affect the governor's authority when reviewing budget bills containing tax or fee provisions. The amendment is currently moving toward a voter referendum in November 2026, following legislative approval. It does not change current law but would require voter ratification to become effective.

Maddy summaryAJR 129 is a symbolic resolution designating February 6 as "Ronald Reagan Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it urges Wisconsin citizens to recognize this day in observance of Ronald Reagan's birthday (February 6, 1911). The resolution highlights Reagan's roles as a governor, president, and his historical impact, including economic policies and Cold War contributions. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding effect beyond encouraging public acknowledgment of Reagan's legacy.

Maddy summaryAB 841 expands Wisconsin's sex offender registration requirements by adding specific sexual assault and child abuse crimes to the list of offenses triggering registration. It updates the legal definition of "sex offense" to include violations of statutes covering crimes like sexual assault of minors, certain predatory acts, and offenses against children under 14. People convicted of these specific crimes will now be required to register as sex offenders, with the exception that the rule applies only when the victim was a minor and the offender was not the victim’s parent. This change directly affects individuals convicted of the newly listed offenses under Wisconsin law.

Maddy summaryAB 946 creates a two-year pilot program to provide behavioral health support to high school students in Wisconsin. It allocates $1.5 million annually for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years to give at least 50,000 high school students access to a digital tool offering online mental health resources, peer support, and private sessions with licensed professionals. The tool must be accessible via mobile/web, support English/Spanish, include professional profiles for user choice, and follow a population health model. The program is administered by the Department of Public Instruction and requires contracting with educational service agencies, with the related funding provision set to expire on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryAB 948 requires Wisconsin public school boards to adopt policies by July 1, 2027, prohibiting students from using personal wireless devices (like cell phones, tablets, and laptops) during the entire school day - including instruction, recess, transitions, and lunch - except for specific exceptions. These exceptions include emergencies, health management, accommodations under IEPs or 504 plans, and teacher-approved educational use. Schools must annually provide students with a copy of the policy and submit it to the Department of Justice by October 1, 2027, with annual updates thereafter. The bill affects all public school students and boards in Wisconsin, taking effect July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryAB 947 requires technical college districts to create and maintain campus safety plans for all buildings regularly used by students. These plans must include individualized safety strategies for each building, emergency response procedures, and input from staff, students, mental health professionals, and local police. The bill also mandates that technical colleges conduct annual safety assessments, provide staff training on campus safety, and share campus maps with local police and the Office of School Safety. The Office of School Safety will develop model safety practices for technical colleges and coordinate data collection, while funding for safety training and upgrades becomes available through existing grant programs. This bill directly affects technical college districts and their staff by expanding safety planning requirements beyond traditional schools.

Maddy summaryAB 820 clarifies and expands the scope of practice for audiologists in Wisconsin. It specifically allows audiologists to prescribe hearing aids (including over-the-counter options), manage osseo-integrated devices, and handle cochlear implants for correction or relief of hearing conditions. The bill also explicitly prohibits audiologists from performing surgical procedures, including cochlear implant surgery or osseo-integrated device surgery. Additionally, it updates the Hearing and Speech Examining Board composition to require one public member who is a hearing aid, osseo-integrated device, or cochlear implant user.