Rep. Bob Donovan

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 summaryAB 129 requires all public and private schools to implement safe drinking water systems by developing management plans that specify locations for filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 100 occupants) and filtered faucets. The bill mandates regular testing for lead (max 5 ppb) and PFAS chemicals, with immediate action if contaminants exceed limits - including shutting off affected outlets and replacing filters. Schools must maintain these systems, conduct annual testing, and update plans every five years. The bill is currently pending in the Education Committee after introduction in March 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 170 prohibits the Department of Justice from using legal services from non-governmental employees (such as private lawyers or contractors) for investigating or prosecuting civil or criminal cases. The only exception allows legal interns paid no more than $10,000 annually, even if they are not state or federal employees. This directly affects how the Department of Justice hires legal support for case work. The bill creates a new statute (165.252) to enforce this restriction, with no other exemptions beyond the intern provision. It was introduced in April 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryAB 143 modifies vehicle law to clarify that vehicle owners or renters can be held liable for allowing unlicensed drivers to operate a vehicle, regardless of whether they knew the driver lacked a license. It adds new provisions (343.45(2m) and 343.46(2m)) stating that authorization or rental rules apply without requiring knowledge of the operator's license status. Violations carry fines: up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $10,000 for repeat offenses. The bill directly affects vehicle owners, renters, and businesses that rent vehicles, as they face penalties if unlicensed operators use their vehicles. It does not change licensing requirements for drivers but shifts liability to those who permit unlicensed operation.

Maddy summaryAB 203 creates a new statute to limit the liability of manufacturers, distributors, sellers, installers, and owners of traffic control devices. It specifies that these entities are not liable for damages if a device complies with the state's official traffic control devices manual and operates as intended. This limitation applies to claims for personal injury, property damage, and other losses. However, liability can be established if a claimant proves by clear evidence that the device did not meet specifications or operate as intended at the time of the damages. The bill also includes a rebuttable presumption that a device complied if it met manual standards or had authorized deviations.

Maddy summaryAB 88 addresses civil actions and law enforcement responses related to riot and vandalism activities. The bill prohibits government officials from limiting or restricting law enforcement's authority to arrest individuals or quell such disturbances. It also creates a new civil cause of action, allowing individuals who suffer injury or property damage from riot or vandalism to sue those who committed the acts or provided material support. Victims may seek compensatory damages, an order for property repair, and legal fees, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. The bill also defines "rioting" and "incite" for these purposes.

Maddy summaryAB 137 modifies regulations specific to Tax Incremental District (TID) Number 9 in the village of DeForest. It extends the maximum life and the period for allocating tax increments for this district to 30 years after its creation. The bill also provides an exception for the village of DeForest, allowing it to exceed a 12 percent limit on the total value of taxable property included in tax incremental financing districts for one amendment to TID Number 9's project plan. These changes aim to adjust the financial tools available to the village for development within this specific district.

Maddy summaryAB 292 allows courts to use artificial intelligence or machine-assisted translation services instead of or alongside human interpreters in both civil and criminal court proceedings. It also updates rules to permit telephone or live audiovisual interpretation in criminal trials (beyond just non-trial stages) and clarifies that using AI translation does not require a waiver that would normally be needed for alternative interpretation methods. This bill directly affects court proceedings involving language barriers, expanding options for language assistance without mandating AI use. The law amends specific statutes to implement these changes, focusing on procedural flexibility for courts.

Maddy summaryAB 66 restricts prosecutors from dismissing or amending certain criminal charges without court approval. It applies to specific "covered crimes," including domestic abuse violations, certain violent offenses (like those under s. 940.198 or 941.29), and crimes listed in Chapter 948. Prosecutors must seek court approval for any dismissal or amendment, and courts can only approve if the action aligns with deterring these crimes. The bill also prohibits deferred prosecution agreements for individuals charged with covered crimes. This policy change directly affects prosecutors, courts, and defendants facing charges for the listed offenses.

Maddy summaryAB 300 creates a state grant program to help local law enforcement agencies purchase automated license plate reader systems (high-speed cameras that scan plates and convert data for law enforcement use). The program requires at least half of the grant funds to go to agencies in rural areas (defined as cities/towns under 20,000 population, at least 15 miles from larger cities). Agencies must submit a spending plan to the Department of Justice for review before receiving grants, which are limited to public safety and crime prevention purposes. The bill does not apply to state-level agencies or require specific outcomes, focusing solely on funding access for local rural and urban law enforcement.