Rep. Bob Wittke

Maddy summaryAB 511 classifies tobacco products into two categories for tax purposes: traditional cigarettes (burning tobacco) and "heating tobacco" products (tobacco heated without combustion, excluding vapor products). It imposes a $0.63 per cigarette tax on lighter heating tobacco products (≤3 pounds per thousand) and $1.26 on heavier ones, while traditional cigarettes face lower base rates ($0.126/$0.252) with federal tax adjustments. The bill also requires distributors to pay an inventory tax on existing stock when rates increase, due within 30 days of the rate change. This directly affects tobacco manufacturers, distributors, and retailers selling these products in the state. The legislation modifies existing tax structures without banning products or making health claims.

Maddy summaryAB 458 modifies standards for admitting expert witness testimony in court cases. It directly affects courts, lawyers, and parties involved in legal disputes where expert opinions are used, such as medical malpractice or accident investigations. The bill establishes new criteria for determining whether an expert's qualifications and methodology meet legal standards before testimony is allowed. This would require courts to evaluate the reliability and relevance of expert evidence more rigorously during pretrial proceedings. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee after its introduction and public hearing.

Maddy summaryAB 245 modifies the state's sales and use tax exemption for businesses operating qualified data centers. It defines a "qualified data center" as buildings (or connected buildings) owned, leased, or operated by a single business entity, designed to house server computers for processing, storing, or managing data. The bill adds provisions allowing data centers to offer rental space, utilities, and infrastructure services to tenants, while explicitly excluding cryptocurrency-related facilities from the tax exemption. This directly affects data center operators and their tenants by clarifying eligibility for tax benefits and expanding allowable services.

Maddy summaryAB 615 requires all public school districts and independent charter schools (K-8) to implement math screening tests three times yearly to identify students at-risk of not meeting grade-level math standards. Schools must then provide "quality math tutoring" (aligned with classroom instruction, offered 3 days weekly or 50 hours annually by state-approved providers) and develop personalized math plans for at-risk students within 30 days of identification. The bill also mandates schools with low 4th-grade math proficiency to create evidence-based achievement plans by 2026, including professional development for teachers. This law directly affects K-8 students identified as needing math support and schools serving those students.

Maddy summaryAB 208 creates tax exemptions for income and franchise taxes related to broadband expansion funding. It directly affects internet service providers, telecom companies, and community organizations receiving grants or federal high-cost program funds for building broadband infrastructure in the state. The bill exempts from taxation: (1) state/local/tribal/federal grants for broadband expansion, and (2) federal high-cost program funding under 47 USC 254. These exemptions apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and prevent double-counting with other existing tax provisions.

Maddy summaryAB 590 revises the statutory definition of "physical activity" in section 448.95(7) to include moderate or greater participation in exercise, sports, recreation, wellness, fitness, or employment activities. It specifically clarifies that "moderate participation" means activities increasing heart and breathing rates without making conversation difficult. This is a definitional change to the statutes, not a new policy affecting specific groups or programs. The bill was introduced in October 2025 and referred to the Health Committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public school districts to allow military recruiters access to high school common areas and school events during the school day, as mandated by federal law (10 USC 503(c)). It specifically prohibits schools from denying this access based on whether they allow college recruiters or employers, but explicitly states that classrooms during instructional time are excluded. The law applies to all public high schools and takes effect for the 2025-26 school year. It directly affects school districts, which must adjust their policies to comply.

Maddy summaryAB 210 amends Wisconsin's academic scholarship program by changing how high school seniors are selected for "academic excellence" higher education scholarships. It sets a minimum 3.800 grade point average for alternates when multiple seniors tie for top rank, requires schools with 80+ students to designate one top scholar annually, and adds rules for schools that close or merge (allowing prior scholars to retain eligibility). The bill directly affects public, private, and tribal high schools in Wisconsin with 80+ students and their graduating seniors who meet academic criteria. Key provisions clarify selection procedures, tie-breaking rules, and continuity for students at closing schools, without changing scholarship funding amounts.

Maddy summaryAB 268 allows individuals who filed complaints about election officials' conduct (complainants) to appeal decisions by the Elections Commission to local court. The bill lets complainants appeal within 30 days - regardless of whether they suffered actual harm - to the circuit court in the county where the election official works or the complainant lives. It specifically clarifies that complainants can appeal if their complaint is dismissed or they don’t get the requested relief. The bill does not pause the Commission’s original decision during the appeal unless a court orders it. This bill was recommended for passage in October 2025 but was later laid on the table and did not advance further.

Maddy summaryAB 368 prevents health insurance plans from requiring prior authorization for the first 12 visits of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or chiropractic care per treatment episode. It also eliminates prior authorization for non-drug pain management (like therapy) for chronic pain patients during the first 90 days of treatment (up to twice weekly). Health plans must explain coverage denials in plain language, apply similar copays for these therapies as for primary care, and decide on reauthorization requests within 3 business days. This bill directly affects patients seeking these services, healthcare providers, and all health benefit plans or self-insured employer health plans in the state.