Rep. Ben DeSmidt

Maddy summaryAB 125 designates February 18 as a special observance day in Wisconsin public schools to honor Vel R. Phillips' birthday. The bill adds this date to school calendar requirements, directing schools to recognize Vel R. Phillips' contributions during the school year following the law's effective date. This applies directly to all Wisconsin public schools.

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 summaryAJR 15 is a symbolic resolution proclaiming March 26, 2025, as "Purple Day for epilepsy" in Wisconsin. It asks Wisconsinites to wear purple and encourages communities, schools, government agencies, and businesses to promote epilepsy awareness through education. The resolution highlights that epilepsy affects hundreds of thousands of people and aims to improve public understanding of the condition. This is a ceremonial gesture with no new legal requirements, focused solely on raising awareness.

Maddy summaryAB 79 prevents the prosecution of minors under 18 for prostitution offenses when a court determines it serves the minor's best interests and protects public safety. Instead, the court may use diversion programs like consent decrees or deferred prosecution agreements under existing laws. The bill amends statutes to remove prosecution as an option for juveniles in these cases while maintaining DNA collection and expungement requirements for other serious juvenile offenses. This change directly affects minors charged with prostitution under section 944.30 (1m) by prioritizing rehabilitation over criminal prosecution.

Maddy summaryAB 142 prohibits landlords and software providers from using algorithmic software to set rents or occupancy rates based on private competitor data (like unpublicized rent or occupancy details). It directly affects residential landlords, property management companies, and software vendors selling such tools. The bill bans both selling/licensing the software and using it for rent decisions, with penalties of up to $1,000 per violation per rental unit. Tenants may also sue for damages or injunctive relief, while exemptions cover aggregated rental data publications and affordable housing tools.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 147 establishes a "right to repair" for agricultural equipment, directly affecting manufacturers, owners, and independent repair providers of farm machinery like tractors and combines. The bill mandates that manufacturers must make available documentation, diagnostic data, embedded software, replacement parts, and repair tools. These resources must be provided to equipment owners and independent repair providers upon request. This access must be offered under "fair terms" and "fair costs," which includes providing digital documentation and embedded software for free, without requiring specific authorizations or affiliations.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 24 expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's support for strengthening its relationship with Taiwan. The resolution reaffirms the existing sister-state ties between Wisconsin and Taiwan and reiterates support for the federal Taiwan Relations Act. It also endorses Taiwan's pursuit of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States to foster closer economic partnerships. Furthermore, the resolution advocates for Taiwan's increased participation in international organizations that impact its people's well-being.

Maddy summaryAJR 20 is a joint resolution that proclaims the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week. It recognizes the contributions of school nutrition professionals in Wisconsin and encourages the public to show gratitude for their work.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commends the IBS Patient Support Group for recognizing April 17-19, 2025, as "World IBS Days." It encourages Wisconsin residents to support and participate in organizations and events that raise awareness of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 215 (AB 215) modifies current law regarding name change petitions. The bill eliminates the requirement for individuals to publicly publish their name change petition if the change is sought to conform with the petitioner's gender identity. This creates an additional circumstance under which a name change petition can remain confidential. The bill directly affects individuals seeking to align their legal name with their gender identity by offering them greater privacy in this process.