Rep. Ben DeSmidt

Maddy summaryAB 846 increases state funding for two Wisconsin promotion programs. It adds $200,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to advertise the "Something Special from Wisconsin" brand and logo, and $300,000 annually for "Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin" grants. These funds, managed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, directly support Wisconsin businesses participating in the state's marketing campaigns and local purchasing initiatives. The bill makes no new policy changes but allocates additional state appropriations to existing programs.

Maddy summaryAB 851 authorizes $25 million from the capital improvement fund to purchase agricultural conservation easements, which are agreements that limit development on farmland to preserve agricultural use. The bill creates new funding mechanisms (20.115 (7) (br) and (tb)) to reimburse costs for these easements and specifies payment procedures for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. It directly affects landowners selling conservation easements and state agencies administering the program. The appropriation supports farmland conservation by enabling the state to acquire easements under Section 93.73. The bill repeals an outdated statute (23.197 (15)) and amends related sections to implement these funding changes.

Maddy summaryAB 852 establishes new grants for local governments to implement farmland preservation plans, including activities like updating zoning, creating farmland agreements, and monitoring compliance. It also requires the state to automatically adjust the farmland preservation tax credit for inflation annually using agricultural price data, ensuring the credit keeps pace with rising costs. These changes directly affect Wisconsin farmers who claim the tax credit and local governments (counties, cities, tribes) that receive implementation grants. The bill creates specific funding mechanisms through the working lands fund and sets eligibility criteria for grant recipients based on plan alignment and project effectiveness.

Maddy summaryAB 845 creates a $2.5 million grant program for Wisconsin farmers to adopt sustainable practices that reduce fossil fuel use or store carbon in soil or vegetation. Eligible activities include cover cropping, solar-powered equipment, planting trees, or creating conservation plans. The program excludes land in retirement programs, commercial forests, or aquaculture, and requires applicants to first seek other available grants. The Department of Agriculture must prioritize small/medium farms, track carbon reductions, and publicly report grant details and environmental impacts annually.

Maddy summaryAB 868 requires Wisconsin's energy utility programs to dedicate at least 25% of annual energy efficiency funding toward initiatives specifically serving low-income households. The bill defines "low-income household" using an existing state definition and mandates programs that reduce energy costs and improve efficiency for these households. It also requires the Public Service Commission to evaluate these programs every four years, setting goals to prioritize reducing energy burdens and environmental impacts for low-income residents. The law directly affects low-income households by ensuring their energy needs are addressed through utility-funded programs.

Maddy summaryAB 877 requires environmental permits for facilities in defined "vulnerable communities" to include reports assessing combined pollution effects, health impacts, and unavoidable harms. It mandates public hearings with 30 days' notice and 21-day newspaper notices in the affected community before permits are issued. The department must deny permits if cumulative pollution from the facility creates an unreasonable health or environmental risk to the community, considering public feedback. This directly affects businesses seeking permits for facilities in census areas with high poverty rates (50%+ low-income households) plus significant minority populations or limited English proficiency.

Maddy summaryAB 869 increases the required funding for Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program from 1.2% to 2.4% of energy utilities' annual retail sales revenue. It specifically adds residential energy storage systems (like home battery systems) to the list of eligible programs under the "energy efficiency program" definition. This means utilities must now dedicate more funding toward programs that help residential customers adopt energy storage, alongside traditional efficiency measures. The bill directly affects energy utilities (requiring higher spending) and residential customers (expanding access to storage incentives).

Maddy summaryAB 876 creates a new $10 million annual grant program for Wisconsin school districts to fund energy efficiency projects in school buildings, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The program prioritizes projects focused on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for schools. The Department of Public Instruction will administer the grants and may develop rules to implement the program. This directly affects public school districts seeking funding for building upgrades to reduce energy costs.

Maddy summaryAB 893 creates a $250,000 annual grant program from the environmental fund to support planning for regional biodigesters. These facilities convert organic waste (like food scraps or farm byproducts) into energy, primarily benefiting agricultural and waste management projects. The bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to administer the grants and develop rules for their use. It does not fund construction but focuses on initial planning phases for new biodigester facilities.

Maddy summaryAB 889 establishes the Wisconsin Climate Corps program to create climate-focused job opportunities for workers aged 16-30, with at least 50% from underserved communities. The program funds projects like restoring natural lands, weatherizing homes for energy efficiency, and building community gardens, administered by a board overseeing contracts with nonprofit managers. Key requirements include paying workers $15/hour, providing housing stipends ($100/week), and gold-level health insurance. Sponsors (local governments, tribes, or nonprofits) must submit annual reports, and completed projects require permanent plaques identifying them as Wisconsin Climate Corps initiatives. The bill appropriates state funds for grants to approved projects under this framework.