Rep. Dave Armstrong

Maddy summaryAB 70 creates a formal "affidavit of disclaimer" process for parents to voluntarily terminate parental rights in adoption cases. It sets strict timing rules (e.g., no execution before 120 hours post-birth or after the child's first birthday), requires mandatory counseling for minors, and specifies that mothers can revoke the disclaimer within 72 hours, while fathers can revoke until 72 hours after execution or 120 hours post-birth, whichever is later. The affidavit must include specific disclosures about legal rights, child support, and the child's status, and is irrevocable after set deadlines unless obtained through fraud or duress. This directly affects parents (including minors), adoption agencies, and courts handling adoption proceedings in Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 133 modifies Wisconsin's laws governing investment securities under the Uniform Commercial Code. It repeals outdated provisions about where securities laws apply (sections 408.110 (2)(a-d), (5-6), and 409.305 (1)(c)) and clarifies that assets held by securities intermediaries (like banks or brokers) belong to investors (entitlement holders), not the intermediary itself. The bill specifically changes priority rules to ensure investors' claims take precedence over creditor claims if a securities intermediary cannot cover all obligations. This directly affects securities intermediaries and their investor clients by strengthening investor protections in financial asset holdings. The changes take effect four months after publication.

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 41 prohibits local governments (cities, towns, or counties) from requiring permits or banning vegetable gardens on residential property. It defines a "vegetable garden" as a plot growing edible plants, flowers, or pollinator plants on a homeowner's own land. The bill allows local governments to still enforce zoning, water/fertilizer rules, and weed control as long as those regulations don't specifically target vegetable gardens. This directly affects residents who grow food or flowers in their yards, ensuring they cannot be stopped or charged fees by local authorities for doing so.

Maddy summaryAB 21 amends a statute to prohibit technical college districts from leasing their facilities to others for non-school purposes, with one exception: leases for child care centers remain permitted. This bill directly affects public technical college districts by restricting their ability to generate revenue through facility rentals, limiting such leases to only those supporting child care operations. The key provision clarifies that districts cannot enter new leases after the bill's effective date, except for child care centers, which would continue to be allowed under the existing exception. The bill focuses on defining permissible lease arrangements without creating new programs or funding mechanisms.

Maddy summaryAB 151 creates a legal presumption that courts should prioritize custody arrangements allowing children to spend roughly equal time with each parent, whenever feasible. This applies to all custody cases filed after the bill's effective date, directly affecting parents and judges determining physical placement. The law requires courts to assume equal time is in the child's best interest unless they find, based on evidence, that it isn't - considering factors like geographic separation between households. The bill modifies Wisconsin's custody statute to make this equal-time presumption the starting point for court decisions, with specific attention to practical realities like distance between parents' homes.

Maddy summaryAJR 22 is a joint resolution that proclaims April 26, 2025, as Shared Parenting Day in Wisconsin. This resolution recognizes the importance of both parents providing emotional and parental support to their children, particularly for separated parents, and aims to increase public awareness of this issue.

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 summaryAssembly Bill 22 creates specific exceptions for Tax Incremental District (TID) Number 6 in the city of Middleton. It exempts this particular district from a 12 percent limit on the total value of taxable property that can be included within it. The bill also removes other general limitations that would otherwise apply to TIDs. These exceptions are applicable only if TID Number 6 is established by the city of Middleton's common council on or before June 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 12 grants "state agency status" to physician assistants and advanced practice nurse prescribers who volunteer their services. This status applies when they provide uncompensated healthcare services for local health departments or school districts. For local health departments, this covers services requiring medical oversight, and for schools, it includes immunization programs. By gaining state agency status, these providers would be considered agents of the Department of Health Services for specific legal protections, such as representation by the attorney general, provided they adhere to state protocols.