Rep. Dave Armstrong

Maddy summaryThis bill would have exempted private individuals who sell their own cars from legal liability for accidents or violations that occur after the buyer takes possession of the vehicle. Under the proposed rules, a seller would be protected from civil and criminal claims if they properly signed over the title and both parties intended to transfer ownership, even if the official registration paperwork was not yet completed. The exemption specifically applies to private sales and excludes licensed dealers or wholesalers, while still holding sellers accountable if death or injury resulted from willful or reckless behavior. Although the legislation was passed by the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the Wisconsin married persons credit by increasing the maximum benefit amount for spouses with lower earned income. Specifically, it raises the credit limit from $480 to $870 for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023. The change applies to married couples filing joint state tax returns where one spouse has earned income. The legislation was ultimately vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes specific rules for election observers in Wisconsin, ensuring they have uniform and non-discriminatory access to all stages of the election process, including voting, tabulation, and recounts. It mandates that officials designate observation areas within a set distance from voter registration and name announcement tables to allow clear visibility of public election activities. The legislation also requires that all recount steps be conducted publicly and grants candidates and their representatives the right to view and identify ballots and materials during these proceedings. Additionally, it sets penalties for election officials who fail to provide proper access or violate the public nature of recounts, including potential jail time or fines.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill aimed to update the rules for paying to access the official voter registration list. It allowed individuals to request an electronic copy of the list for a fee set by the state commission, capped at $250. The legislation also permitted an additional charge to cover the costs of printing and mailing a physical copy of the list. Although the bill passed the legislature, the Governor vetoed it, and it did not become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill proposes to lower individual income tax rates for residents in the third tax bracket while simultaneously expanding the retirement income subtraction available to retirees. The legislation would allow more retirees to exclude a larger portion of their pension and retirement account withdrawals from state taxable income, with specific provisions added for those who are permanently and totally disabled. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill proposes changes to the state's unemployment insurance law, specifically requiring the Joint Committee on Finance to approve certain federally authorized benefits before they are implemented. The legislation would mandate that the governor notify the committee whenever federal actions increase weekly benefit rates, total benefit amounts, or add new stipends based on unemployment eligibility. Additionally, it restricts the transfer of block grant funds between different programs unless the Joint Committee on Finance explicitly approves the move. Although the bill was amended and placed on the calendar, it ultimately failed to pass the legislature in 2024.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill prohibits health care providers from performing gender-affirming surgeries, administering puberty-blocking drugs, or prescribing high-dose hormones to minors under 18. The law specifically bans procedures intended to change a minor's body to match a sex different from their biological sex, with exceptions only for treating medically verifiable genetic disorders or life-threatening conditions. If a provider violates these rules, the state medical board must investigate and can revoke their license without the possibility of reinstatement. Additionally, the bill prevents courts from issuing injunctions to stop the enforcement of these medical restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state agencies and local governments in Wisconsin from restricting the sale or use of any device based on the energy source it uses, such as electricity or fossil fuels. The law defines a device as powered by an energy source if that source is necessary for any significant function of the device. Although the bill was passed by the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have clarified the legal status of individuals participating in clinical research trials by explicitly stating that they are not employees of the organizations conducting the research. The legislation aimed to exempt these participants from being classified as employees for the purposes of employment-related laws, even if they receive payment, stipends, or compensation for their involvement. By defining these participants separately from employees, the bill sought to ensure that their involvement in trials does not trigger standard employment protections or liabilities. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.

Maddy summaryAB 957 was a Wisconsin bill that sought to prevent local governments from passing stricter animal welfare rules on farms located in agricultural zones. The legislation would have barred cities and counties from setting their own standards for animal care, controlling medications, or limiting which species could be raised, provided these activities did not pose a threat to public health or safety. Although the bill passed the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and ultimately failed to become law.