Rep. Dave Armstrong

Maddy summaryAB 1037 modifies retainage rules for public construction contracts, specifically lowering the maximum withholdable percentage for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing subcontractors from 5% to 3% until 50% project completion. It requires prime contractors to pay these subcontractors within 7 days of receiving payment from the municipality, with full payments due after 50% completion unless work progress is unsatisfactory. The bill sets a 10% cap on total retainage and mandates final payment upon substantial completion, minus costs for corrective work. It directly affects contractors and subcontractors working on public projects, particularly those in MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) specialties. The changes aim to improve cash flow for smaller subcontractors while maintaining safeguards for project completion.

Maddy summaryAJR 127 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the governor from using a partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to restrict the governor's partial veto power specifically regarding tax or fee increases. This change would directly affect the governor's authority when reviewing budget bills containing tax or fee provisions. The amendment is currently moving toward a voter referendum in November 2026, following legislative approval. It does not change current law but would require voter ratification to become effective.

Maddy summaryAB 865 prohibits medical training programs in the state from using live animals to teach human medical treatment when equivalent alternatives exist, such as simulators, cadavers, or virtual models. It applies directly to medical schools, residency programs, and institutions training doctors, residents, and students. The law requires institutions to switch to these alternatives if they are available in the state, and imposes a $1,000 fine per live animal used in violation. This creates a concrete policy change requiring medical training to adopt non-animal methods where feasible.

Maddy summaryAB 885 limits how cities can regulate land development outside their official boundaries. It prevents municipalities from denying approval for land plats or surveys based solely on the proposed land use, unless the denial follows specific, pre-approved rules related to: (1) land use itself, (2) public improvements, (3) land division standards, or (4) annexation agreements. This directly affects developers and landowners seeking to build in areas adjacent to cities but not yet within city limits. The bill ensures cities can only block development for clearly defined reasons, not arbitrary concerns about how land might be used.

Maddy summaryAB 895 modifies sentencing and parole procedures for individuals under 18 convicted of crimes. It requires courts to consider youth-specific mitigating factors and relevant information when determining eligibility for release to extended supervision or parole. The bill creates new provisions (e.g., § 302.114(5)(cs), § 304.06(1)(bc)) that apply specifically to "youthful offenders" as defined in § 973.014(3)(a). These changes directly affect minors in the state’s criminal justice system by mandating more individualized review of their cases during sentencing and parole decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new regulatory category for pharmacies operating without a pharmacist physically present ("remote dispensing sites" or "remotely supervised pharmacies"). It allows the pharmacy board to establish specific rules for these sites, potentially exempting them from standard pharmacy requirements that apply to traditional locations. The law clarifies that such sites will not be classified as community or institutional pharmacies under existing rules. These changes streamline oversight for remote pharmacy operations while maintaining separate regulatory treatment.

Maddy summaryAB 840 regulates data centers in the state by requiring specific operational and environmental standards. It mandates that data centers use closed-loop cooling systems (recycling water instead of using fresh water) and report annual water usage to the department. The bill also requires renewable energy facilities serving data centers to be located on-site and prohibits utility customers from paying for data center infrastructure costs. Additionally, operators must provide financial bonds for construction and restore land if projects are abandoned. These provisions directly affect all data center operators and developers in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to automatically seal personal details (like names or photos) of child victims and witnesses in human trafficking cases. It prohibits public disclosure of this information unless a court holds a hearing considering the child's safety and decides disclosure serves justice. Courts must also provide necessary support services - such as private testimony rooms or emotional support - to protect the child's well-being during proceedings. These changes directly protect children involved in trafficking cases from potential harm while ensuring fair legal processes.

Maddy summaryAB 946 creates a two-year pilot program to provide behavioral health support to high school students in Wisconsin. It allocates $1.5 million annually for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years to give at least 50,000 high school students access to a digital tool offering online mental health resources, peer support, and private sessions with licensed professionals. The tool must be accessible via mobile/web, support English/Spanish, include professional profiles for user choice, and follow a population health model. The program is administered by the Department of Public Instruction and requires contracting with educational service agencies, with the related funding provision set to expire on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryAB 906 bans foreign nationals from contributing to or influencing referendum committees that support or oppose ballot measures. It defines "foreign national" broadly to include non-citizens, foreign governments, and foreign-owned entities, and requires committees to obtain written confirmations from contributors that they are not foreign nationals and haven’t received over $100,000 from foreign sources in the past four years. Committees must also attest they haven’t accepted such funds and cannot allow foreign nationals to direct or control their activities related to referendums. The bill directly affects referendum committees, campaign finance committees, and anyone contributing to ballot measure campaigns.