Rep. Rob Summerfield

Maddy summaryAJR 95 designates October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the importance of addressing domestic violence. It aims to honor survivors, remember those lost to domestic violence, and acknowledge the work of advocates and service providers across the state. The bill passed unanimously and is now official, aligning Wisconsin with national observances to promote awareness.

Maddy summaryAB 388 creates a one-time grant program to fund Rogers Behavioral Health for constructing an integrated mental health facility in Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley region. The facility will provide inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient services for adolescents and adults. To receive the grant, Rogers must submit detailed certification plans for each service type (e.g., inpatient, residential) and report annually on facility operations and Medical Assistance patient access. The bill establishes specific requirements for facility certification under state health codes and mandates annual reporting to the Department of Health Services.

Maddy summaryAB 456 updates Wisconsin's real estate laws for residential transactions involving properties with one to four dwelling units. It requires real estate licensees to obtain written consent from property owners before sharing listing details with other agents or advertising properties online. The bill also mandates that owners must actively opt-in to public marketing (via a signed disclosure form) rather than having to opt-out, and prohibits licensees from accepting third-party fees without all parties' written agreement. These changes directly affect real estate agents and property owners in residential sales or leasing. The bill passed both chambers in November 2025 and is awaiting the governor's signature.

Maddy summaryAB 242 amends Wisconsin law to strengthen penalties for tampering with utility infrastructure. It makes it illegal to intentionally remove, damage, or interfere with telecommunication, broadband, electric power, or related wires or equipment without first giving the utility company 24 hours' notice. Violations are punishable as Class B misdemeanors (for removing structures) or Class A misdemeanors/felony (for breaking lines or making unauthorized connections). The law directly affects individuals and contractors working near utility lines, including construction crews, landscapers, and anyone modifying property where wires are attached. It includes an exception allowing work with explicit permission from the utility company.

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 bill modifies Wisconsin laws to allow prosecutors to dismiss or amend certain criminal charges and adjust deferred prosecution agreements for specific offenses. It directly affects prosecutors, courts, and defendants charged with crimes such as domestic abuse, stalking, and various violent felonies. The key provisions require court approval before dismissing these charges to ensure public safety interests are met and mandate that deferred prosecution programs include community service work for public or nonprofit agencies. Additionally, the bill updates how domestic abuse surcharges are collected and directed toward services for abuse victims.

Maddy summaryThis bill, which was ultimately vetoed by the Governor, would have changed how deer hunting is regulated in Wisconsin's northern forest zone. It prohibited the state from allowing seasons where only antlerless deer could be hunted and banned the issuance of special permits to kill antlerless deer, with one specific exception for hunters under 16. The legislation also limited individuals to holding only one permit for killing antlered deer per season and allowed those who did not use their bow or crossbow permits to use them during the other type of season. Because the bill was vetoed, these regulatory changes were not enacted.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin bill creates a revolving loan fund to help licensed child care providers finance renovations to their facilities. The program provides interest-free loans with no repayment fees, offering up to $30,000 for in-home care providers and up to $95,000 for center-based providers. To qualify, providers must submit a business plan and financial forecast, and they must maintain enrollment of children who are not relatives of the provider. The state retains the right to terminate the loan and demand immediate repayment if the facility fails to meet enrollment requirements or if the provider becomes unable to repay the debt. Although the bill passed the legislature, the Governor vetoed it, and the state legislature did not override the veto.