Rep. Nancy VanderMeer

Maddy summaryAB 1020 designates specific highway segments in Wisconsin as "Memorial Highways" honoring eight fallen state troopers, naming each route after a trooper (e.g., STH 23 near Green Lake for Trooper Donald C. Pederson). The bill requires the state transportation department to install commemorative signs on these routes only if sufficient private contributions cover all costs - no state funds may be used. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes to transportation or law enforcement, directly affecting the named highways and the troopers' families.

Maddy summaryAB 819 allows health care providers to offer discounts of up to 15% for prompt payment of fees by individuals covered under disability insurance policies. It directly affects health care providers serving patients with such coverage and requires providers to: (1) post discount policies online, (2) limit discounts to avoid collection costs, and (3) not shift discount costs to other patients or advertise discounts publicly. The bill does not require providers to offer discounts but prohibits them from reducing coinsurance/deductibles under disability insurance terms, except for these structured prompt payment discounts. It also ensures discounts comply with federal law and do not override existing provider contracts with insurers.

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 874 streamlines environmental review requirements for major highway projects in the state. It defines "categorical exclusion" (a simplified review process for projects with minimal environmental impact) and requires the Department of Transportation to submit a report with a financing plan ensuring construction begins within six years of project approval. The bill mandates that projects must have federal environmental review approval (like a draft impact statement) before the commission can recommend approval. This affects highway projects listed under Section 84.013(1)(a)2m. and aims to accelerate project timelines while maintaining environmental review standards.

Maddy summaryAB 900 modifies eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits by prohibiting credits for any qualifying farmland where a non-accessory photovoltaic solar energy system (like standalone solar panels) is located during the taxable year. This directly affects farmers or landowners who seek these tax credits but have installed such solar systems on their eligible farmland. The bill creates new definitions to clarify that credits cannot be claimed for acres with these non-accessory solar installations, while maintaining credit eligibility for land without them. The policy change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 990 would require Wisconsin high school students to earn at least 0.5 credits in personal financial literacy to graduate. The bill specifies that this course must cover topics like money management, saving/investing, credit/debt, and risk management. Schools could award credit for approved programs offered by financial institutions through school-based branches, as determined by the school board. This requirement would apply to students in high school grades once the law is enacted.

Maddy summaryAB 983 requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to notify local governments, school districts, and tribes before selling surplus land, giving them 60 days to express interest in acquiring it for public use. If they respond, the DOT must offer the land at appraised value for general public use, or at a reduced price if the land is needed for transportation or infrastructure projects. The bill also mandates that buyers provide a plan for the public use and agree to permanent restrictions ensuring the land remains for that purpose. This change affects counties, municipalities, school districts, and federally recognized tribes that may seek to acquire DOT surplus land. The policy directly alters the DOT's land sale process to prioritize public ownership over general public sales.

Maddy summaryAB 704 increases fees for snowmobile registration and trail use stickers in Wisconsin. It raises the public-use registration fee from $30 to $45 (with a $5 fee for political subdivisions), keeps private-use registration fee-free, and increases trail sticker fees: from $49.25 to $69.25 for exempt snowmobiles, $9.25 to $19.25 for club members meeting specific criteria, and $29.25 to $49.25 for others. The bill directly affects snowmobile owners who register their vehicles or use public trails. Key provisions include standardized fee increases and a reduced rate for members of qualifying snowmobile clubs.

Maddy summaryAJR 1 is a constitutional amendment requiring voters to present valid photo identification to cast a ballot in any election. It directly affects all voters in state elections, specifying that acceptable ID must be issued by the state, federal government, a federally recognized tribal entity, or a college/university in the state. The bill mandates the legislature to define acceptable ID types and establish exceptions, while allowing voters without ID on election day to cast a provisional ballot and submit ID later. This proposal, on second consideration after a 2023 rejection, would be submitted to voters in April 2025 if approved.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 41 (AJR 41) proclaims May 2025 and May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Months. This resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature recognizes the over 370-year history of Jewish contributions to the nation's civic, social, economic, and cultural life, and thanks Jewish American citizens for shaping the country's character and strengthening religious freedom.