Rep. Nancy VanderMeer

Maddy summaryAJR 34 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Wisconsin's child support program on its 50th anniversary, specifically recognizing January 4, 2025 - the anniversary of the federal law that established the program. It highlights the program's impact, noting it served 341,000 children and collected $841 million in fiscal year 2023 while ranking third nationally in support collection. The resolution commends the work of county, state, and tribal child support agencies and their staff, who help enforce support orders, connect parents to services, and promote financial security for families. As a joint resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the program's role in reducing child poverty and supporting Wisconsin families.

Maddy summaryAJR 6 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature declaring support for nuclear and fusion energy as critical clean energy sources. It states the legislature's commitment to advancing nuclear power, fusion technology, and related innovations to meet energy demands, reduce carbon emissions, and create high-paying jobs - citing current nuclear plants powering 1.2 million homes and avoiding 6.4 million tons of carbon emissions annually. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally endorses expanding nuclear energy development. The bill was introduced in February 2025, referred to committees, and ultimately laid on the table in June 2025 without further action.

Maddy summaryAB 318 requires fair organizations (like county fairs, agricultural societies, or associations) seeking state aid to submit two annual reports. Within 30 days after each fair, they must file a detailed report verifying that gambling devices, most alcohol sales (except fermented malt beverages and wine), and "immoral" exhibitions were prohibited at the event. By January 31st each year, they must also submit a finance report covering receipts, disbursements, attendance, and other required details. State aid payments are tied to submitting these reports on time, ensuring compliance before funds are released.

Maddy summaryAB 154 requires potato farmers planting 5 or more acres in Wisconsin to use officially certified seed potatoes, directly affecting commercial potato growers. The bill allows the department to waive this requirement for specific potato varieties if certified seed is unavailable and poses no serious disease risk, with conditions like geographic restrictions. Violations trigger a 72-hour order to remove and destroy non-compliant seed potatoes, with penalties of up to $5,000 plus $5,000 per acre planted in violation. The bill also permits penalty waivers if violations are corrected by destroying affected potatoes per department orders.

Maddy summaryAJR 80 is a symbolic resolution declaring May 2025 and May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Months in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the impact of ALS on patients and families while promoting public awareness of the disease. The resolution highlights ALS as a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative condition with no known cure, emphasizing the importance of research and support for those affected. It directly affects Wisconsin residents by designating these months for community education and advocacy efforts focused on ALS.

Maddy summaryAB 369 creates a state tax credit for businesses that provide child care, allowing them to claim a credit equal to the federal employer-provided child care credit (under IRS Section 45F) on their state tax return. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and directly affects businesses that already claim the federal credit. Key provisions require the state credit to match the federal amount claimed, prohibit claims for out-of-state child care expenses, and mandate adjustments if federal tax increases under Section 45F(d). This bill aligns state tax treatment with the federal credit system without changing the federal rules.

Maddy summaryAB 181 modifies grant eligibility for county forest programs by allowing counties to receive funding for one professional forester in a county forest administrator or assistant role. The bill specifies that grants cover up to 50% of the forester’s salary and up to 40% of fringe benefits (capped at 40% of salary), using funds from a designated appropriation. It defines a qualifying "county forest administrator" as someone with a forestry degree (or equivalent), natural resources degree with 3+ years’ experience, or an associate degree in forestry with 3+ years’ experience managing county forests - excluding department employees. The changes apply retroactively to grant applications submitted on or after the bill’s effective date (January 1, 2025). This bill directly affects counties managing forest programs seeking state funding for their designated forest administration staff.

Maddy summaryAB 214 modifies Wisconsin town government procedures for appointing clerks and treasurers. It allows towns with 2,500+ residents to combine these roles under new rules, including immediate implementation when both positions become vacant or upon vacancy in one role. The bill updates deputy appointment rules (removing residency requirements) and adjusts highway discontinuance timelines. These changes primarily affect municipal officials in Wisconsin towns operating under the specified statutes.

Maddy summaryAB 216 reduces the real estate transfer fee from 30 to 20 cents per $100 of property value for all transactions. It changes fee distribution so 50% remains with counties and 50% goes to the state, with 46% of state funds allocated to county land information systems through new grant formulas. The bill also requires counties to establish free property monitoring systems for residents tracking changes to their properties, with no fees charged for this service. These changes directly affect all real estate buyers/sellers and county governments managing land records.

Maddy summaryAB 198 creates two key programs: (1) grants for technical colleges offering emergency medical services (EMS) training, provided they don't give admission priority based on residency; and (2) a reimbursement program for individuals or their employers who paid tuition/materials for initial EMS certification/licensure as an emergency medical responder or practitioner. Eligible applicants must complete required courses, pass exams, and obtain their license/certification through the Department of Health Services. The bill also establishes a "live 911" pilot program allowing grants for real-time video communication during emergency calls, requiring a performance report by October 2027. This directly affects EMS students, practitioners, their employers, and public safety answering points.