Rep. Chanz Green

Maddy summaryAB 211 creates a new exemption in Wisconsin law allowing "tobacco bars" to operate without adhering to the state's public smoking ban. To qualify, these establishments must have opened after June 4, 2009, allow only cigar and pipe smoking (not cigarettes), not be classified as food establishments, display clear signage about smoking, prohibit minors under 21 from entering, require employee acknowledgment of secondhand smoke exposure, and demonstrate adequate air filtration in licensing applications. The bill directly affects tobacco bars meeting these specific criteria, enabling them to operate with smoking permitted while imposing strict operational requirements. It does not change the general public smoking ban but establishes a defined exception for this narrow category of businesses.

Maddy summaryAB 673 bans medical and research facilities receiving state or federal funds from using genetic software or sequencers developed by foreign adversaries (as defined by federal regulations). It also prohibits storing human genome data of state residents in foreign adversary countries, with exceptions for certain clinical trials. The law applies to facilities, companies, and nonprofits handling genetic data, requiring them to keep such data inaccessible to foreign adversaries. Violations carry a $10,000 penalty per offense, enforced by the state Attorney General.

Maddy summaryAB 308 prohibits Wisconsin state and local government funds from being used to pay for health services for individuals without legal immigration status. The bill directly affects undocumented residents by blocking state/local funding for their healthcare. Key provisions ban state/local funds for such services (except where federal law requires payment or where applying the ban would cause loss of federal funds). The law does not restrict federal healthcare programs or funding. This is a policy change affecting state budget allocations, not a procedural measure.

Maddy summaryAB 166 requires Wisconsin colleges and universities to collect and report specific data about student outcomes and costs starting in 2027. Institutions must report graduates' average salaries (6 months and 5 years post-graduation by major), average debt, graduation rates, cost of attendance, and popular degree programs. The state board will also create and publish a list of the 50 most in-demand jobs in Wisconsin with required education levels and average salaries. This data will be provided to high schools for students in grades 10-12 as part of required academic and career planning services. The bill directly affects higher education institutions and students seeking career guidance.

Maddy summaryAB 602 requires the state department to annually submit a list of qualifying scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) to the U.S. Treasury and certify the state's authority to participate in the federal tax credit program for donations to these organizations. It mandates that the governor must decide by July 1, 2026, whether to join this federal program, which would allow residents to claim tax credits for contributions to SGOs starting in 2027. The bill directly affects state administrative processes, scholarship organizations, and donors who may qualify for federal tax benefits. It does not create new tax credits but establishes the state's procedural framework for eligibility under existing federal law (26 USC 25F).

Maddy summaryAB 169 amends Wisconsin's unemployment insurance law to strengthen work search requirements for claimants. It requires individuals receiving benefits to document at least four weekly job search actions (such as interviews or job offers) and provide verification to the department, including records of all offers received. The bill also creates new employer reporting obligations, allowing employers to notify the department if claimants decline interviews, fail to respond, or cancel interviews without rescheduling. However, the bill was vetoed by the governor on October 31, 2025, and did not become law.

Maddy summaryAB 168 would have updated Wisconsin's unemployment insurance law with several key changes. It required stronger identity verification for claimants filing benefits and operating a dedicated call center with extended hours during emergencies or high call volumes. The bill also mandated training materials for employers and required the unemployment department to notify lawmakers and the governor before changing fraud detection methods. This bill was vetoed by the governor on October 31, 2025, so these provisions did not become law.

Maddy summaryAB 248 creates a new statutory section (17.03(10m)) clarifying how vacancies are handled in appointive state offices with fixed terms. It defines "appointive state office" to include positions in state departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and authorities (but excludes the legislature and courts). The bill specifies that when an appointee's fixed term expires, the vacancy is filled under existing procedures - without changing current rules. This is a procedural clarification, not a policy change, affecting state government appointees but not altering how vacancies are currently managed.

Maddy summaryAB 595 updates Wisconsin's voter registration system to better comply with federal voting laws. It requires the Elections Commission to verify U.S. citizenship for all voters by matching registration data with state databases from the Department of Transportation, State Registrar, and Department of Corrections. Municipal clerks must report monthly on voter status changes, including removals due to citizenship issues, and share audit results with election officials. The bill directly affects election administrators, state agencies handling voter data, and voters whose eligibility is verified through these new processes.

Maddy summaryAB 966 requires the Department of Justice to create and run a public awareness campaign focused on children's online safety. The campaign must use digital platforms (like the department’s website and social media) and print materials to educate families about internet risks and prevention steps for children. It specifically mandates that the Department provide free educational materials to schools (as defined in statute 118.257(1)(d)) upon request. The bill directly affects children and schools by promoting accessible resources to help prevent exposure to harmful online content.