Rep. Duke Tucker

Maddy summaryAB 596 creates a state matching grant program that allocates $950,000 to provide state funds matching federal per diem payments received by eligible non-state entities. It directly affects organizations or programs receiving federal per diem payments (such as those supporting veterans) by allowing them to access additional state funding. The bill establishes this program under the Veterans Affairs department budget, requiring the state to match federal payments without changing eligibility criteria or adding new requirements for recipients.

Maddy summaryAB 597 creates a state matching grant program that provides $25 per day per veteran to eligible housing providers who receive federal per diem payments under 38 USC 2012. It directly affects organizations housing veterans who qualify for federal per diem payments, such as veteran service nonprofits or shelters. The program funds up to 365 days per year per veteran, with quarterly payments based on the previous quarter's housing. Grants are limited to $25/day and require annual applications through the state department.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends residency requirements for people circulating nomination papers or recall petitions. It requires circulators to certify their residence (with street address if applicable) and confirms they are either a qualified elector of the state or a U.S. citizen aged 18+ who would not be disqualified from voting if they lived in the state. For recall petitions specifically, the certification must state the circulator is a qualified elector. These changes directly affect individuals collecting signatures for candidate nominations or recall efforts, ensuring circulators meet clear residency and eligibility standards before submitting petitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new criminal offense for knowingly sharing personally identifying information about law enforcement officers online. It directly affects anyone who posts details like names, addresses, or other identifying data about police, correctional, or federal officers on public internet sites or forums. The law specifically prohibits sharing such information when done with the intent to intimidate, threaten, harass, or obstruct the officer's duties. Violating this provision would result in a Class H felony charge. The bill defines "officer" broadly to include various types of law enforcement personnel operating within the state.

Maddy summaryAB 1007 amends the definition of "veteran at risk" in Wisconsin law to explicitly include active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces, National Guard, or military reserves who have service-related physical or mental health conditions. The bill clarifies that a person qualifies as "at risk" based on information provided in a report about such conditions. This change directly affects military service members and veterans who may be identified through the existing veterans at risk alert system. The amendment refines the eligibility criteria for the system without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryAB 1006 amends Wisconsin law to create a new definition of "veteran" specifically for state veterans benefits eligibility. It defines a veteran as a current or former National Guard member who completed their initial obligated service term and received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions. This change directly expands eligibility for state veterans benefits to include qualifying National Guard members who previously might not have met the existing definition. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or other eligibility criteria beyond this definition update.

Maddy summaryAJR 138 designates February 2026 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Wisconsin to raise awareness about the value of these programs. It does not create new laws or funding but symbolically recognizes how career and technical education prepares students for jobs, citing that 92% of 2024 Wisconsin Technical College graduates were employed within six months and earned median salaries of $55,636 (for certificates) or $60,030 (for associate degrees). The resolution aims to encourage state residents to learn about CTE opportunities and their role in supporting Wisconsin's workforce. This is a ceremonial designation, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program requiring the Department of Financial Institutions to contribute to "Trump accounts" for eligible children who reside in the state and have prior payments made to such accounts. The contribution amount would match prior payments made under a specific IRS code (26 USC 6434), subject to available funds and only for accounts without prior state contributions. It defines key terms like "Trump account" and "eligible child" using IRS code references, though the bill's use of these codes appears inconsistent with actual tax law. The program would apply to children born and residing in the state, with contributions made as "qualified general contributions" under the referenced IRS section. The bill passed the Assembly in February 2026 with 62-35 support.

Maddy summaryAB 997 increases funding by $60 million for the Department of Financial Institutions for payments to "Trump accounts" in fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, contingent on statutory authorization. The bill directly affects the department’s budget and its ability to make these specific payments. It modifies existing appropriations under Section 20.144 (1) (g) without changing the department’s core responsibilities. This is a procedural budget adjustment, not a substantive policy change. The bill is currently pending in the Financial Institutions committee.

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.