Rep. Duke Tucker

Maddy summaryAB 118 creates a state-funded pilot program to help farmers transition to managed grazing systems, allocating $500,000 annually from the environmental fund. The program provides grants covering technical assistance, infrastructure (like fencing and water systems), and incentives during the first three years of implementing new or improved grazing practices on marginal lands (e.g., flood-prone or steep areas). Grants are limited to $40,000 per farmer, with payments phased over three years (75% upfront, then 12.5% each subsequent year). The bill directly affects farmers adopting forage-based managed grazing and requires the Department of Agriculture to support this transition through a new staff position. It does not fund existing grazing systems, focusing only on new implementations or enhancements that improve conservation and financial outcomes.

Maddy summaryAB 27 expands eligibility for state veterans' benefits to include individuals who served in Laos supporting U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and were naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000. The bill updates state statutes to define these veterans as qualifying for property tax exemptions (under 36.27) and other benefit programs (under 38.24 and 45.01). It specifically adds them to eligibility criteria for benefits previously limited to other veteran categories. This change directly affects Hmong veterans residing in the state who meet the federal naturalization requirements. The bill passed committee unanimously and is now pending in the Rules committee.

Maddy summaryAB 59 restricts how private community water systems can use federal capitalization grant funds for infrastructure projects. It specifically prohibits using these funds for principal forgiveness on loans, except when the loan is exclusively for replacing lead service lines. This directly affects private water system owners who receive federal grants under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The bill was withdrawn from committee in June 2025 and did not advance further.

Maddy summaryAB 83 prohibits state and local governments from restricting the sale or use of motor vehicles based on their energy source (e.g., gasoline, electric, or hydrogen). It also extends this rule to other energy-powered devices, such as power tools or generators, if their significant functions rely on that energy source. The law explicitly allows government agencies to prioritize electric vehicles for their own fleets when purchasing. This ensures public policies do not discriminate against specific vehicle or device types based on energy use.

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 348 lowers the minimum age for assistant child care teachers in Wisconsin from 17 or 18 to 16 years old, directly affecting licensed child care centers hiring these staff. To qualify, individuals must complete early childhood education training (e.g., two college credits, a department-approved course, or an approved program) within six months. The bill maintains current rules that assistant teachers may only provide sole supervision during specific times (like opening/closing hours or naptime) if a qualified child care teacher is present on-site. It does not change requirements for child care teachers themselves.

Maddy summaryAB 350, introduced on July 8, 2025, by multiple state representatives and senators, aims to establish new regulations for family and group child care centers. It directly affects child care providers operating under these models by setting standards for safety, staffing, and facility requirements. The bill is currently referred to the Committee on Children and Families for further review. As introduced, it focuses on creating specific regulatory frameworks for these centers without detailing exact provisions in the provided context.

Maddy summaryAB 349 would allow certified child care operators to provide care for up to six children, changing the current capacity limit for licensed providers. This directly affects licensed child care facilities operating under state certification. The bill amends regulatory standards to establish six as the new maximum number of children per certified operator. It applies specifically to certified settings and does not alter requirements for unlicensed care.

Maddy summaryAB 218 limits foreign ownership of agricultural land in the state to 50 acres (down from 640 acres), affecting foreign corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trusts with over 25% foreign ownership. It also prohibits foreign entities from owning real property within 10 miles of military installations, with limited exceptions for inheritances, treaty rights, or debt collection. The bill requires entities exceeding these limits to divest or forfeit land within 3 years, and mandates reporting for exceptions. These changes apply to land acquired after the bill’s effective date, not retroactively.

Maddy summaryAB 413 would exempt certain farm owners from needing a campground license when operating small campgrounds on their own agricultural property. Specifically, it applies to farms that use existing agricultural land for limited overnight stays, such as for farm tours or agritourism activities. The key provision removes the requirement for these qualifying farm-based campgrounds to obtain a separate state campground license. This change directly affects small farm operators who currently face licensing costs and administrative hurdles for simple, on-farm camping services.