Rep. Duke Tucker

Maddy summaryAB 591 modifies Wisconsin's fee remission program for veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System or technical colleges. It removes outdated provisions (like sections 36.27 (3n) (bm) 2. and 39.50 (3m)) and clarifies that the state will reimburse institutions for waived tuition and fees, with proration if funds are insufficient. This directly affects veterans and dependents who qualify for fee waivers, ensuring they receive proportional reimbursement when state funds fall short. The changes take effect for students enrolled in Fall 2026.

Maddy summaryAB 584 creates a property tax exemption for prefabricated recreational structures (like temporary RVs or camping trailers) used primarily for recreation, camping, or seasonal living when located in licensed campgrounds on land not owned by the structure's owner. This exemption applies to property tax assessments starting January 1, 2026, and specifically excludes these structures from taxation under the new definition in statute 70.11(49). Local governments that would have collected taxes on these structures will be reimbursed by the state department of administration for the 2025 assessment year, with payments made annually by July 1. The bill directly affects owners of such recreational structures and local taxing jurisdictions that manage campground properties.

Maddy summaryAB 173 regulates pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) by requiring them to disclose formulary details and drug costs to health plans and patients before enrollment. It prohibits PBMs or insurers from penalizing patients for choosing specific pharmacies within a network or charging different fees for the same pharmacy services. The bill also mandates advance written notice (at least 90 days) to patients when drugs are removed from formularies or moved to higher-cost tiers, including exception request procedures. These changes directly affect PBMs, health insurance plans, and patients covered by those plans, aiming to increase transparency and choice in prescription drug coverage.

Maddy summaryAB 521 simplifies the process for sign owners to remove vegetation obstructing highway advertising signs. It defines a "viewing window" as a 500-foot zone along the highway where signs must remain visible, and creates a streamlined permit system for trimming or removing obstructing vegetation within this area. Existing sign owners with permits issued since 2012 can now maintain signs without new approvals (after notifying the department 15 days in advance), while new applicants must follow a 60-day permit review process. The bill also requires sign owners to remove stumps and dispose of all vegetation removed, and to compensate the department for trees (2+ inches in diameter) removed from designated "living snow fences."

Maddy summaryAB 208 creates tax exemptions for income and franchise taxes related to broadband expansion funding. It directly affects internet service providers, telecom companies, and community organizations receiving grants or federal high-cost program funds for building broadband infrastructure in the state. The bill exempts from taxation: (1) state/local/tribal/federal grants for broadband expansion, and (2) federal high-cost program funding under 47 USC 254. These exemptions apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and prevent double-counting with other existing tax provisions.

Maddy summaryAB 610 creates a temporary sales and use tax exemption for firearms, bows/arrows for archery, crossbows, and ammunition sold exclusively on July 4 and during the third week of December. This exemption applies directly to retailers selling these items during those specific dates and to consumers purchasing them, removing the standard sales tax liability for these transactions. The bill adds a new provision (77.54(76)) to the tax code, explicitly listing the covered items and timeframes. It does not change year-round tax treatment but provides a limited, annual exemption for these products during the designated periods.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public school districts to allow military recruiters access to high school common areas and school events during the school day, as mandated by federal law (10 USC 503(c)). It specifically prohibits schools from denying this access based on whether they allow college recruiters or employers, but explicitly states that classrooms during instructional time are excluded. The law applies to all public high schools and takes effect for the 2025-26 school year. It directly affects school districts, which must adjust their policies to comply.

Maddy summaryAB 606 regulates hemp-derived cannabinoid products by creating an occupational tax on businesses selling these products, alcohol warehouses, and production facilities. It renames the state's "Division of Alcohol Beverages" to the "Division of Intoxicating Products" and grants this new division rule-making authority to enforce regulations. The bill also establishes penalties for violations of the new rules. This directly affects hemp product businesses, alcohol warehouse operators, and the state agency responsible for oversight.

Maddy summaryAB 635 requires the state environmental department to notify county health departments, tribal health departments, and county land conservation departments within 7 business days whenever groundwater protection standards or PFAS standards are exceeded. The bill creates a formal notification system to alert affected local governments and adjacent counties that might face negative impacts, with notices available for public review under state law. This law directly affects local health and land management agencies in counties where water contamination breaches are confirmed, ensuring timely public awareness of groundwater safety issues.

Maddy summaryAB 665 allows Wisconsin taxpayers who don't itemize federal tax deductions to subtract up to $1,000 (or $2,000 for married couples filing jointly) of cash, check, or credit card charitable donations from their state taxable income. It applies only to donations to IRS-qualified charities (excluding donor-advised funds) and takes effect for 2026 tax years. The bill excludes contributions to donor-advised funds and adjusts the subtraction for taxpayers who move into or out of Wisconsin during the year. This policy change directly affects non-itemizing Wisconsin residents making qualifying charitable gifts.