Rep. Shelia Stubbs

Maddy summaryThis bill makes the Wisconsin additional child and dependent care tax credit refundable, meaning families who owe no state income tax can still receive the credit as a cash payment. It applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2023, and before January 1, 2026, allowing claimants to receive up to 100% of their federal child and dependent care tax credit. If the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's state tax liability, the unused portion is paid directly by the state through the Department of Revenue. The legislation also includes an appropriation to fund these payments and updates related tax credit listings in state statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state minimum wage schedule that gradually increases from $15 per hour in 2026 to $20 per hour by 2030, with slightly lower rates for small employers defined as those with 50 or fewer employees. It also sets specific minimum wage rates for tipped employees, which increase more slowly over the same period. Beginning in 2031, the state department of labor gains authority to adjust the minimum wage annually based on changes in the consumer price index. The bill also grants the department power to create rules for special categories of workers, including agricultural employees, students, and those with disabilities, while exempting certain types of casual employment from minimum wage requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how landlords handle personal property left behind by tenants who move out or are evicted. It allows landlords to presume abandoned property is abandoned unless the tenant provides written notice or agreement stating otherwise, giving landlords discretion to dispose of such items. The bill also limits fees landlords can charge tenants for storage, removal, or disposal of abandoned property, requiring these costs to be set at reasonable rates by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Wisconsin's residential tenancy laws to strengthen protections for tenants facing unsafe living conditions and retaliatory actions by landlords. It requires landlords to provide a rent abatement schedule when repairs for health or safety issues cause tenants to lose full use of their homes, while also clarifying that tenants cannot withhold all rent if they stay in the property. The legislation creates a legal presumption that certain landlord actions, such as rent increases or lease nonrenewals, are retaliatory if they occur within 12 months of a tenant exercising their rights. Additionally, it grants the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection the authority to establish specific rules for calculating rent reductions based on various conditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a pilot program to provide grants to small dairy farms with fewer than 1,000 milking cows, aiming to help them improve operational efficiency and resilience. The program would be funded by a $1.5 million appropriation and administered by the Department of Agriculture, which would have the authority to create rules for managing the grants. Eligible dairy producers could use the funding for projects designed to strengthen their farms against economic or environmental challenges. The legislation creates two new sections in the state statutes to outline the program's structure and funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a legal process for medical aid in dying, allowing mentally capable adults with terminal illnesses and a life expectancy of six months or less to request medication to end their lives. The law requires multiple steps including oral and written requests, confirmation from two medical providers, and thorough counseling about alternatives and risks before a prescription can be issued. It defines key terms such as "qualified individual" and "terminal disease," while also outlining protections against coercion and specifying that providers may decline participation without penalty. The legislation creates a new chapter in state statutes titled the "Our Care, Our Options Act" and includes provisions for penalties related to violations of the process.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies court procedures for eviction cases where landlords and tenants agree to a dismissal agreement that includes conditions for compliance. It requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before a court can cancel a dismissal agreement and reinstate an eviction if the tenant fails to meet the agreed terms. Additionally, the bill mandates that courts hold an evidentiary hearing before entering any unsatisfied portion of the agreement, ensuring both parties have a chance to present evidence. These changes directly affect landlords, tenants, and judges handling eviction cases by adding procedural safeguards to the enforcement of dismissal agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies property tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations that sell homes to low-income buyers. It allows nonprofits to qualify for tax breaks only if they either offer zero-interest loans or restrict sales to households earning less than 120 percent of the area median income. The changes apply to property tax assessments starting January 1, 2026, and affect nonprofits that rehabilitate, redevelop, or construct housing for low-income residents. The legislation removes a previous provision that allowed broader exemptions without income restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Wisconsin's optometry laws to strengthen penalties for optometrists who fail to provide patients with their eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions at no cost. It creates a new provision requiring that all prescriptions include a measurement of the patient's pupillary distance and allows the optometry examining board to impose fines of up to $1,000 for each violation. The changes directly affect optometrists and their patients by ensuring prescription access and establishing clearer standards for disciplinary actions.

Maddy summaryThis bill congratulates the U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team for winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. It specifically recognizes the team's achievements and highlights the contributions of Wisconsin athletes and staff who were part of the squad. The resolution expresses appreciation from the Wisconsin State Legislature to the players, coaches, and support staff for their success. As a ceremonial measure, the bill does not create new laws or policies but serves to honor the team's accomplishment.