Rep. Mike Bare

Maddy summaryAB 888 creates a new state-funded program providing $1.5 million annually in grants to public or private organizations for training workers in green jobs. Green jobs are defined as roles in renewable energy (like solar/wind) or environmental services that conserve resources or benefit the environment. Organizations receiving grants must provide matching funds, and the Department of Workforce Development will track outcomes like employment rates and wage changes for participants. The funding comes from the state's workforce development budget and requires annual reporting on program impact.

Maddy summaryAB 879 creates grants for cities, towns, nonprofits (501(c)(3) organizations), and tribes to plant and maintain trees in urban areas to reduce "urban heat islands" (warmer city zones). It provides up to $100,000 per project for tree planting, maintenance, and replacement, with no cost-sharing required for recipients. The bill also adds $500,000 in funding for 2025-26 and includes separate grants for tree recovery after storm damage in declared emergency areas. These grants cover full project costs without requiring applicants to pay any portion upfront.

Maddy summaryAB 830 requires the state transportation department to include specific goals in its long-range transportation plan, directly affecting how the department develops statewide infrastructure strategies. The bill mandates inclusion of a vision for low-carbon public transit, transportation electrification, cost-effective charging infrastructure, equitable clean transportation incentives, and solutions for underserved rural, low-income, and minority communities. The department must also submit a report within six months detailing progress on these requirements and future plans for implementation. This legislation sets concrete policy standards for sustainable and equitable transportation planning without specifying funding or enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryAB 829 gives the state superintendent (or their designated representative) the authority to issue subpoenas during investigations into revoking professional licenses. This applies specifically to cases involving license revocation for "incompetency or immoral conduct." The bill allows the superintendent to compel witness testimony or document production using standard subpoena forms, as defined in existing law. It directly affects license holders facing revocation proceedings and individuals or entities required to provide evidence during these investigations. The change streamlines the investigation process by formalizing subpoena power within the superintendent's existing authority.

Maddy summaryAB 815 creates a "blue envelope" program to improve communication between law enforcement and individuals with invisible disabilities during traffic stops. The program provides free blue envelopes containing vehicle registration/insurance copies, safety information for recipients, and interaction guidelines for officers. Eligible individuals (including those covered by the ADA or needing accommodations) can request an envelope by declaring their disability on a form. The state will fund this initiative through general fund appropriations and develop training materials for law enforcement under the program.

Maddy summaryAB 941 allows Wisconsin college and university student identification cards to be used as valid voter identification. It specifically applies to students at state-accredited universities (including the University of Wisconsin System) and technical colleges in the state. The bill requires these IDs to include the issuance date, student signature, and an expiration date no later than two years after issuance. If an ID is expired, voters must prove current enrollment at the institution on the day they vote. The law takes effect for institutions by August 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryAB 917 creates a $150 million First-Time Home Buyer Purchasing Assistance Fund to provide interest-free loans for eligible buyers. It directly affects first-time homebuyers who have never owned a home (or lost one to foreclosure), earn at or below 100% of local median income, complete homebuyer education, and occupy the home as their primary residence. Loans cover up to $35,000 or 10% of the home’s purchase price (whichever is lower) for down payments, closing costs, and other expenses, with 12.5% forgiveness after 2.5 years and full forgiveness after 10 years. Repayment is triggered if the home is sold, stops being the primary residence, or if the borrower violates loan terms. The program is administered by Wisconsin’s Housing and Economic Development Authority.

Maddy summaryAB 942 requires municipalities to mail notice to all residents in an area if a polling place is discontinued after an election. Specifically, the municipal clerk must send this notice by mail at least 30 days before the next election. The bill directly affects voters in communities that change polling locations and ensures they receive timely notification. It modifies existing election procedures to add this mandatory notice requirement after a public hearing process for discontinuing polling places. This is a procedural change focused on improving voter communication, not altering voting rights or eligibility.

Maddy summaryAB 945 reduces the residency requirement for voting in Wisconsin from 28 consecutive days to 10 days before an election. It directly affects voters who move within the state, allowing those who meet the 10-day residency at a new address to vote there instead of their previous location. Key provisions include amending statutes to reflect the shorter residency period for general voting, presidential elections (where voters with less than 10 days' residency can still vote for president only), and military voter extensions. The bill also updates registration forms and affidavits for voters meeting the revised residency threshold.

Maddy summaryAB 950 removes a sales tax exemption that previously applied to beer festivals. The bill specifically states that sales of alcohol, admission tickets, or services at beer festivals - defined as events charging an admission fee with fermented malt beverages from at least 25 different brewers - no longer qualify for the tax exemption available to nonprofit events. This change affects festival sponsors (the organizers holding temporary licenses) who must now collect and remit sales tax on all festival-related sales. The law amends existing tax exemption rules (77.54(7m)(b)) to explicitly exclude beer festivals, while requiring sponsors to notify authorities 15 days before an event.