Rep. Mike Bare

Maddy summaryAB 64 creates a state income tax subtraction for eligible K-12 teachers who pay out-of-pocket for classroom supplies and materials. It allows teachers to subtract up to $300 annually from their taxable income for expenses covered under federal tax code (26 USC 62(a)(2)(D)), using the federal definition of "eligible educator." This provision directly affects teachers who incur these costs, reducing their state tax burden without requiring them to itemize deductions. The bill mirrors a federal tax break but applies specifically to Wisconsin's income tax system. The law would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryAJR 107 is a symbolic joint resolution designating November 2025 as "Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month" in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin veterans by raising public awareness of their elevated mental health challenges and suicide rates, citing that 134 veterans died by suicide in Wisconsin in 2023 (15% of all adult suicides despite veterans comprising only 5% of the adult population). The resolution does not create new programs or funding but aims to highlight existing resources like the Wisconsin Veterans Crisis Line and honor veterans' service. It was introduced by multiple legislators and cosponsored by numerous senators, reflecting legislative recognition of veteran mental health as a priority.

Maddy summaryAB 588 establishes a statutory right to contraception in Wisconsin, protecting patients' access to FDA-approved contraceptive methods and providers' ability to offer them. The bill prohibits state or local governments from implementing laws that restrict access to FDA-approved contraceptives (like pills, IUDs, or condoms), single out contraceptive services, or make it harder to obtain them. It allows individuals, providers, or the Attorney General to sue if this right is violated, with courts able to block restrictive policies and award legal fees. The law specifically does not affect insurance coverage requirements for contraception. It directly affects all patients seeking contraception and healthcare providers offering these services.

Maddy summaryAB 636 requires private postsecondary schools (proprietary schools) in Wisconsin to include veteran enrollment data in their existing quarterly reports to the state department. These schools must report how many veterans are enrolled, alongside other details like total enrollment, graduates, and employment rates. The bill amends current reporting rules to specifically add veteran enrollment as a required data point, without creating new funding or penalties. This affects all private colleges operating in Wisconsin that are subject to state approval and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 568 requires most health insurance plans and self-insured employer health coverage to cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services (like egg freezing before cancer treatment). It mandates coverage for at least four egg retrieval procedures and unlimited embryo transfers per American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines, with no extra costs or restrictions compared to other medical treatments. The bill directly affects health insurers, self-insured employers (including government entities), and people seeking infertility care or fertility preservation. It prohibits plans from imposing unique cost-sharing, waiting periods, or exclusions specifically for infertility services. The law applies to disability insurance policies and self-insured plans, excluding certain health benefit plans under existing statutes.

Maddy summaryAB 628 allows renters who are veterans or surviving spouses to claim the property tax credit previously only available to homeowners. It amends state law to define "rent constituting property taxes" and lets eligible renters deduct their rent payments toward this credit when filing taxes. The credit can offset income tax liability, with unused portions paid directly by the state. This change applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026, and directly affects qualifying renters in Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 498 provides $1 million in biennial funding to help licensed child care centers purchase and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill creates a grant program administered by the Department of Children and Families, allowing centers to apply for funding to cover AED costs. To qualify, centers must contribute at least 33% of the grant amount in matching funds. This policy directly affects licensed child care centers by making AEDs more accessible for emergency cardiac care.

Maddy summaryAB 386 creates a $30 million agricultural purchase program to fund grants for organizations buying food made or grown in the state. It directly affects nonprofit food banks, pantries, and local food distributors that provide food assistance, allowing them to use these grants to purchase state-grown products. The program is administered by the Department of Agriculture, which will also add two new staff positions (program specialist and grants specialist) funded by this appropriation. The bill establishes a continuing appropriation under statute 20.115 and outlines specific grant eligibility under new statute 93.62.

Maddy summaryAB 436 requires animal testing facilities and breeders to offer dogs and cats for adoption to shelters or rescue groups before euthanizing them, if the animals don't pose health/safety risks. Facilities must provide a 3-week window for adoption offers and submit annual reports tracking adoption numbers, animals used in testing, and shelter partners. This directly affects animal testing facilities (including research labs) and breeders who sell animals to such facilities. Violations carry a $5,000 penalty per animal, with no state liability for compliance actions.

Maddy summaryAB 367 exempts minor league baseball players covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) from standard labor laws requiring minimum wage, overtime pay, and detailed recordkeeping. Specifically, it creates new exemptions in state labor statutes for players whose CBAs explicitly define their wages and working conditions. Employers are no longer required to track these players' hours or maintain standard payroll records. The bill applies only to players under such CBAs, not to all minor league athletes. This is a procedural change to labor law exemptions, not a new pay standard.