Rep. Alex Joers

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of the Public Intervenor within the state insurance commissioner's office to help individuals with insurance claims, policies, and appeals for medical procedures and medications. It establishes rules requiring insurers to process disability insurance claims within reasonable timeframes, provide detailed explanations for claim denials, and disclose when artificial intelligence is used in claim decisions. The office can levy assessments on insurers based on their premium volume to fund its operations and conduct audits of claims denial practices. Additionally, the bill prohibits specific insurer practices such as using vague policy terms, stalling claim reviews, or allowing non-physician personnel to determine medical necessity.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new basic health plan for individuals with household incomes below 200 percent of the poverty line and creates a purchase option program allowing eligible people with higher incomes to buy coverage through the state program instead of private insurance. The program would offer benefits similar to existing state coverage, include tax credits for eligible participants, and set premium rates comparable to managed care plans while requiring federal waivers to implement. It also directs the creation of a state-based insurance exchange where individuals can access these purchase options and grants officials authority to create rules needed for implementation. The bill requires a report on federal waiver status and economic analyses by March 2027 before the program can be fully launched.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans, including those for government employees and public schools, to cover prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces when deemed medically necessary by a licensed healthcare provider. The law defines prostheses as devices that replace missing limbs and custom orthotic braces as personalized devices that correct or support musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring coverage includes materials, instruction, and repairs under specific circumstances. Coverage must match or exceed federal standards and apply to replacement or repair when medically needed due to changes in the patient's condition or when repair costs exceed 60 percent of replacement costs. The bill also mandates that plans maintain access to at least two in-network providers in the state and requires written explanations for any coverage denials based on medical necessity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies and self-insured plans in Wisconsin to cover speech therapy as a treatment for stuttering, including both services that help maintain or improve skills and those that restore lost abilities. The law applies to disability insurance policies and health plans offered by the state, counties, cities, towns, villages, and school districts, ensuring coverage regardless of whether the stuttering is developmental or caused by other factors. Key provisions mandate that covered plans cannot impose annual visit limits, deny coverage based on the cause of stuttering, or require prior authorization for speech therapy services. The bill also includes telehealth options and establishes a process for the state insurance commissioner to seek federal waivers if the new requirements would trigger additional state costs under federal healthcare laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to help Wisconsin municipalities and community organizations earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications for their buildings. The Department of Administration would administer the program, awarding grants specifically for LEED certification costs. The legislation appropriates $1 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year to fund these grants. The bill also establishes the legal framework for the program within state statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Civil Legal Aid overseen by a nine-member Civil Legal Aid Board to provide legal representation for residential tenants facing eviction. The legislation establishes a right to appointed counsel at state expense for tenants in eviction actions, requiring landlords to include notices about this right in rental agreements and eviction notices. A nine-member board, appointed by the state supreme court with at least five being licensed attorneys, would oversee program operations, manage budgets, and appoint lawyers to represent tenants who request assistance. The bill also authorizes funding for the office and sets up procedures for tenants to request appointed counsel by appearing in court or contacting the clerk before the eviction hearing date.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts how Wisconsin calculates and distributes state funding for special education costs and general school aid. It modifies the reimbursement rate for special education expenses, allowing the state to distribute up to 100 percent of eligible costs rather than a lower fixed percentage. The legislation also increases the general school aid appropriation for the 2026-27 fiscal year by approximately $446 million to support public school districts. These changes directly affect school districts and the state Department of Public Instruction by altering how funds are allocated and calculated for educational programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal penalties for intentionally obstructing access to reproductive health service facilities or places of religious worship. It defines prohibited actions as using force, threats, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere with people seeking or providing reproductive health services, or to damage property at these locations. Violations are classified as a Class A misdemeanor for first offenses and a Class I felony for repeat offenses. The law also establishes civil remedies allowing affected individuals or entities to sue for damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees, with the option to receive statutory damages of up to $25,000 per violation. Additionally, the bill modifies existing tort claim limitations to exclude cases covered under this new statute.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wisconsin statutes to clarify how firearm transfers and possession are prohibited under federal law, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse. It reorganizes and updates definitions of "domestic abuse" and "dating relationship" to include individuals with whom the actor has a dating relationship or resides, ensuring broader protection for victims. The legislation also adjusts related criminal statutes to align with these updated definitions, though it failed to pass in the 2026 session.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Wisconsin statutes to allow hospitals, fire stations, emergency medical services stations, and law enforcement agencies to install newborn infant safety devices for surrendering babies. The law defines these devices as wall-mounted units with separate exterior and interior access points and requires them to be monitored 24 hours a day with surveillance cameras. It also permits parents unable to reach a designated surrender location to call 911 for assistance in relinquishing custody of their newborn. The bill establishes specific operational requirements for facilities that choose to use these devices, including regular physical checks and alarm system testing.