Rep. Scott Allen

Maddy summaryAB 216 reduces the real estate transfer fee from 30 to 20 cents per $100 of property value for all transactions. It changes fee distribution so 50% remains with counties and 50% goes to the state, with 46% of state funds allocated to county land information systems through new grant formulas. The bill also requires counties to establish free property monitoring systems for residents tracking changes to their properties, with no fees charged for this service. These changes directly affect all real estate buyers/sellers and county governments managing land records.

Maddy summaryAB 183 creates new standard tax classification codes (7213 for "Linen supply" and 7218 for "Industrial launderers") to clarify which businesses qualify for manufacturing and agriculture tax credits. It specifically adds qualifying laundry services to these tax credits, including uniforms, linens, workwear, and cleaning supplies sold to commercial, industrial, or government clients. The changes apply to property tax exemptions starting January 1, 2025, and tax credit claims for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025. This bill directly affects industrial laundry businesses that provide these services to commercial or government entities.

Maddy summaryThis Wisconsin joint resolution (AJR 101) honors Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent advocate for liberty, following his assassination. It recognizes his work promoting "faith, liberty, and truth," his role as a devoted family man, and his impact on inspiring young Americans. The resolution includes three key parts: honoring his life and legacy, commending his memory to future generations, and joining in prayer for his family and the nation. As a symbolic tribute with no policy changes or funding, it does not affect laws or individuals.

Maddy summaryAB 455 establishes a grant program to reimburse owners of multifamily housing for costs incurred when converting properties to condominiums. The program covers specific expenses like attorney fees, permitting costs, and other project-related fees. Grants are limited to $50,000 per property and a total of $10 million from the existing Main Street Housing Rehabilitation Fund. The bill requires detailed reporting on each grant awarded, including recipient information, project descriptions, and location. This directly affects multifamily housing owners seeking to convert their properties to condominiums.

Maddy summaryAB 30 prohibits foreign adversaries (defined as foreign governments or entities deemed a threat to U.S. security by the federal Commerce Secretary) from acquiring, owning, or holding any agricultural or forestry land in the state. It also imposes a 640-acre ownership limit for non-resident aliens, foreign corporations, and certain entities with foreign ownership. Owners exceeding these limits must divest the excess land within four years or forfeit it to the state. The bill directly affects foreign governments/entities designated as adversaries and current landowners who violate the ownership limits. It creates new enforcement mechanisms but does not apply to land acquired before July 1, 1982.

Maddy summaryAJR 106 is a non-binding resolution honoring the 200th anniversary of Norwegian immigration to the United States, specifically commemorating the 1825 voyage of the sloop *Restauration* from Norway to New York. It formally recognizes the arrival of the first organized group of Norwegian immigrants and their descendants, particularly highlighting Wisconsin's historical connection as home to approximately 25% of Norwegian Americans by 1900. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups; it is purely commemorative, aligning with the 2025 bicentennial of the *Restauration*'s journey.

Maddy summaryAB 556 requires most state executive agencies to submit biennial budget requests using zero-based budgeting starting in 2027. This means agencies must justify each program's funding needs from scratch, not just build on previous budgets, and analyze whether each appropriation met its intended goal. The bill mandates that 20% of agencies use this method each biennium, with every agency required to submit at least one zero-based budget every five years. Agencies must also publicly post these reports on their websites.

Maddy summaryAB 380 requires judges facing allegations of misconduct or permanent disability to be suspended without pay during disciplinary proceedings. It amends statutes to mandate that both final suspensions imposed by the Supreme Court for misconduct and temporary suspensions pending investigations must be without pay. The bill directly affects judges under investigation by the Judicial Commission or facing formal complaints. This policy change clarifies that judges cannot receive salary during these disciplinary processes, applying to all cases involving alleged misconduct or disability.

Maddy summaryAB 560 prohibits municipalities from using physical drop boxes or other physical receptacles to collect voted absentee ballots in any election. Instead, the bill requires all absentee ballots to be returned exclusively by mail. This directly affects local governments that currently operate drop boxes for voter convenience. The law would eliminate a common method for returning absentee ballots, requiring voters to mail their completed ballots instead.

Maddy summaryAB 630 requires sex offenders on parole or extended supervision who cannot provide a stable address to notify the state department within 24 hours of losing that ability. If they cannot provide an address, the state department must use passive positioning tracking (like GPS) to monitor their location. This applies specifically to individuals under supervision who are unable to meet standard address reporting requirements under existing law. The bill updates registration rules to ensure continuous oversight when address information is unavailable.