Rep. Scott Allen

Maddy summaryAB 822 modifies Wisconsin's local roads improvement program for town road projects. It exempts projects under $65,000 from requiring registered engineer certification, sets a minimum 10-year design life for funded improvements (requiring professional review for shorter assessments), and prevents counties from contracting with towns for road work they've already estimated. The bill creates new deadlines for towns to submit applications to county facilitators and establishes committees to review funding requests. These changes directly affect towns seeking road funding, counties managing projects, and county highway commissioners handling contracts.

Maddy summaryAB 180 requires the state Department of Health Services to request a federal waiver from the USDA to prohibit the use of FoodShare benefits (the state's name for SNAP) for purchasing candy or sugary drinks. The bill mandates that if the waiver is granted, candy and sugary drinks would be excluded from eligible items; if denied, the state must reapply annually. This applies directly to FoodShare recipients who currently can use benefits for these items. The bill creates a procedural requirement for the state to seek this change but does not immediately ban the purchases.

Maddy summaryAB 1024 requires food products containing lab-grown milk (defined as milk replicated without mammal harvesting) to be prominently labeled with the phrase "lab-grown milk" in large, contrasting text on packaging. It mandates full ingredient lists and specific labeling for multi-component products. The bill prohibits using lab-grown milk as a milk substitute in restaurants without customer order and restricts its use in state institutions like schools or hospitals without medical authorization. Violations carry fines of $100-$500 for first offenses and up to $1,000 for repeat violations. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryAJR 139 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) reaffirming Wisconsin’s longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan, marking its 40th anniversary in 2026. It supports the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, encourages Wisconsin to explore establishing a representative office in Taiwan to boost trade and cultural exchanges, and backs efforts to advance a U.S.-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement. The resolution highlights Wisconsin’s economic ties with Taiwan, including $380 million in exports to Taiwan in 2023. It does not create new legal obligations but formally expresses legislative support for strengthening Wisconsin-Taiwan relations.

Maddy summaryAJR 140 is a ceremonial joint resolution celebrating Wisconsin athletes competing in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games in Italy. It formally recognizes specific Wisconsin athletes across sports like cross-country skiing, biathlon, wheelchair curling, sled hockey, and speedskating, highlighting their connections to Wisconsin communities. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it simply asks the Wisconsin Legislature to "celebrate" these athletes and "root for their success" as a symbolic gesture. This is purely a commemorative measure with no concrete legislative effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases penalties for individuals convicted of felony crimes targeting church occupants with intent to terrorize or intimidate them. It mandates a minimum one-year prison sentence (with no probation allowed) for such offenses and requires prosecutors to seek court approval before dismissing or amending charges. Additionally, it prohibits deferred prosecution programs for these cases and directs courts to verify the specific intent element during trials. The law applies to any felony where the defendant intended to terrorize two or more people inside a church.

Maddy summaryAJR 127 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the governor from using a partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to restrict the governor's partial veto power specifically regarding tax or fee increases. This change would directly affect the governor's authority when reviewing budget bills containing tax or fee provisions. The amendment is currently moving toward a voter referendum in November 2026, following legislative approval. It does not change current law but would require voter ratification to become effective.

Maddy summaryAJR 129 is a symbolic resolution designating February 6 as "Ronald Reagan Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it urges Wisconsin citizens to recognize this day in observance of Ronald Reagan's birthday (February 6, 1911). The resolution highlights Reagan's roles as a governor, president, and his historical impact, including economic policies and Cold War contributions. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding effect beyond encouraging public acknowledgment of Reagan's legacy.

Maddy summaryAB 840 regulates data centers in the state by requiring specific operational and environmental standards. It mandates that data centers use closed-loop cooling systems (recycling water instead of using fresh water) and report annual water usage to the department. The bill also requires renewable energy facilities serving data centers to be located on-site and prohibits utility customers from paying for data center infrastructure costs. Additionally, operators must provide financial bonds for construction and restore land if projects are abandoned. These provisions directly affect all data center operators and developers in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 915 creates a $400-per-employee tax credit for Wisconsin small businesses (with 1-50 employees) that offer individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRA) to their workers. To qualify, businesses must contribute at least $400 per covered employee annually into the ICHRA, and employees must accept the arrangement. The credit reduces state income tax liability for qualifying businesses, with partnerships and LLCs required to allocate the credit to owners based on ownership shares. This policy directly affects small employers seeking to provide health benefits without traditional group plans, while requiring specific contribution levels to claim the credit.