Rep. Chuck Wichgers

Maddy summaryAJR 9 is a Wisconsin Assembly Joint Resolution honoring Bob Uecker, the longtime Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster and entertainer, for his 69-year career in baseball. The resolution recognizes his contributions as a broadcaster, actor (including "Mr. Belvedere" and "Major League"), philanthropist, and community figure, citing his 54-year tenure with the Brewers and his cultural impact. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a symbolic tribute passed by the Wisconsin Legislature to memorialize his legacy. The resolution extends condolences to his family and acknowledges his widespread influence on baseball fans and Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 41 prohibits local governments (cities, towns, or counties) from requiring permits or banning vegetable gardens on residential property. It defines a "vegetable garden" as a plot growing edible plants, flowers, or pollinator plants on a homeowner's own land. The bill allows local governments to still enforce zoning, water/fertilizer rules, and weed control as long as those regulations don't specifically target vegetable gardens. This directly affects residents who grow food or flowers in their yards, ensuring they cannot be stopped or charged fees by local authorities for doing so.

Maddy summaryAB 46 restricts flag displays on state and local government properties to only the U.S. flag, state flag, POW/MIA flag (recognized by Congress), and military branch flags. It applies to all state agencies and political subdivisions (cities, towns, counties) that own or occupy government buildings. The bill allows exceptions only if the legislature passes a joint resolution with a three-fourths majority vote for state facilities or a local governing body votes with a three-fourths majority for municipal properties. It repeals an existing administrative rule and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryAB 55 modifies firearm possession rules on school grounds for licensed school employees and adjusts concealed carry license fees. It repeals restrictions preventing school employees from carrying concealed weapons and creates an exemption: licensed teachers may carry on school grounds if their school (public, charter, private, or tribal) has adopted a policy permitting it. The bill also sets a new $37 fee for initial concealed carry licenses (covering administrative costs) and a $12 renewal fee. These changes directly affect licensed school staff seeking to carry firearms on campus under approved school policies.

Maddy summaryAB 122 extends the deadline for military-connected families to apply for school residency changes under open enrollment. It changes the requirement from submitting applications within 30 days of military orders to 90 days after the orders are issued. This applies specifically to students whose families relocate due to active-duty military orders from any U.S. armed force, reserve component, state defense force, or National Guard. The bill directly affects military families seeking school enrollment in new districts following a permanent relocation ordered by military command. The change aims to provide more time for families to complete necessary paperwork during relocation transitions.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 84 establishes a new "prostitution crime surcharge" for individuals convicted of or placed on probation for certain prostitution-related offenses. If passed, courts would be required to impose a $5,000 surcharge in these cases. Funds collected from this surcharge would be divided equally: half would support treatment and services for sex-trafficking victims, and the other half would fund criminal investigative operations and law enforcement efforts against Internet crimes against children.

Maddy summaryAB 88 addresses civil actions and law enforcement responses related to riot and vandalism activities. The bill prohibits government officials from limiting or restricting law enforcement's authority to arrest individuals or quell such disturbances. It also creates a new civil cause of action, allowing individuals who suffer injury or property damage from riot or vandalism to sue those who committed the acts or provided material support. Victims may seek compensatory damages, an order for property repair, and legal fees, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. The bill also defines "rioting" and "incite" for these purposes.

Maddy summaryAB 247 requires local governments to reduce building permit fees for certain home improvements benefiting disabled veterans. Political subdivisions must lower these fees by 75% or $500, whichever is less. This reduction applies when the permit is for improvements to a disabled veteran's primary residence that are necessary to accommodate their disability. The residence must be owned by the veteran or their caretaker, and local governments may request proof of eligibility.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 12 grants "state agency status" to physician assistants and advanced practice nurse prescribers who volunteer their services. This status applies when they provide uncompensated healthcare services for local health departments or school districts. For local health departments, this covers services requiring medical oversight, and for schools, it includes immunization programs. By gaining state agency status, these providers would be considered agents of the Department of Health Services for specific legal protections, such as representation by the attorney general, provided they adhere to state protocols.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 11 mandates that hospitals must obtain written informed consent from a patient before a pelvic examination is performed solely for educational purposes while the patient is under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious. This bill creates a new statute requiring hospitals to ensure this consent is secured. Additionally, it directs hospitals to establish and maintain written policies and procedures that enforce this requirement for educational pelvic exams on unconscious patients.