Rep. Chuck Wichgers

Maddy summaryAJR 8 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the governor's partial veto power on budget bills. It would prevent the governor from rejecting small parts of a bill (like single words or sentences) and require that any vetoed section must be a complete, standalone law that can function independently. The bill specifically targets appropriation bills, restricting the governor to vetoing entire sections that are capable of separate enactment. This is a proposed constitutional change, not a law, and would need voter approval to take effect. The amendment aims to reduce the governor's ability to alter budget bills through partial vetoes.

Maddy summaryAB 71 changes how school districts in Wisconsin can seek voter approval to exceed their standard operating budget limits. It requires school boards to adopt a resolution specifying whether excess funds are for recurring (ongoing) or nonrecurring (one-time) purposes, and limits such resolutions to four years. Voters must approve these requests via referendum, with ballots clearly stating the amount for nonrecurring uses. Crucially, if approved for recurring purposes, the excess amount becomes part of the next year's budget base; for nonrecurring purposes, it does not affect future budget limits. This bill directly affects school districts seeking to fund additional programs beyond their regular budget without voter approval.

Maddy summaryAB 118 creates a state-funded pilot program to help farmers transition to managed grazing systems, allocating $500,000 annually from the environmental fund. The program provides grants covering technical assistance, infrastructure (like fencing and water systems), and incentives during the first three years of implementing new or improved grazing practices on marginal lands (e.g., flood-prone or steep areas). Grants are limited to $40,000 per farmer, with payments phased over three years (75% upfront, then 12.5% each subsequent year). The bill directly affects farmers adopting forage-based managed grazing and requires the Department of Agriculture to support this transition through a new staff position. It does not fund existing grazing systems, focusing only on new implementations or enhancements that improve conservation and financial outcomes.

Maddy summaryAB 298 creates grants for technical colleges to develop and share digital maps of their buildings with local law enforcement. It requires these "interactive critical mapping data" systems to include specific details like building numbers, floors, and room locations - without needing additional software purchases by first responders. The grants, administered by the Office of School Safety, aim to improve emergency response coordination during incidents. This directly affects technical colleges (via district boards) and law enforcement agencies that receive the mapping data.

Maddy summaryAB 27 expands eligibility for state veterans' benefits to include individuals who served in Laos supporting U.S. forces during the Vietnam War and were naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000. The bill updates state statutes to define these veterans as qualifying for property tax exemptions (under 36.27) and other benefit programs (under 38.24 and 45.01). It specifically adds them to eligibility criteria for benefits previously limited to other veteran categories. This change directly affects Hmong veterans residing in the state who meet the federal naturalization requirements. The bill passed committee unanimously and is now pending in the Rules committee.

Maddy summaryAB 107 establishes a legal process for nonprofit cooperative health care associations (organized under §185.981) to convert into service insurance corporations. It requires the cooperative’s board to create a detailed conversion plan (including reasons, terms, and new name), which must be approved by the state insurance commissioner before member voting. If approved by both the commissioner and members, the cooperative files articles of conversion with the Department of Financial Institutions, becoming a new service insurance corporation that inherits all assets and obligations. This bill directly affects health care co-ops seeking to operate under a different corporate structure, with no financial compensation allowed for conversion-related work beyond regular salaries.

Maddy summaryAB 26 corrects a misleading title and focuses on background check procedures, not juror protection. The bill requires agencies (like child welfare departments) to verify final court dispositions for certain serious crimes within 5 years by contacting courts, if background checks indicate potential violations. It specifically targets offenses including battery (e.g., sections 940.20, 940.202) and threats listed in statutes. This affects agencies conducting background checks for employment or services, ensuring they confirm pending or recent convictions before making decisions.

Maddy summaryAB 233 amends Wisconsin law to expand funding for child advocacy centers by adding two new recipients: the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center in Sheboygan County and a statewide "Child Advocacy Centers of Wisconsin" entity. It authorizes $17,000 annually per center for education, training, and quality assurance activities related to child maltreatment response. The bill directly affects existing centers (like those in Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine Counties) and the newly added entities by securing their grant funding from the Department of Justice’s existing appropriation. The policy change specifies concrete funding recipients and mechanisms without altering eligibility criteria for current centers.

Maddy summaryAB 108 requires the Public Service Commission to conduct a study identifying potential sites for nuclear power and fusion energy facilities, including advanced reactors, by a specific deadline. It also mandates that the Commission must make a final decision on applications for large nuclear facilities within 150 days of the application being deemed complete, or automatically approve the project. This directly affects applicants seeking permits for advanced nuclear power plants and the Commission's approval process. The bill aims to streamline approvals for new nuclear energy projects while establishing a formal study to identify suitable locations.

Maddy summaryAB 83 prohibits state and local governments from restricting the sale or use of motor vehicles based on their energy source (e.g., gasoline, electric, or hydrogen). It also extends this rule to other energy-powered devices, such as power tools or generators, if their significant functions rely on that energy source. The law explicitly allows government agencies to prioritize electric vehicles for their own fleets when purchasing. This ensures public policies do not discriminate against specific vehicle or device types based on energy use.