Rep. Chuck Wichgers

Maddy summaryAB 74 requires Wisconsin public, private, and charter schools to notify parents or guardians within 24 hours if they receive a report alleging specific misconduct: sexual misconduct by a staff member, a convicted sex offender working with children, or a sex offender photographing a minor without consent. Schools must deliver notice by phone or in person, with deadlines of 5 p.m. the same day (if reported before school ends) or noon the next day. The law excludes reports involving the student’s parent or guardian and applies to all schools covered under Wisconsin education statutes. This is a direct notification requirement, not an investigation mandate.

Maddy summaryAB 302 amends Wisconsin statute 347.25(3) to allow funeral procession vehicles to use flashing amber or purple lights exclusively during processions. The law permits the lead vehicle in a procession to display such lights, or requires all vehicles in the procession to have them if any vehicle uses them. This change directly affects funeral homes, drivers, and vehicles participating in formal funeral processions by standardizing permissible lighting for visibility and safety during these events.

Maddy summaryAB 201 modifies Wisconsin law to require sex offender registration for individuals convicted of sexual extortion or certain related offenses. It directs courts to mandate registration under Wisconsin Statute 301.45 if the underlying conduct was "sexually motivated" (as defined in Statute 980.01(5)), including violations of statutes related to sexual extortion (e.g., 942.09, 942.095). The bill affects offenders convicted of sexual extortion or sexually motivated crimes under Chapters 940, 942, 943, 944, or 948. Courts may later release individuals from registration if they meet conditions set by the court. This is a policy change to expand registration requirements for specific sexual offenses, not a new criminal penalty.

Maddy summaryAB 149 (Wisconsin Act 47) requires political parties in Wisconsin to formally nominate presidential electors when they lack a primary candidate for state legislative offices or state officers. Specifically, if a party has no nominee for the state Senate, Assembly, or state officer by October 1st before a presidential election, the party chair must nominate one elector per congressional district and two statewide electors. This replaces the previous requirement for a party convention in such cases and mandates written certification of nominees to the election commission. The bill directly affects Wisconsin political parties that fail to secure primary candidates for state offices in presidential election years.

Maddy summaryAB 65, now Wisconsin Act 44, makes it a Class F felony to intentionally enter a place without the owner's consent when intending to commit battery (as defined in Wisconsin law), theft, or another felony. This law directly affects individuals who unlawfully enter premises with such criminal intent. The key provision increases penalties for entering buildings or properties without permission to commit specific offenses, raising the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony. The bill does not change existing battery or theft laws but specifically targets unlawful entry with those intentions. This law took effect on November 1, 2025, after Governor approval on October 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 75 (now Wisconsin Act 45) requires the Wisconsin Department of Justice to collect and report criminal case data using an interactive dashboard that excludes personally identifiable information about defendants. The bill amends existing requirements by replacing terms like "charging recommendation" with "arrest charge" and mandates the dashboard be available by January 1, 2026. It directly affects the Department of Justice’s data collection processes and ensures transparency while protecting defendant privacy. The law was enacted after Governor approval on October 31, 2025.

Maddy summaryAJR 99 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 14, 2025, as "First Responders Appreciation Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors all professional and volunteer first responders, including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. The resolution acknowledges their daily risks and service to the public, specifically noting Wisconsin's over 4,800 career firefighters, 20,600 volunteer firefighters, 14,700 law enforcement officers, and 17,426 EMS personnel. This is a non-binding gesture of appreciation with no direct impact on legislation or funding.

Maddy summaryAJR 59 is a ceremonial resolution proclaiming June as Dairy Month in Wisconsin. It recognizes the state's long-standing dairy heritage, including its role as a national leader in dairy production since the 1800s, the $45.6 billion annual economic contribution of the industry, and the work of over 6,000 dairy farms. The resolution does not create new laws or regulations but formally honors Wisconsin's dairy farmers and industry as a key part of the state's identity. It directly affects Wisconsin residents by highlighting the industry's historical and economic significance during June. This resolution was passed by the legislature in June 2025.

Maddy summaryAJR 50 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025. It formally celebrates the Army's history of service and sacrifice since its founding in 1775, highlighting its role in defending the nation. The resolution specifically acknowledges Wisconsin's connection to the Army, including over 10,000 soldiers and civilians stationed in the state and Fort McCoy's economic impact. As a symbolic gesture with no policy changes, it does not affect any laws or groups beyond expressing legislative appreciation.

Maddy summaryAJR 48 is a ceremonial resolution designating May 14 annually as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin. It honors Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, particularly those recruited by the CIA and U.S. military, and recognizes their post-war displacement and resettlement in Wisconsin. The resolution builds on 2021 Wisconsin Act 31, which already established May 14 as a day to thank these veterans, and encourages schools to include their service in Vietnam War education. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy changes and serves solely to recognize their contributions.