Rep. Chuck Wichgers

Maddy summaryAB 1006 amends Wisconsin law to create a new definition of "veteran" specifically for state veterans benefits eligibility. It defines a veteran as a current or former National Guard member who completed their initial obligated service term and received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions. This change directly expands eligibility for state veterans benefits to include qualifying National Guard members who previously might not have met the existing definition. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or other eligibility criteria beyond this definition update.

Maddy summaryAJR 138 designates February 2026 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Wisconsin to raise awareness about the value of these programs. It does not create new laws or funding but symbolically recognizes how career and technical education prepares students for jobs, citing that 92% of 2024 Wisconsin Technical College graduates were employed within six months and earned median salaries of $55,636 (for certificates) or $60,030 (for associate degrees). The resolution aims to encourage state residents to learn about CTE opportunities and their role in supporting Wisconsin's workforce. This is a ceremonial designation, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege victory (where British forces withdrew on Saint Patrick's Day) and recognizes Irish Americans' contributions to the Revolutionary War. It specifically highlights figures like General John Sullivan (son of Irish immigrants), eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signatories, and historical connections such as John Dunlap’s printing of the Declaration. The resolution directs the legislature to formally acknowledge these events and send copies to Irish officials, including Senator Mark Daly and the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on policy or constituents.

Maddy summaryAB 1003 modifies Wisconsin law regarding investigations into "immoral conduct" by licensees (such as educators) under the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). It requires DPI to continue an investigation until a licensee permanently surrenders their license and waives appeal rights, and mandates DPI to publicly post the licensee’s name, surrender status, and investigation reason on its website. The bill also requires DPI to provide investigation records within 14 days for open records requests (bypassing standard exemptions) and prohibits agreements that suppress or hide information about confirmed immoral conduct findings. This directly affects licensed professionals under DPI investigation and changes how DPI handles confidentiality, record access, and public transparency during such cases.

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 summaryAB 1054 requires the state Department of Administration to create a public affairs network providing free, unedited live video and audio coverage of state government proceedings. This includes live streaming all public legislative sessions, prioritizing senate/assembly floor sessions, committee meetings, court proceedings, and related events, with permanent online archives maintained. The network must remain strictly nonpartisan, prohibit charging for access to key sessions (like assembly floor sessions), and ban using coverage for campaign purposes. It directly affects how the public accesses government transparency, ensuring free, real-time access to official proceedings without partisan editing or fees.

Maddy summaryAB 1053 ensures that children in out-of-home care (like foster care) retain control over their state or federal benefits. It requires child welfare departments to hold these benefits in protected accounts that won’t reduce other benefits, provide regular financial reports to the child and their legal representatives, and return any remaining funds when the child leaves care. The bill explicitly prohibits using a child’s benefits to cover their care costs. This policy change directly affects children in state custody and their legal representatives, focusing on financial accountability and preserving benefits for the child’s future.

Maddy summaryAB 1078 creates a $5 million biennial grant program for Wisconsin's private nonprofit colleges (specifically those in the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities) to fund new academic programs or public infrastructure projects addressing workforce needs. Institutions must provide matching funds equal to the grant amount and demonstrate a self-sustaining revenue plan after program launch. The program limits any single institution to no more than 10% of total grant funds awarded. The bill establishes this program through new statutory sections and appropriates funds for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years.

Maddy summaryAB 1062 prohibits former members of the Public Service Commission from working for 36 months with investor-owned public utilities or transmission companies in roles involving policy-making, executive decisions, operations management, or government relations. It directly affects former commissioners who seek employment in these specific high-level positions within utility companies. The law applies retroactively to those who left the Commission within the 12 months before the bill's effective date. This restriction aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest by limiting immediate post-Commission employment in regulated utility sectors.