Rep. Pat Snyder

Maddy summaryAB 80 would allow social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors licensed in this state to practice in other states that join the Social Work Licensure Compact without needing separate state licenses. The bill amends existing statutes to align state definitions and requirements with the compact framework, ensuring professionals certified under Chapter 457 can work across participating states. It directly affects licensed social work professionals seeking to practice in multiple states and changes how their credentials are recognized in statutes related to child welfare, mental health, and professional practice. The compact aims to streamline licensure for these professionals while maintaining state-specific standards.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 202 primarily removes residential rental agreements from the scope of the Wisconsin Consumer Act. It changes how certain problematic provisions in residential leases are handled, allowing tenants to elect to void the entire agreement or sever only the voidable clauses, rather than the agreement being automatically void. Such voidable clauses include those that authorize landlords to take action against tenants for contacting law enforcement or health services, or for being a victim of a crime. If a tenant voids the agreement, it converts to a periodic tenancy under similar terms, or if a provision is severed, the rest of the agreement remains in effect. Tenants who suffer financial loss due to these voidable provisions can sue for double damages, costs, and attorney fees, excluding rent payments.

Maddy summaryAB 269 creates "portable benefit accounts" for delivery drivers and transportation network drivers (e.g., app-based food or package delivery workers) who are classified as independent contractors. The bill defines key terms like "application-based driver" and specifies that these workers are not considered employees if companies avoid controlling their schedules or restricting work for other platforms. It also establishes a 10% penalty for workers who misuse funds from these benefit accounts and modifies insurance rules for accident/sickness coverage. The bill grants the Department of Financial Institutions authority to regulate these accounts and related insurance provisions. (Note: This bill was vetoed by the Governor on August 8, 2025.)

Maddy summaryAB 595 updates Wisconsin's voter registration system to better comply with federal voting laws. It requires the Elections Commission to verify U.S. citizenship for all voters by matching registration data with state databases from the Department of Transportation, State Registrar, and Department of Corrections. Municipal clerks must report monthly on voter status changes, including removals due to citizenship issues, and share audit results with election officials. The bill directly affects election administrators, state agencies handling voter data, and voters whose eligibility is verified through these new processes.

Maddy summaryAB 923 creates a civil legal pathway for victims of sexual extortion (defined under statute 942.095) to sue for physical injury, emotional distress, or property loss. It allows victims, their parents/guardians (if minors), or estate representatives (in cases involving suicide linked to the extortion) to file lawsuits regardless of any criminal case outcome. The bill includes strong privacy protections, permitting plaintiffs to use initials instead of full names in court documents and allowing courts to issue orders shielding victims from public disclosure or unnecessary examinations. If successful, plaintiffs can recover damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, attorney fees, and other litigation costs.

Maddy summaryAB 968 would require virtual currency kiosks (machines exchanging cash for digital currency or vice versa) to obtain state licenses, display mandatory fraud warnings, and verify customer identities using government ID and photos. It sets a $500 daily transaction limit, caps fees at 3% or $5 per transaction, and mandates detailed receipts showing all transaction details. The bill directly affects kiosk operators and customers, aiming to prevent fraud through identity checks and clear transaction records. Currently under review in the Financial Institutions committee.

Maddy summaryAB 969 creates a formal drug donation program to redistribute unused medications to eligible patients. It defines key terms like "donor" (including pharmacies, hospitals, and individuals), "eligible patient" (indigent, uninsured, or underinsured individuals), and "recipient" (medical facilities or pharmacies that can receive donations). The bill allows donors to contribute drugs to participating facilities, with recipients permitted to charge a handling fee covering actual costs (e.g., storage, shipping), while prohibiting donations of certain FDA-regulated drugs requiring patient enrollment. This program aims to provide access to medications for underserved patients through a structured, safe, and cost-transparent system.

Maddy summaryAB 759 allows individuals with deferred action under the federal DACA program to obtain state occupational licenses (like nursing or cosmetology credentials) if they have valid federal work permits. It requires state licensing agencies to verify DACA recipients' federal work authorization through official systems before issuing licenses. Licenses issued under this law expire when the federal work permit expires, and recipients must renew both simultaneously. The bill explicitly states it does not grant eligibility for public benefits beyond occupational credentials.

Maddy summaryAB 454 establishes a statewide "workforce home loan" revolving loan program to help low-to-moderate income workers purchase homes. It creates a new fund that will provide loans to first-time homebuyers whose household income is at or below 100% of the local area median income, with requirements including no prior residential property ownership in the past three years and meeting specific debt-to-income and credit score standards (minimum 580 FICO score for deferred payment options). The program uses repayments from existing loans to replenish the fund, allowing it to serve more borrowers over time. This directly affects eligible workforce households in housing markets across the state who qualify under the defined income and underwriting criteria.

Maddy summaryAB 604 would require Wisconsin's Department of Health Services to request a federal Medicaid waiver to provide pre-release medical coverage for incarcerated individuals eligible for Medicaid. It specifically covers case management, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, and a 30-day supply of prescription medications for up to 90 days before release. This bill directly affects incarcerated people who qualify for Medicaid, aiming to improve continuity of care upon reentry. The waiver request must be submitted by January 1, 2027, to allow state and federal reimbursement for these services. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to expand healthcare access during a critical transition period.