Rep. Brent Jacobson

Maddy summaryAB 483 requires Wisconsin municipalities and counties to hold voter referendums before imposing or continuing annual vehicle registration fees (commonly called "wheel taxes"). Local governments must propose a specific fee amount for voter approval at a regular election, with majority approval required to implement or continue the fee. Existing fees must be put to a referendum within 18 months of the bill's effective date. The bill directly affects local governments that charge these fees and vehicle owners who pay them.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public school districts to allow military recruiters access to high school common areas and school events during the school day, as mandated by federal law (10 USC 503(c)). It specifically prohibits schools from denying this access based on whether they allow college recruiters or employers, but explicitly states that classrooms during instructional time are excluded. The law applies to all public high schools and takes effect for the 2025-26 school year. It directly affects school districts, which must adjust their policies to comply.

Maddy summaryAB 210 amends Wisconsin's academic scholarship program by changing how high school seniors are selected for "academic excellence" higher education scholarships. It sets a minimum 3.800 grade point average for alternates when multiple seniors tie for top rank, requires schools with 80+ students to designate one top scholar annually, and adds rules for schools that close or merge (allowing prior scholars to retain eligibility). The bill directly affects public, private, and tribal high schools in Wisconsin with 80+ students and their graduating seniors who meet academic criteria. Key provisions clarify selection procedures, tie-breaking rules, and continuity for students at closing schools, without changing scholarship funding amounts.

Maddy summaryAB 236 ensures sexual assault victims who provide a forensic kit receive clear, timely updates about their case. It requires law enforcement to notify victims about kit testing timelines, DNA analysis results, and the kit's destruction date upon request. Victims also get updates if their case status changes (e.g., closed or reopened). The bill directly affects individuals who submit sexual assault kits, improving transparency in how their evidence is handled. It does not change criminal penalties or create new programs, but mandates specific communication protocols for law enforcement.

Maddy summaryAB 419 creates a sales and use tax exemption for ski lifts and related equipment used exclusively to operate them. The bill exempts the purchase price of ski lifts, machines, equipment, accessories, and parts specifically for ski lift operations from state sales and use taxes. This directly affects ski resort operators and businesses that buy or maintain ski lift infrastructure. The exemption applies to the equipment itself, not the lift services or user fees, and takes effect three months after publication. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on modifying tax law to remove this tax burden for qualifying equipment.

Maddy summaryAB 606 regulates hemp-derived cannabinoid products by creating an occupational tax on businesses selling these products, alcohol warehouses, and production facilities. It renames the state's "Division of Alcohol Beverages" to the "Division of Intoxicating Products" and grants this new division rule-making authority to enforce regulations. The bill also establishes penalties for violations of the new rules. This directly affects hemp product businesses, alcohol warehouse operators, and the state agency responsible for oversight.

Maddy summaryAB 426 establishes clear rules for election observer access during voting and recounts. It requires election officials to designate observation areas 3-8 feet from voting tables and ensures all observers (like candidates' representatives) have uniform, nondiscriminatory access to every election stage, including absentee voting, ballot counting, and recounts. Officials who violate these rules face penalties of up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail. The bill directly affects election clerks, inspectors, and canvassers who must implement these procedures.

Maddy summaryAB 678 requires Wisconsin school boards to adopt a policy by July 2026 governing appropriate communication between school employees and volunteers (acting in their official capacity) and students. The policy must cover all communication methods and content, both during and outside school hours, and specify consequences for violations. It directly affects school district staff, volunteers, and students by establishing clear standards for professional interactions. The bill creates a new statutory requirement (120.12(30)) without dictating specific communication rules, leaving implementation to individual school boards.

Maddy summaryAB 447 amends Wisconsin law to clarify when courts must address objections to video testimony in certain civil cases. It removes a specific exception that previously required courts to sustain objections about expert witness testimony via video in cases under Chapters 51 or 55 of the statutes. For all such proceedings - including expert testimony objections - the bill requires courts to apply their discretion under existing rules (s. 885.56) rather than automatically sustaining objections. This change directly affects defendants and respondents in civil matters listed under the statute who may object to remote testimony.

Maddy summaryAB 416 provides Domtar Paper Company, LLC, with a one-time $42 million grant to modernize a dam on the Wisconsin River near its Rothschild mill. The bill requires Domtar to begin the project by December 31, 2026, and repay the full grant if they miss this deadline, sell the Rothschild or Nekoosa mill before completion, or exceed two-thirds of the project cost from all funding sources. Domtar must also invest $100 million in north central Wisconsin manufacturing facilities by 2029 and source all roundwood/wood chips from Wisconsin producers during the project. Failure to meet these conditions triggers repayment of the grant amount.