Rep. Brent Jacobson

Maddy summaryAB 669 revises higher education program definitions and requirements in Wisconsin, focusing on how "disadvantaged" students are identified and supported. It prohibits the use of race, ethnicity, gender, or group identity in defining "disadvantaged" students, requiring that eligibility be based solely on economic, familial, geographic, or personal hardship. The bill updates existing programs like graduate aid grants (e.g., "Ben R. Lawton grants") and retention plans to operate without race-based considerations, while maintaining reporting requirements for financial aid distribution by student demographics. It affects public universities, technical colleges, and students applying for state-funded aid programs.

Maddy summaryAB 443 increases the maximum fee municipal courts can collect for most cases from $38 to $48 per matter, such as traffic violations or other non-traffic offenses. The bill affects municipal courts directly, as they collect these fees for cases not excluded (like certain traffic violations under specific statutes). For each fee collected, $5 goes to the state general fund, while the remainder stays with the municipality. This change applies to all court actions in municipal courts except for financial responsibility violations or certain ordinance violations. The bill does not alter the minimum fee ($15) or the fee structure for excluded cases.

Maddy summaryAB 89 addresses theft crimes and their associated penalties. The bill text includes an amendment that removes the phrase "in a 6-month period" from two specific lines within the bill. This change modifies the criteria for certain theft crimes by eliminating a previously defined 6-month time constraint. This adjustment impacts individuals accused of theft and the legal process for prosecuting these offenses.

Maddy summaryAB 666 creates penalties for individuals who fraudulently claim ownership of another person's unclaimed property without consent. It imposes civil penalties equal to the full value of the property (plus $1,000-$2,500 for non-compliant claims) and criminal penalties of a Class I felony for intentional fraud. The bill requires the state administrator to publicly post names and penalty amounts of offenders online for 12 months. This directly affects claimants who file false claims, not property owners or administrators.

Maddy summaryAB 61 increases penalties for harming police or fire department animals used in official duties. It creates three penalty tiers: a Class A misdemeanor for negligent harm, a Class I H felony for intentional injury, and a Class H G felony for intentional killing. The law applies specifically to animals working for law enforcement or fire departments during their duties. Penalties depend on the perpetrator's intent (intentional vs. negligent) and the outcome (injury vs. death). This bill, enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 28, directly affects individuals who intentionally or negligently injure or kill such animals.

Maddy summaryAB 45 ratifies Wisconsin's participation in the Dietitian Licensure Compact, enabling dietitians licensed in other participating states to practice in Wisconsin with minimal additional requirements. The bill creates a Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission and updates statutes to recognize "compact privilege" as a valid credential for dietitians. Key provisions allow dietitians to practice across state lines without full re-licensing, streamline verification of training hours, and adjust fee structures for compact-related credentials. This directly affects dietitians seeking to practice in Wisconsin while holding a license from another compact state.

Maddy summaryAB 677 creates a new criminal offense for "grooming a child for sexual activity," defined as manipulating a child to facilitate sexual abuse. This law directly affects individuals convicted of such grooming behavior, adding it as a punishable offense under Wisconsin statutes like 948.02 (sexual exploitation of a child) and 948.072 (grooming). Key provisions amend multiple laws to include grooming as a disqualifying factor for home placements, licensing for childcare, and reporting requirements, while defining it as a "serious crime" for entities serving minors. The bill does not change existing penalties for actual sexual abuse but establishes grooming itself as a distinct criminal violation with specific legal consequences.

Maddy summaryAJR 96 is a symbolic resolution designating October 2025 and October 2026 as "Breast Cancer Awareness Months" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations; it is a ceremonial proclamation to promote public awareness of breast cancer. The resolution cites Wisconsin-specific breast cancer statistics and screening recommendations to justify the designation. As a procedural joint resolution, it has no direct policy impact but serves to highlight this public health issue.

Maddy summaryAJR 97 designates October 2025 as "Careers in Construction Month" in Wisconsin. The resolution highlights construction as a major industry employing nearly 6% of Wisconsin's workforce and emphasizes career pathways through apprenticeships without student debt. It encourages employers, schools, and communities to host job fairs and events during that month to promote construction careers. The bill does not create new laws or affect specific individuals - it is a symbolic recognition of the industry’s role in building homes, schools, and infrastructure.

Maddy summaryAB 424 clarifies key terms in Wisconsin's mobile and manufactured home rental laws. It defines "community" as land with 3+ rental plots (excluding farms), specifies "operator" as the business renting sites, and clarifies "resident" as someone occupying a home as their primary residence. These changes help ensure consistent application of existing rental rules for mobile home renters and community operators. The bill does not create new requirements but refines legal terminology to improve clarity.