Rep. Brent Jacobson

Maddy summaryAB 995 modifies state law governing when administrative rules and emergency rules take effect. It changes the default effective date for administrative rules to the first day of the 7th month after publication (previously 6 months) and extends the maximum duration for emergency rules from 150 to 180 days. These changes directly affect state agencies creating rules and the public subject to those regulations. The bill provides clearer timelines for when rules become enforceable and how long emergency rules may remain in effect without further legislative action.

Maddy summaryAB 977 modifies registration requirements for nonmotorized boats that aren't sailboats. It creates a new rule requiring registration for such boats operated within "vehicle admission areas" (areas requiring vehicle entry fees, like some public parks). The bill also removes specific registration fees for non-sail nonmotorized boats from certain fee calculations. This directly affects recreational boaters using non-sail, nonmotorized boats in designated public water areas with vehicle admission fees.

Maddy summaryAB 978 creates a mandatory hiking permit system for hikers using groomed trails on state-owned land (excluding vehicle admission areas). It requires adults to pay a $20 annual fee, youth aged 12+ pay $10, and children under 12 hike for free, with additional 75-cent processing fees. The bill grants the department rule-making authority to manage permit issuance, agents, and a statewide automated system, while allowing exemptions for activities incidental to other approvals, organized events, or existing trail passes. Fees collected fund the permit system and are managed through specific appropriation accounts.

Maddy summaryAB 994 creates an expedited process for state agencies to repeal outdated regulations they no longer have legal authority to enforce. It defines "restricted agencies" as those inactive for 10+ years or delinquent in required reporting, requiring them to submit reports before proposing new rules. The bill establishes a new petition process where agencies can request the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules to approve rule repeals, bypassing standard rulemaking steps for "unauthorized" rules. This directly affects state agencies managing obsolete regulations, streamlining removal of outdated rules without full legislative review. The change aims to reduce regulatory clutter by making it easier to eliminate rules no longer legally supported.

Maddy summaryAB 980 requires bicyclists to have a permit to ride on state-owned trails (excluding highways and vehicle admission areas), with fees of $40 for adults, $20 for teens 12+, and free for children under 12. It allows temporary receipts for immediate access while processing permanent permits and exempts organized events and existing trail pass holders. The state Department of Natural Resources may issue permits directly or appoint agents, who can collect a 75-cent fee (with 50 cents retained for agent compensation). The bill creates new fee structures and rule-making authority for permit administration on state trails.

Maddy summaryAB 979 requires cross-country skiers to purchase a permit when skiing on state-owned land (excluding vehicle admission areas), with fees set at $40 for adults, $20 for youth 12+, and free for children under 12. Temporary receipts allow immediate access pending full permit issuance, and a 75-cent issuing fee applies to all permits for those 12+. The bill exempts organized events and existing trail pass holders from the permit requirement. It grants the state department rule-making authority to manage permit issuance and includes a funding appropriation for administration.

Maddy summaryAB 981 requires foraging permits for collecting plants or fungi from state-owned land (excluding vehicle admission areas) for food, medicine, or other uses. It sets fees of $40 for adults, $20 for teens 12+ (with $0 for children under 12) and mandates that permit holders carry proof while foraging or possessing collected items. The bill authorizes the department to issue permits directly, through appointed agents, or via contracted third-party systems, and establishes rules for fee collection and permit verification. These changes apply directly to individuals who forage on state lands, creating a regulated system for recreational and personal use.

Maddy summaryAB 993 establishes a process for automatically removing expired state rules from Wisconsin's official rulebook. It requires agencies to conduct economic impact analyses for new rules that could cost businesses, local governments, or individuals over $10 million in implementation and compliance costs over two years, potentially halting rulemaking. The bill includes special provisions for "readopting" existing rules (renewing without changes), requiring agencies to analyze costs and benefits of the original rules instead of new rule costs. This affects state agencies creating rules and businesses, local governments, and individuals impacted by regulatory changes.

Maddy summaryAB 752 makes it a Class H felony to use an absentee ballot drop box, U.S. mail, or commercial carrier while committing election fraud under existing law (s. 12.13). The bill directly affects individuals who attempt to fraudulently submit absentee ballots through these specific methods. Its key provision increases penalties for this type of fraud by classifying it as a felony rather than a lesser offense. The law focuses solely on the method of submission during fraudulent activity, not on the act of voting itself.

Maddy summaryAB 704 increases fees for snowmobile registration and trail use stickers in Wisconsin. It raises the public-use registration fee from $30 to $45 (with a $5 fee for political subdivisions), keeps private-use registration fee-free, and increases trail sticker fees: from $49.25 to $69.25 for exempt snowmobiles, $9.25 to $19.25 for club members meeting specific criteria, and $29.25 to $49.25 for others. The bill directly affects snowmobile owners who register their vehicles or use public trails. Key provisions include standardized fee increases and a reduced rate for members of qualifying snowmobile clubs.