Rep. Brent Jacobson

Maddy summaryAB 779 increases the dollar limits for cases heard in Wisconsin's small claims courts. It raises the maximum amount for consumer credit transactions (from $25,000 to $50,000), property recovery cases (from $10,000 to $25,000), personal injury/tort claims (from $5,000 to $25,000), and other civil cases (from $10,000 to $25,000). The bill also establishes automatic adjustments to these limits every five years based on inflation, using the U.S. consumer price index. This change directly affects individuals and small businesses filing claims in small claims court, allowing them to seek higher compensation without moving to a more complex court system.

Maddy summaryAB 798 requires the Department of Transportation (DMV) to ask applicants for driver's licenses or ID cards whether they want to provide contact information for up to three primary caregivers during the application process. If provided, the DMV stores this information securely in the applicant's file. Law enforcement agencies can electronically request and access this caregiver information (along with emergency contacts from another law section) during emergencies, but the DMV cannot share it with anyone else. The bill aims to improve emergency contact access while maintaining privacy protections for applicants.

Maddy summaryAB 795 requires Wisconsin's Department of Public Instruction to create a free online portal where the public can search for license holder information. The portal must include the names of license holders under investigation, the outcome of those investigations (including voluntary license surrender), and the names of individuals whose licenses were revoked. This affects licensed professionals (like educators or healthcare workers) whose records are accessed through the portal, as well as the Department of Public Instruction, which must maintain and update the portal. The bill mandates specific data points be included, such as investigation dates and reasons, without disclosing confidential details during active cases. It does not change investigation procedures but increases public access to existing disciplinary records.

Maddy summaryAJR 1 is a constitutional amendment requiring voters to present valid photo identification to cast a ballot in any election. It directly affects all voters in state elections, specifying that acceptable ID must be issued by the state, federal government, a federally recognized tribal entity, or a college/university in the state. The bill mandates the legislature to define acceptable ID types and establish exceptions, while allowing voters without ID on election day to cast a provisional ballot and submit ID later. This proposal, on second consideration after a 2023 rejection, would be submitted to voters in April 2025 if approved.

Maddy summaryAJR 3 is a symbolic resolution that officially recognizes January 2025 as "Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, highlighting its prevalence across all 72 Wisconsin counties and its impact on vulnerable groups like youth and individuals with disabilities. The resolution aligns with broader state and national efforts to combat trafficking through education and community engagement. As a procedural resolution, it focuses solely on designation and awareness, with no direct policy changes or obligations for state agencies.

Maddy summaryAB 29 allows police to seize (impound) vehicles used in specific traffic violations, such as a second speeding offense exceeding 25 mph over the limit, repeated DUI-related violations, or reckless driving. It directly affects drivers convicted of these offenses, requiring vehicles to be held for 90 days unless released earlier through owner request (if they didn’t operate the vehicle during the violation) or court order. Owners can petition a court for immediate release within 30 days if charges are dismissed or if they prove ownership and lack of consent during the violation. If convicted, courts may adjust the impound period, and drivers must cover law enforcement’s reasonable impoundment costs.

Maddy summaryAB 144 reassigns judicial positions within the state's court of appeals system. It eliminates one judgeship in District IV (reducing its total from 4 to 3 judges) and adds one judgeship to District III (increasing its total from 4 to 5 judges). The change takes effect on August 1, 2026, with the District IV position ending on July 31, 2026, and a new District III judge elected in the spring 2026 election for a 2026-2032 term. This directly affects the court structures in Districts III and IV of the court of appeals.

Maddy summaryAB 46 restricts flag displays on state and local government properties to only the U.S. flag, state flag, POW/MIA flag (recognized by Congress), and military branch flags. It applies to all state agencies and political subdivisions (cities, towns, counties) that own or occupy government buildings. The bill allows exceptions only if the legislature passes a joint resolution with a three-fourths majority vote for state facilities or a local governing body votes with a three-fourths majority for municipal properties. It repeals an existing administrative rule and takes effect January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryAB 170 prohibits the Department of Justice from using legal services from non-governmental employees (such as private lawyers or contractors) for investigating or prosecuting civil or criminal cases. The only exception allows legal interns paid no more than $10,000 annually, even if they are not state or federal employees. This directly affects how the Department of Justice hires legal support for case work. The bill creates a new statute (165.252) to enforce this restriction, with no other exemptions beyond the intern provision. It was introduced in April 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Maddy summaryAB 143 modifies vehicle law to clarify that vehicle owners or renters can be held liable for allowing unlicensed drivers to operate a vehicle, regardless of whether they knew the driver lacked a license. It adds new provisions (343.45(2m) and 343.46(2m)) stating that authorization or rental rules apply without requiring knowledge of the operator's license status. Violations carry fines: up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $10,000 for repeat offenses. The bill directly affects vehicle owners, renters, and businesses that rent vehicles, as they face penalties if unlicensed operators use their vehicles. It does not change licensing requirements for drivers but shifts liability to those who permit unlicensed operation.