Rep. Ben Franklin

Maddy summaryAB 597 creates a state matching grant program that provides $25 per day per veteran to eligible housing providers who receive federal per diem payments under 38 USC 2012. It directly affects organizations housing veterans who qualify for federal per diem payments, such as veteran service nonprofits or shelters. The program funds up to 365 days per year per veteran, with quarterly payments based on the previous quarter's housing. Grants are limited to $25/day and require annual applications through the state department.

Maddy summaryAB 82 exempts property transfers between grandparents and grandchildren from the real estate transfer fee when done for nominal or no consideration. This change directly affects families transferring homes or land between these relatives, removing a standard fee that typically applies to such transactions. The bill amends statute 77.25(8) to explicitly include "grandparent and grandchild" in the list of exempt relationships, alongside other family transfers like parent-child. It does not alter other fee requirements or create new obligations. The bill was recently laid on the table after committee review.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the life and leadership of Bob Harlan, a longtime Green Bay resident and former president of the Green Bay Packers. It highlights his achievements, including transforming the team into one of the NFL's most successful franchises, winning Super Bowl XXXI, and leading the redevelopment of Lambeau Field. The measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans, including those for government employees and public schools, to cover prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces when deemed medically necessary by a licensed healthcare provider. The law defines prostheses as devices that replace missing limbs and custom orthotic braces as personalized devices that correct or support musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring coverage includes materials, instruction, and repairs under specific circumstances. Coverage must match or exceed federal standards and apply to replacement or repair when medically needed due to changes in the patient's condition or when repair costs exceed 60 percent of replacement costs. The bill also mandates that plans maintain access to at least two in-network providers in the state and requires written explanations for any coverage denials based on medical necessity.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public and private elementary and secondary schools and licensed child care centers with fuel-burning appliances to install carbon monoxide detectors in rooms containing those appliances. The law specifies that detectors must be battery-powered or permanently wired with monitoring for older buildings, while newer buildings must have permanently wired, monitored detectors certified by an independent safety organization. Schools can apply for up to $3,000 grants to purchase and install these detectors, and the Department of Justice will provide annual reports on grant usage. The bill also updates maintenance requirements and allows authorized inspectors to check detector functionality in covered facilities.

Maddy summaryAB 1006 amends Wisconsin law to create a new definition of "veteran" specifically for state veterans benefits eligibility. It defines a veteran as a current or former National Guard member who completed their initial obligated service term and received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions. This change directly expands eligibility for state veterans benefits to include qualifying National Guard members who previously might not have met the existing definition. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or other eligibility criteria beyond this definition update.

Maddy summaryAJR 139 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) reaffirming Wisconsin’s longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan, marking its 40th anniversary in 2026. It supports the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, encourages Wisconsin to explore establishing a representative office in Taiwan to boost trade and cultural exchanges, and backs efforts to advance a U.S.-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement. The resolution highlights Wisconsin’s economic ties with Taiwan, including $380 million in exports to Taiwan in 2023. It does not create new legal obligations but formally expresses legislative support for strengthening Wisconsin-Taiwan relations.

Maddy summaryAB 946 creates a two-year pilot program to provide behavioral health support to high school students in Wisconsin. It allocates $1.5 million annually for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years to give at least 50,000 high school students access to a digital tool offering online mental health resources, peer support, and private sessions with licensed professionals. The tool must be accessible via mobile/web, support English/Spanish, include professional profiles for user choice, and follow a population health model. The program is administered by the Department of Public Instruction and requires contracting with educational service agencies, with the related funding provision set to expire on July 1, 2028.

Maddy summaryAB 963 requires large social media platforms (with $1 billion+ annual revenue) to identify users under 18 and obtain parental permission before collecting their personal data. After a user spends 25 hours on the platform within six months, companies must estimate age with 80% confidence; if uncertain, they must treat the user as a minor. Platforms must then get verifiable parental consent for data collection, including location, browsing history, and biometric information. This bill directly affects minors under 18 in the state and major social media companies operating there, focusing on data handling rather than restricting access to platforms.

Maddy summaryAB 912 amends Wisconsin law to allow audiovisual recordings of children's statements as evidence in court for children aged 12 to 18 (previously 12-16). The bill requires recordings to begin before the child's statement is made and directs courts to consider factors like the child's age and the interests of justice when admitting such evidence. It specifically raises the upper age limit for admissibility from 16 to 18 years old. This change directly affects children involved in legal cases where their recorded statements might be used as evidence. The bill does not alter how recordings are made but adjusts the eligibility criteria and court considerations.