Rep. Ben Franklin

Maddy summaryAB 965 prohibits operators of AI chatbots designed to simulate ongoing, humanlike relationships with children (under 18 in the state) from making them available without specific safety measures. The bill requires these "companion chatbots" to avoid encouraging self-harm, illegal activity, sexual content, or prioritizing a child’s feelings over safety, while excluding standard customer service tools. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $25,000 per day or private lawsuits by affected children or parents for damages. The law takes effect after January 1, 2027, with a transition period for operators unaware a user is a child.

Maddy summaryAB 817 increases the state reimbursement for certified veteran organizations providing military funeral honors from $50 to $100 per funeral. It directly affects local veteran groups certified by the department to perform these honors. The bill amends statute 45.60(2) to allow this higher reimbursement amount from a specific state fund, covering costs incurred by these organizations. The change applies to all military funerals in the state where honors are provided.

Maddy summaryAB 749 requires all public high schools to include instruction about organ and blood donation in at least one grade between 9 and 12. The law mandates that this instruction cover the purpose of donations, the statewide and nationwide need for them, and how students can participate. This applies to all high school curricula starting with the 2026-27 school year. The bill directly affects high school students and school districts by adding this specific health education requirement to their curriculum.

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 6 requires school districts to spend at least 70% of their operating funds on direct classroom expenditures (including teacher salaries, instructional supplies, athletic programs, and cocurricular activities) and annual pay increases for school administrators. School boards that fall below this threshold must increase classroom spending by 2% each year until reaching 70%. If a district violates the requirement, the state will deduct the shortfall amount from its state aid payments, and if necessary, order property tax reductions for residents. The bill applies to all school districts starting July 1, 2026, with related contract rules taking effect immediately upon publication.

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 summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 24 expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's support for strengthening its relationship with Taiwan. The resolution reaffirms the existing sister-state ties between Wisconsin and Taiwan and reiterates support for the federal Taiwan Relations Act. It also endorses Taiwan's pursuit of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States to foster closer economic partnerships. Furthermore, the resolution advocates for Taiwan's increased participation in international organizations that impact its people's well-being.

Maddy summaryAB 203 creates a new statute to limit the liability of manufacturers, distributors, sellers, installers, and owners of traffic control devices. It specifies that these entities are not liable for damages if a device complies with the state's official traffic control devices manual and operates as intended. This limitation applies to claims for personal injury, property damage, and other losses. However, liability can be established if a claimant proves by clear evidence that the device did not meet specifications or operate as intended at the time of the damages. The bill also includes a rebuttable presumption that a device complied if it met manual standards or had authorized deviations.

Maddy summaryAB 184 establishes state-level regulations for health plans concerning coverage for individuals with preexisting conditions and benefit limits. The bill mandates that most individual and group health plans accept all applicants, prohibits preexisting condition exclusions, and bans lifetime and annual dollar limits on benefits. It also restricts how health plans can vary premium rates based on factors like age and tobacco use. These provisions would only become applicable if related federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements are no longer enforceable or no longer preempt state law.