Rep. Ben Franklin

Maddy summaryAB 362 requires all public school districts and charter schools to create written cardiac emergency response plans for cardiac emergencies occurring on school property or at school-sponsored athletic events, starting in the 2026-27 school year. These plans must include core elements like designated response teams, clear AED placement and maintenance, annual drills, and staff training in CPR and AED use following American Heart Association guidelines. Schools must also ensure coaches at athletic events hold current CPR/AED certification and that AEDs are accessible at all athletic venues. The law directly affects all K-12 schools and their staff, aiming to improve immediate response to cardiac emergencies.

Maddy summaryAB 477 changes the age threshold for issuing a Missing Child Alert from under 10 years to under 12 years. It directly affects minors under 12 who are believed to be incapable of returning home without assistance due to a physical or mental condition, disability, or inability to navigate safely. The bill amends the statute to adjust the age requirement while maintaining the existing criteria for qualifying alerts. This is a technical adjustment to the alert system's eligibility rules, not a new program or policy. The change aims to expand the alert coverage to include older minors who may still require urgent assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires public school districts to allow military recruiters access to high school common areas and school events during the school day, as mandated by federal law (10 USC 503(c)). It specifically prohibits schools from denying this access based on whether they allow college recruiters or employers, but explicitly states that classrooms during instructional time are excluded. The law applies to all public high schools and takes effect for the 2025-26 school year. It directly affects school districts, which must adjust their policies to comply.

Maddy summaryAB 236 ensures sexual assault victims who provide a forensic kit receive clear, timely updates about their case. It requires law enforcement to notify victims about kit testing timelines, DNA analysis results, and the kit's destruction date upon request. Victims also get updates if their case status changes (e.g., closed or reopened). The bill directly affects individuals who submit sexual assault kits, improving transparency in how their evidence is handled. It does not change criminal penalties or create new programs, but mandates specific communication protocols for law enforcement.

Maddy summaryAB 368 prevents health insurance plans from requiring prior authorization for the first 12 visits of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or chiropractic care per treatment episode. It also eliminates prior authorization for non-drug pain management (like therapy) for chronic pain patients during the first 90 days of treatment (up to twice weekly). Health plans must explain coverage denials in plain language, apply similar copays for these therapies as for primary care, and decide on reauthorization requests within 3 business days. This bill directly affects patients seeking these services, healthcare providers, and all health benefit plans or self-insured employer health plans in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 315 modifies grant rules for Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program and land conservation efforts. It creates new provisions requiring governmental units and nonprofits to apply for funding *before* purchasing land to qualify for up to 50% of acquisition costs (reduced to 40% if applying after purchase). The bill maintains a 30% cap on additional costs covered by grants or in-kind contributions. These changes directly affect local governments and conservation groups seeking state funds to acquire land for parks, recreation, or conservation. The bill does not create new funding but adjusts eligibility and percentage limits for existing programs.

Maddy summaryAB 197 creates a new exemption allowing local governments (like counties or municipalities) to count certain regional emergency medical services costs toward their budget limits without triggering spending restrictions. To qualify, the service must cover at least 232 square miles or include 8 municipalities, and annual cost increases must stay below the inflation rate plus 5%. The exemption requires confirmation of a regional service area and a designated coordination entity for EMS across the area. This specifically affects jurisdictions operating joint emergency medical services districts or intergovernmental agreements for EMS, including fire department-provided services.

Maddy summaryAJR 109 is a symbolic joint resolution honoring Wisconsin's Hispanic and Latino veterans. It formally recognizes their service and sacrifices throughout U.S. military history, including specific references to the Borinqueneers unit and General Richard Cavazos. The resolution expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's gratitude through a formal statement, acknowledging these veterans' contributions without creating new programs or altering laws. This is a commemorative gesture, not a policy change, and directly affects no individuals or entities through legislative action.

Maddy summaryAB 678 requires Wisconsin school boards to adopt a policy by July 2026 governing appropriate communication between school employees and volunteers (acting in their official capacity) and students. The policy must cover all communication methods and content, both during and outside school hours, and specify consequences for violations. It directly affects school district staff, volunteers, and students by establishing clear standards for professional interactions. The bill creates a new statutory requirement (120.12(30)) without dictating specific communication rules, leaving implementation to individual school boards.

Maddy summaryAB 447 amends Wisconsin law to clarify when courts must address objections to video testimony in certain civil cases. It removes a specific exception that previously required courts to sustain objections about expert witness testimony via video in cases under Chapters 51 or 55 of the statutes. For all such proceedings - including expert testimony objections - the bill requires courts to apply their discretion under existing rules (s. 885.56) rather than automatically sustaining objections. This change directly affects defendants and respondents in civil matters listed under the statute who may object to remote testimony.