Rep. Ryan Spaude

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 makes the Wisconsin additional child and dependent care tax credit refundable, meaning families who owe no state income tax can still receive the credit as a cash payment. It applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2023, and before January 1, 2026, allowing claimants to receive up to 100% of their federal child and dependent care tax credit. If the credit amount exceeds the taxpayer's state tax liability, the unused portion is paid directly by the state through the Department of Revenue. The legislation also includes an appropriation to fund these payments and updates related tax credit listings in state statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state minimum wage schedule that gradually increases from $15 per hour in 2026 to $20 per hour by 2030, with slightly lower rates for small employers defined as those with 50 or fewer employees. It also sets specific minimum wage rates for tipped employees, which increase more slowly over the same period. Beginning in 2031, the state department of labor gains authority to adjust the minimum wage annually based on changes in the consumer price index. The bill also grants the department power to create rules for special categories of workers, including agricultural employees, students, and those with disabilities, while exempting certain types of casual employment from minimum wage requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression in Wisconsin public schools and private schools that receive state funding through parental choice or scholarship programs. It requires these schools to adopt written policies for handling discrimination complaints and mandates that schools admitting only one sex must still allow students whose gender identity aligns with that sex. The legislation also adds gender identity and gender expression to the list of protected characteristics for hiring teachers and administrative staff, while allowing religious schools to decline instruction in religions other than their own. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties of up to $1,000 for officials who intentionally discriminate against students or staff in violation of these provisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new basic health plan for individuals with household incomes below 200 percent of the poverty line and creates a purchase option program allowing eligible people with higher incomes to buy coverage through the state program instead of private insurance. The program would offer benefits similar to existing state coverage, include tax credits for eligible participants, and set premium rates comparable to managed care plans while requiring federal waivers to implement. It also directs the creation of a state-based insurance exchange where individuals can access these purchase options and grants officials authority to create rules needed for implementation. The bill requires a report on federal waiver status and economic analyses by March 2027 before the program can be fully launched.

Maddy summaryThis bill adjusts how Wisconsin calculates and distributes state funding for special education costs and general school aid. It modifies the reimbursement rate for special education expenses, allowing the state to distribute up to 100 percent of eligible costs rather than a lower fixed percentage. The legislation also increases the general school aid appropriation for the 2026-27 fiscal year by approximately $446 million to support public school districts. These changes directly affect school districts and the state Department of Public Instruction by altering how funds are allocated and calculated for educational programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Wisconsin statutes to increase penalties for repeat offenders convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. It directly affects individuals with two or more prior DWI convictions within a 10-year period, as well as those with a lifetime history of alcohol-related driving offenses. The key changes include mandating longer license revocations ranging from one to two years, adjusting fine amounts, and establishing specific eligibility timelines for obtaining occupational licenses after revocation periods. The legislation also clarifies how prior convictions and suspensions are counted toward triggering these enhanced penalties, while allowing counties to offer reduced minimum jail sentences if offenders successfully complete alcohol and drug treatment programs.

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 1008 clarifies eligibility for Wisconsin's child care subsidy program (Wisconsin Shares) by expanding "relative" definitions to include "like-kin" caregivers. It allows non-relatives who provide care as family (e.g., close family friends) to qualify for subsidies if they meet specific criteria, such as having a court order and receiving payments under certain statutes. The bill also adjusts income calculations for eligibility, including court-ordered support payments exceeding $1,250 monthly. This directly affects caregivers of children under 13 (or 19 if disabled) who seek child care assistance through Wisconsin Shares.

Maddy summaryAB 1023 creates a dedicated $500,000 annual appropriation (for 2025-26 and 2026-27) specifically for training and technical assistance for tribal child care providers. The bill directs the Department of Children and Families to use this funding to contract with agencies or award grants aimed at improving the quality of child care services provided by tribal organizations. This funding is separate from other child care funding streams and must be used exclusively for these tribal provider support activities. The bill directly affects tribal child care programs in Wisconsin by providing a new, dedicated resource for their professional development and operational support.