Rep. Christian Phelps

Maddy summaryAB 331 creates a new legal right for individuals who believe their constitutional rights (such as due process or equal protection) were violated by government officials acting under color of law, including police or state employees. It allows victims to sue for damages, court orders to stop violations, and court-ordered attorney fees. The law sets a 6-year deadline to file such lawsuits and applies to both federal and state civil rights violations. It does not apply to cases already covered by existing statutes like 893.80 or 893.82.

Maddy summaryAB 345 requires the state treasurer to withhold state payments to the federal government if federal aid to the state is unlawfully withheld (e.g., via presidential order or court violation). Specifically, the state must calculate the lost federal aid amount, submit a detailed report within 60 days, and withhold matching state payments up to that loss amount over the next year. Once federal aid is restored, the withheld state funds must be paid to the federal government. The bill directly affects state treasury operations and federal budget coordination, with no impact on federal aid recipients.

Maddy summaryAB 288 prohibits retailers and plant providers from labeling plants as "beneficial to pollinators" if those plants were treated with systemic insecticides that carry pollinator warnings on their labels (such as "bee protection" statements or environmental hazard notices). The law directly affects businesses selling plants at retail or to end users, requiring them to avoid misleading claims about pollinator benefits when insecticides with specific warnings were used. Key provisions define "systemic insecticide" and require that labeling aligns with the insecticide's actual pollinator safety status. This creates a clear policy change: plants treated with pollinator-risk insecticides cannot be marketed as pollinator-friendly, aiming to prevent consumer confusion about environmental impact.

Maddy summaryAB 338 requires most health insurance plans (including those offered by state/local governments) to cover at least 28 annual therapy visits for mental health or substance use disorders without prior authorization. It mandates that insurers provide this minimum coverage per policy year, based on the insured's treatment goals. The law includes a cost-check mechanism: if insurers' actuarial analysis shows coverage would increase plan costs by over 10%, enforcement may be paused. This directly affects health insurers, self-insured public employer plans, and individuals seeking mental health/substance use treatment. The bill takes effect for new policy years starting after its publication date.

Maddy summaryAB 333 creates a refundable tax credit for low-income residents who purchase bicycles (including electric bikes) for their dependents. Eligible claimants - those with family income under 200% of the federal poverty line - can claim up to $200 per dependent annually, based on actual purchase costs. The credit is refundable, meaning unused portions are paid directly by the state via a dedicated appropriation. Claimants must submit proof of purchase with their tax return and meet residency and income requirements.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (AJR 73) is a symbolic recognition by the Wisconsin Legislature that June 2025 will be observed as Black Music Month in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin residents by formally acknowledging the state's support for celebrating Black musical contributions. The resolution highlights the historical significance of Black music genres like jazz, soul, and hip-hop, and honors Black artists' global influence on music and culture. As a commemorative measure with no new laws or funding, it serves solely to affirm and celebrate this cultural legacy through official state recognition.

Maddy summaryAJR 76 proposes removing a constitutional ban that currently defines marriage as only between one man and one woman. If passed, this change would eliminate the restriction preventing the state from recognizing same-sex marriages or creating equivalent legal status for unmarried couples. The bill directly affects all residents by removing a constitutional barrier to marriage equality, allowing the state to legally recognize same-sex marriages without requiring separate legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryAJR 74 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Wisconsin State Senator Bruce S. Peloquin (1936-2024). It formally recognizes his public service career, including his 1965-1979 tenure in the Wisconsin Assembly and Senate, and his legislative work on education and child welfare. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Legislature's tribute to his life and service, extending condolences to his family. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $2 million annually for two years to fund LGBTQIA+ rights training for school counselors and social workers in Wisconsin public schools. It requires school boards to provide department-approved training on LGBTQIA+ rights, defined as including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other nonheterosexual or noncisgender identities. The training must be developed or approved by the state Department of Public Instruction. School counselors and social workers employed by participating school boards will directly receive this training through the grant program. The funding is tied to specific statutory provisions creating new grant categories under education budgets.

Maddy summaryAB 335 creates a new $2 million annual appropriation to provide monthly stipends for school social worker interns. It directly affects interns enrolled in graduate programs leading to school social work licensure who are placed in public schools by school boards. The bill establishes that funds from the Public Instruction budget will cover these stipends starting in the 2026-27 school year. This is a concrete funding mechanism with no additional requirements or policy changes beyond the stipend payments.