Rep. Christian Phelps

Maddy summaryAB 504 requires property tax bills to include specific information about state aid reductions for school districts. It mandates disclosing the dollar amount and percentage change in state aid reductions from the previous year to the current year, and explicitly identifies if reductions resulted from enrollment in choice programs (like Milwaukee or Racine Choice) or special needs scholarships. School districts receiving reduced aid must also note that they could raise property taxes to offset the loss. This applies only when an actual aid reduction occurs, not every year. The bill aims to provide property owners with clear, transparent details about how state funding changes affect their local schools.

Maddy summaryAB 575 prohibits all state agencies and local governmental units (like cities, counties, or school districts) from using facial recognition technology or its data, except to identify their own employees for employment-related purposes. The bill defines facial recognition technology as an automated system that compares camera footage of faces against databases to find matches. It directly affects government entities that currently use or plan to use this technology for public services, law enforcement, or other operations. The law creates a clear ban on its use for public identification, with only the narrow exception for internal employee verification.

Maddy summaryAB 576 limits most uses of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), allowing them only for parking enforcement, secured private areas with restricted access, or weigh stations. It requires law enforcement to obtain a warrant before accessing ALPR or private security camera data, with exceptions only during emergencies involving immediate danger. The bill also restricts data retention to 90 days and imposes fines up to $10,000 for violations of these rules.

Maddy summaryAB 586 amends Wisconsin statutes to clarify and strengthen shared governance at University of Wisconsin System institutions by defining the roles of faculty, academic staff, and students in institutional decision-making. The bill requires faculty to ensure STEM disciplines are represented in governance structures, gives academic staff the right to organize and advise on policies affecting them, and ensures students actively participate in policies related to student life and fee management. Key provisions specify that faculty have primary responsibility for academic matters, academic staff for their own policies, and students for advising on campus life and fee use. These changes directly affect all faculty, academic staff, and students across UW System campuses by formalizing their participation in governance and policy development.

Maddy summaryAB 371 allows first-class cities to use automated red-light cameras at intersections with high accident rates (1.0+ annually over 5 years). It requires cities to place warning signs, capture images focused on license plates from behind, and limit camera use to no more than five intersections per city council district. Vehicle owners, not drivers, are liable for violations (like running red lights), with fines collected funding traffic safety programs - not general city budgets. Exceptions include stolen vehicles (reported within 7 days) or rentals/dealerships that provide lessee/operator details.

Maddy summaryAB 507 amends state civil service laws to adjust veteran preference policies for state government hiring. It repeals outdated sections and revises provisions related to veteran eligibility, removing age restrictions for veterans applying for positions and clarifying how preference points are calculated and applied. Specifically, it modifies rules so veterans and their spouses receive preference points without age limits, and updates procedures for adding qualified veterans to certification lists after initial hiring. These changes directly affect veterans seeking state civil service jobs and state hiring boards managing employment eligibility. The bill updates statutory language to align with current veteran preference practices under sections like 230.16 (7).

Maddy summaryAB 539 allows 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote in the state. This preregistration becomes active when they turn 18, enabling them to vote in future elections without needing to re-register. The bill amends voter registration rules to require that preregistered 16-17 year olds only appear on voter lists once they reach age 18 on election day. It does not permit their names to appear on election lists before they turn 18.

Maddy summaryAB 536 requires election officials to complete one-hour accessibility training sessions focused on meeting voter accessibility requirements under sections 5.25(4) and 6.82. Specifically, chief inspectors must attend this training under new section 7.31(6), while municipal clerks, inspectors, special deputies, and registration officials must complete it under new section 7.315(5). All training must be provided before the 2027 spring election. The bill directly affects local election staff responsible for polling place operations and voter assistance.

Maddy summaryAB 535 requires all polling places to be accessible to voters with disabilities by mandating election workers to use a standardized accessibility checklist on election day to identify and immediately report barriers. It also requires the election commission to submit annual reports (by June 30 in odd years) on voting impediments faced by elderly and disabled voters, consulting with relevant advocacy groups. Additionally, the bill creates uniform signage guidelines to notify disabled voters about ballot assistance options at polling place entrances. These changes apply to all polling places and take effect before the 2027 spring election.

Maddy summaryAJR 98 is a symbolic resolution that would officially proclaim October 2025 as "Filipino American History Month" in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin residents by encouraging the state to recognize and celebrate Filipino American heritage, contributions, and history. The resolution cites historical milestones, including the first Filipino settlement in the U.S. and Wisconsin's Filipino population of over 22,000 people. It does not create new laws or policies, but rather serves as a ceremonial recognition of Filipino American contributions to Wisconsin and the U.S. The resolution was introduced by multiple legislators and refers to the established national observance of Filipino American History Month.