Rep. Christian Phelps

Maddy summaryAJR 131 is a symbolic resolution designating March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes MS as a significant health issue affecting thousands in the state. The resolution encourages Wisconsin residents to learn about MS and support those impacted by the disease and their families. It was introduced by multiple legislators and co-sponsored by numerous colleagues as a gesture of awareness, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryAB 944 creates a state grant program to fund municipalities' purchases of election supplies and equipment, such as electronic poll books and accessibility tools. It allocates $5 million biennially (split equally for 2025-26 and 2026-27), with funding amounts tiered by municipal population size: up to $2.5 million for cities over 250,000, $1 million for 100,000-250,000, $500,000 for 50,000-100,000, and $250,000 for smaller cities. Municipalities must apply 180 days before elections and agree to random inspections of grant-funded equipment, with a minimum $250 grant per recipient. The bill directly affects all cities and towns in the state based on their population, providing targeted funding for election infrastructure.

Maddy summaryAB 974 establishes a permanent "public affairs network fund" to provide annual grants to WisconsinEye, the public affairs network broadcasting state government proceedings. The bill creates a new trust fund using state appropriations, donations, and interest earnings, which will fund WisconsinEye’s operating costs for live broadcasts, civic events, and free online archives of unedited government proceedings. WisconsinEye must meet specific requirements, including appointing legislative designees to its board, focusing coverage on official government business, and providing continuous free public access to broadcasts and archives. If WisconsinEye ceases operations, it must repay all grant funds to the state and transfer its archives to the state historical society.

Maddy summaryAB 987 amends a state statute to update the purpose statement that local governments must follow when creating zoning regulations. The bill adds specific goals including promoting solar/wind energy access, protecting groundwater, encouraging diverse housing types, advancing "complete streets" for all users, and preserving burial sites. These changes require cities to consider these factors when developing zoning rules that affect land use, housing, transportation, and environmental protection. The bill directly impacts local zoning authorities and the communities they serve by shaping how land development is regulated.

Maddy summaryAB 738 requires the decertification (removal of professional certification) of law enforcement, jail, juvenile detention, and tactical emergency medical services officers within 30 days for specific actions, including resigning to avoid termination for cause or violating training rules. It also mandates that officers terminated while under investigation for misconduct cannot be recertified without a waiver from a police commission or local governing body. The bill directs the licensing board to develop and update biennially model "best practices" use-of-force policies, emphasizing de-escalation, limiting force against vulnerable populations (like those with disabilities or mental health conditions), and requiring officers to use the least force necessary. This applies directly to certified officers in law enforcement, jail, and juvenile detention roles across the state.

Maddy summaryAB 730 mandates that inmates in state correctional facilities and county jails must be allowed at least two in-person visiting periods per week, with limited exceptions for lockdowns (up to 10 days). It requires facilities to allow inmates to designate up to 25 visitors, permits physical embraces for 20 seconds at the start and end of visits, and provides visitors with paper and writing supplies upon request. Inmates may keep original artwork or notes created during visits using facility-provided materials. The bill directly affects incarcerated individuals and their visitors, while setting clear operational requirements for correctional departments and sheriffs.

Maddy summaryAB 740 limits solitary confinement to a maximum of 10 days per instance and requires a 60-day waiting period between solitary periods for inmates in state prisons and county jails. It mandates that prison and jail staff provide inmates in solitary with specific items (like books, hygiene products, and paper), access to prenatal care for pregnant individuals, three weekly 25-minute video visitation sessions, and at least 15 hours per week of structured programming - including in-person visits from case managers and department staff (like health or education). The bill directly affects all inmates placed in solitary confinement under current rules, ensuring minimum standards for their well-being during confinement. The legislation is pending in the Corrections Committee after being introduced on December 3, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 727 requires state prison leaders and county jail officials to provide inmates with 3 hours of outdoor access weekly, starting after specific waiting periods. For state prisons, this applies to most inmates after 91 days (except those in certain facilities under Section 302.01(1)(i)), while county jails must provide access after 31 days. Exceptions include inmates in lockdowns or solitary confinement. The law takes effect for the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility on January 1, 2028, with broader implementation following. This policy directly affects incarcerated individuals in state and county correctional facilities across the state.

Maddy summaryAB 736 requires state correctional facilities and county jails to provide free, nontoxic menstrual products to all inmates with active menstrual cycles. It mandates facilities to offer at least three verified brands each of tampons (with plastic applicator), pads, and reusable menstrual cups from a published list of nontoxic products. The bill defines "nontoxic" as free from harmful chemicals and requires facilities to sanitize reusable cups as needed. This directly affects incarcerated people who menstruate, ensuring access to essential hygiene products without cost. The law applies to all state prisons, county jails, and houses of correction in the state.

Maddy summaryAJR 120 is a resolution celebrating the U.S. Postal Service's 250th anniversary and opposing efforts to privatize, dismantle, or weaken it. It highlights the Postal Service's role in delivering essential services - such as prescriptions, ballots, and mail - to all communities, including rural, remote, and Indigenous areas that private companies often bypass. The resolution urges continued public funding and protection of the Postal Service as a vital national institution that serves all Americans regardless of geography or income. (This is a procedural resolution, not a law, so it does not create new policies or directly affect specific groups.)