Rep. Jill Billings

Maddy summaryAB 859 adjusts the state reimbursement rate for special education and school-age parent program costs. It sets the reimbursement rate at 42% of eligible costs for the 2025-26 school year, increasing to 45% for the 2026-27 school year and all subsequent years. The bill applies to costs covered under sections 115.88(1m)-(3), (6), (8), 115.93, and 118.255(4), which include services for students in hospitals, convalescent homes, and school programs. This change directly affects school districts and programs providing these services by altering the state's financial contribution toward their expenses. The bill amends statutes to ensure state funds are distributed according to these revised percentages.

Maddy summaryAB 857 creates a climate change scholarship program funding $5 million annually for Wisconsin students enrolled in climate-related academic programs at eligible colleges and universities (including UW System, technical colleges, tribal colleges, or private nonprofits). It requires scholarships to be split equally between merit-based and need-based awards, with a $5,000 annual limit per student. The program is funded through a dedicated appropriation in the state budget, administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board. Students with unresolved child support liens may be excluded unless they provide approved payment plans.

Maddy summaryAB 846 increases state funding for two Wisconsin promotion programs. It adds $200,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to advertise the "Something Special from Wisconsin" brand and logo, and $300,000 annually for "Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin" grants. These funds, managed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, directly support Wisconsin businesses participating in the state's marketing campaigns and local purchasing initiatives. The bill makes no new policy changes but allocates additional state appropriations to existing programs.

Maddy summaryAB 851 authorizes $25 million from the capital improvement fund to purchase agricultural conservation easements, which are agreements that limit development on farmland to preserve agricultural use. The bill creates new funding mechanisms (20.115 (7) (br) and (tb)) to reimburse costs for these easements and specifies payment procedures for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. It directly affects landowners selling conservation easements and state agencies administering the program. The appropriation supports farmland conservation by enabling the state to acquire easements under Section 93.73. The bill repeals an outdated statute (23.197 (15)) and amends related sections to implement these funding changes.

Maddy summaryAB 852 establishes new grants for local governments to implement farmland preservation plans, including activities like updating zoning, creating farmland agreements, and monitoring compliance. It also requires the state to automatically adjust the farmland preservation tax credit for inflation annually using agricultural price data, ensuring the credit keeps pace with rising costs. These changes directly affect Wisconsin farmers who claim the tax credit and local governments (counties, cities, tribes) that receive implementation grants. The bill creates specific funding mechanisms through the working lands fund and sets eligibility criteria for grant recipients based on plan alignment and project effectiveness.

Maddy summaryAB 895 modifies sentencing and parole procedures for individuals under 18 convicted of crimes. It requires courts to consider youth-specific mitigating factors and relevant information when determining eligibility for release to extended supervision or parole. The bill creates new provisions (e.g., § 302.114(5)(cs), § 304.06(1)(bc)) that apply specifically to "youthful offenders" as defined in § 973.014(3)(a). These changes directly affect minors in the state’s criminal justice system by mandating more individualized review of their cases during sentencing and parole decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to automatically seal personal details (like names or photos) of child victims and witnesses in human trafficking cases. It prohibits public disclosure of this information unless a court holds a hearing considering the child's safety and decides disclosure serves justice. Courts must also provide necessary support services - such as private testimony rooms or emotional support - to protect the child's well-being during proceedings. These changes directly protect children involved in trafficking cases from potential harm while ensuring fair legal processes.

Maddy summaryAB 820 clarifies and expands the scope of practice for audiologists in Wisconsin. It specifically allows audiologists to prescribe hearing aids (including over-the-counter options), manage osseo-integrated devices, and handle cochlear implants for correction or relief of hearing conditions. The bill also explicitly prohibits audiologists from performing surgical procedures, including cochlear implant surgery or osseo-integrated device surgery. Additionally, it updates the Hearing and Speech Examining Board composition to require one public member who is a hearing aid, osseo-integrated device, or cochlear implant user.

Maddy summaryAB 961 requires distributors of explicit content (such as publishers and digital platforms) to display specific warning labels on all adult-oriented material. For print publications, labels must appear on the cover in 20-point bold Arial font; for digital content, labels must appear before access, remain visible for 10 seconds, and occupy two-thirds of the screen. The labels must include standardized language warning: "WARNING: This material contains explicit content that may be harmful or offensive. Viewer discretion is advised. Not intended for minors." Violations incur fines, with 50% of fines funding a state appropriation via a surcharge.

Maddy summaryAB 921 establishes a $35 monthly cap on out-of-pocket costs for insulin under disability insurance policies and self-insured health plans. It directly affects people with diabetes who rely on these specific insurance types for insulin coverage. The bill prohibits insurers from charging more than $35 for a one-month supply of insulin, covering all cost-sharing elements like deductibles and copays. This policy change applies to existing coverage requirements without altering other insurance benefits or mandates. The bill is pending in the 2026 Wisconsin Legislature.