Rep. Cindi Duchow

Maddy summaryAB 975 prohibits probationary license holders and drivers with instruction permits from using cellular or wireless phones while driving, except to report emergencies. The bill amends Wisconsin statute 346.89(4)(a) to explicitly ban phone use for these new drivers, expanding an existing restriction. Violations would be subject to penalties under the statute, though specific penalty details aren't outlined in the bill text. This law directly affects new and learning drivers, aiming to reduce distractions during their early driving experience. The bill was introduced in the 2026 Legislature and referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.

Maddy summaryAB 991 allows minors aged 16 or older to operate pizza-dough rollers in restaurants, provided specific safety features are met. The bill directly affects minor workers in food service establishments using these machines and requires employers to ensure the equipment includes enclosed gears, microswitches that stop the machine if parts are removed, and safeguards preventing fingers or clothing from getting caught. Minors may not perform setup, adjustment, repair, oiling, or cleaning of the rollers. The law aligns with federal safety standards (29 CFR 570.62) and focuses solely on this specific equipment, not broader minor employment rules.

Maddy summaryAB 714 requires health insurers, administrators, and pharmacy benefit managers to provide large employers (those with 50+ employees) full access to their health claims data. The bill states that employers (as "plan sponsors") own this data, including detailed records of high-cost claims (exceeding $25,000 for medical, $10,000 for pharmacy), billing statements, payment histories, and rebate information. Insurers and pharmacy managers must deliver this data within 7 business days of a written request, in electronic format, and cannot sell the data without employer and individual permission. The law aims to give employers greater transparency into their health plan costs and administration.

Maddy summaryAB 747 regulates hemp-derived cannabinoid products like delta-8, delta-9, and delta-10 THC gummies or edibles. It requires third-party lab testing for potency, safety (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals), and THC content (max 0.3% or federal max 1%), mandates clear labeling with batch numbers and manufacturer details, and bans sales to people under 21. The bill excludes prescription drugs and certain CBD products governed by separate laws. Businesses must provide test results via QR codes or labels at point of sale.

Maddy summaryAB 716 requires the state to direct at least 5% of spending on architectural and engineering services to woman-owned businesses certified under existing state law. It defines "woman-owned business" as one certified by the Department of Administration under Section 16.285. The bill mandates annual reports tracking state spending with woman-owned businesses, disabled veteran-owned businesses, and other certified firms, including the percentage of total spending they receive. This policy directly affects state procurement contracts for architectural and engineering services, aiming to increase contracting with certified woman-owned businesses. The law sets a specific spending target (5%) for these contracts while requiring transparency through annual reporting.

Maddy summaryAB 749 requires all public high schools to include instruction about organ and blood donation in at least one grade between 9 and 12. The law mandates that this instruction cover the purpose of donations, the statewide and nationwide need for them, and how students can participate. This applies to all high school curricula starting with the 2026-27 school year. The bill directly affects high school students and school districts by adding this specific health education requirement to their curriculum.

Maddy summaryAB 779 increases the dollar limits for cases heard in Wisconsin's small claims courts. It raises the maximum amount for consumer credit transactions (from $25,000 to $50,000), property recovery cases (from $10,000 to $25,000), personal injury/tort claims (from $5,000 to $25,000), and other civil cases (from $10,000 to $25,000). The bill also establishes automatic adjustments to these limits every five years based on inflation, using the U.S. consumer price index. This change directly affects individuals and small businesses filing claims in small claims court, allowing them to seek higher compensation without moving to a more complex court system.

Maddy summaryAB 792 modifies how Wisconsin calculates state funding for public school districts by excluding certain costs funded through local voter-approved referenda (like bond elections) from the "shared cost" formula. This directly affects school districts receiving state equalization aid, as it prevents referendum-funded expenses from reducing their state aid eligibility. The bill adds specific rules to exclude referendum-authorized levies and related debt service from the calculation, ensuring districts aren’t penalized for using locally raised funds. These changes aim to align funding formulas with how school districts actually finance projects through voter-approved measures.

Maddy summaryAJR 1 is a constitutional amendment requiring voters to present valid photo identification to cast a ballot in any election. It directly affects all voters in state elections, specifying that acceptable ID must be issued by the state, federal government, a federally recognized tribal entity, or a college/university in the state. The bill mandates the legislature to define acceptable ID types and establish exceptions, while allowing voters without ID on election day to cast a provisional ballot and submit ID later. This proposal, on second consideration after a 2023 rejection, would be submitted to voters in April 2025 if approved.

Maddy summaryAJR 3 is a symbolic resolution that officially recognizes January 2025 as "Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but aims to raise public awareness about human trafficking, highlighting its prevalence across all 72 Wisconsin counties and its impact on vulnerable groups like youth and individuals with disabilities. The resolution aligns with broader state and national efforts to combat trafficking through education and community engagement. As a procedural resolution, it focuses solely on designation and awareness, with no direct policy changes or obligations for state agencies.