Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk

Maddy summaryAB 30 prohibits foreign adversaries (defined as foreign governments or entities deemed a threat to U.S. security by the federal Commerce Secretary) from acquiring, owning, or holding any agricultural or forestry land in the state. It also imposes a 640-acre ownership limit for non-resident aliens, foreign corporations, and certain entities with foreign ownership. Owners exceeding these limits must divest the excess land within four years or forfeit it to the state. The bill directly affects foreign governments/entities designated as adversaries and current landowners who violate the ownership limits. It creates new enforcement mechanisms but does not apply to land acquired before July 1, 1982.

Maddy summaryAB 363 creates a no-interest loan program for dairy farms operating 50-714 cows that meet strict criteria, including 98% in-state payroll, no recent environmental or safety violations, and legal workforce compliance. Funds can be used to adopt technology improving milk production efficiency, animal health, milk quality, or reducing environmental impacts from manure management. Priority is given to projects creating jobs, enhancing manure management practices, or lowering environmental effects per gallon of milk produced. The program aims to support sustainable dairy operations while ensuring local economic benefits through targeted financial assistance.

Maddy summaryAB 609 modifies firearm regulations in the state by reducing the restricted distance near schools and hospitals from 1,700 to 1,200 feet for hunting. It removes restrictions on loading firearms in vehicles and discharging weapons within 50 feet of roadways for certain individuals. The bill clarifies that law enforcement officers, qualified out-of-state officers, and former officers are exempt from specific firearm restrictions while acting in their official duties. These changes primarily affect law enforcement personnel and their operational procedures, not general public carry rights. The bill does not create new carry permits or alter concealed weapon licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 329 clarifies and updates regulations for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles. It creates new definitions for terms like "bridge," "culvert," "dune buggy," and "navigable waterway" to standardize language in traffic laws. Key provisions require ATVs to have one headlamp/tail lamp and UTVs to have two of each, prohibit operation without functioning lights, and specify rules for crossing bridges/culverts (e.g., 1,000 feet or less, with local ordinances). The bill also adds exceptions for emergency use and defines patrol vehicles used by law enforcement. This directly affects ATV/UTV operators, emergency responders, and local governments managing roadway access.

Maddy summaryAJR 112 proposes a constitutional amendment to Article I, Section 25, explicitly defining the right to keep and bear arms as applying to security, defense, hunting, recreation, and any other lawful purpose. It states this right is "fundamental" and requires any government restriction to undergo "strict scrutiny." The amendment would directly affect all residents by altering the state constitution's firearm rights protections. If approved by voters, it would become part of the constitution, requiring future laws restricting firearms to meet the strict scrutiny standard. The bill is currently in committee after its October 2025 introduction.

Maddy summaryAB 135 requires vehicle manufacturers to provide owners and repair shops with free, unrestricted access to vehicle data (like diagnostics) and critical repair information (tools, manuals, parts specs) needed to fix cars. It prohibits manufacturers from using technological barriers (like encrypted data) or legal barriers (such as forcing owners to use dealer-approved parts) to limit repair choices. The bill directly affects car owners, independent repair shops, and aftermarket parts companies by ensuring they can access necessary information without fees or manufacturer-imposed restrictions. Manufacturers must also stop mandating specific brands of parts or tools in repair guides, though they can still recommend options with clear disclaimers. This law aims to make vehicle repairs more accessible and affordable by removing artificial barriers.

Maddy summaryAB 380 requires judges facing allegations of misconduct or permanent disability to be suspended without pay during disciplinary proceedings. It amends statutes to mandate that both final suspensions imposed by the Supreme Court for misconduct and temporary suspensions pending investigations must be without pay. The bill directly affects judges under investigation by the Judicial Commission or facing formal complaints. This policy change clarifies that judges cannot receive salary during these disciplinary processes, applying to all cases involving alleged misconduct or disability.

Maddy summaryAB 491 allows residential care centers for children and youth, group homes, and shelter care facilities to use video surveillance in common areas, entrances, and exits without a child’s consent, provided they inform the child and their parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Facilities must adopt a safety monitoring policy that may include such video use and are prohibited from replacing one-on-one supervision for high-risk children with video alone. Video recordings are kept confidential (not public) but may be reviewed by the department, with exceptions for public inspection mirroring existing confidentiality rules. The bill applies directly to these child care facilities and the children they serve.

Maddy summaryAB 473 prevents residential contractors from promising to rebate insurance deductibles or negotiating claims on behalf of homeowners after disasters like fires, floods, or tornadoes. It requires contractors to provide a written notice in bold type explaining that signing an assignment transfers insurance claim rights, including a 5-day cancellation window and a warning that insurers may not cover all claimed costs. The bill applies to contractors repairing residential roofs or exterior damage from covered events, ensuring homeowners understand they may still owe costs if insurance doesn’t cover full repairs. Assignments must itemize work and costs but cannot override insurer terms or mortgagee rights.

Maddy summaryAB 560 prohibits municipalities from using physical drop boxes or other physical receptacles to collect voted absentee ballots in any election. Instead, the bill requires all absentee ballots to be returned exclusively by mail. This directly affects local governments that currently operate drop boxes for voter convenience. The law would eliminate a common method for returning absentee ballots, requiring voters to mail their completed ballots instead.