Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk

Maddy summaryAB 1036 prohibits local governments and data centers from using nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) to hide details about data center development or prevent public review of such facilities. It defines a "data center" as a facility primarily for storing, managing, or processing digital data, including associated infrastructure like servers and security systems. The law specifically bans agreements intended to conceal development details or block public oversight, with an exception for NDAs protecting trade secrets. This directly affects local governments approving data center projects and data center operators themselves.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new state program requiring the Department of Financial Institutions to contribute to "Trump accounts" for eligible children who reside in the state and have prior payments made to such accounts. The contribution amount would match prior payments made under a specific IRS code (26 USC 6434), subject to available funds and only for accounts without prior state contributions. It defines key terms like "Trump account" and "eligible child" using IRS code references, though the bill's use of these codes appears inconsistent with actual tax law. The program would apply to children born and residing in the state, with contributions made as "qualified general contributions" under the referenced IRS section. The bill passed the Assembly in February 2026 with 62-35 support.

Maddy summaryAB 997 increases funding by $60 million for the Department of Financial Institutions for payments to "Trump accounts" in fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, contingent on statutory authorization. The bill directly affects the department’s budget and its ability to make these specific payments. It modifies existing appropriations under Section 20.144 (1) (g) without changing the department’s core responsibilities. This is a procedural budget adjustment, not a substantive policy change. The bill is currently pending in the Financial Institutions committee.

Maddy summaryAB 1003 modifies Wisconsin law regarding investigations into "immoral conduct" by licensees (such as educators) under the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). It requires DPI to continue an investigation until a licensee permanently surrenders their license and waives appeal rights, and mandates DPI to publicly post the licensee’s name, surrender status, and investigation reason on its website. The bill also requires DPI to provide investigation records within 14 days for open records requests (bypassing standard exemptions) and prohibits agreements that suppress or hide information about confirmed immoral conduct findings. This directly affects licensed professionals under DPI investigation and changes how DPI handles confidentiality, record access, and public transparency during such cases.

Maddy summaryAB 1071 requires baby food manufacturers selling in the state to test for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury (toxic heavy metals) and publicly disclose results. If tested, manufacturers must post metal levels, testing dates, and product details on their website with a QR code on the product label linking to this information. If not tested, they must clearly state this on the label and website with a QR code. The law applies to all baby food (including infant formula) sold in the state, with violations subject to a $100 daily penalty per product. It aims to provide consumers with transparent safety information about heavy metals in products for children under age 2.

Maddy summaryAB 843 would require all law enforcement officers and tribal law enforcement officers in the state to be U.S. citizens. This bill directly affects individuals seeking or currently holding these law enforcement positions, including tribal officers. The key provision creates a new statutory requirement stating: "No person may be employed as a law enforcement officer or tribal law enforcement officer unless that person is a citizen of the United States." The bill does not alter existing hiring practices for other public safety roles, focusing solely on citizenship as a mandatory qualification for these specific law enforcement positions.

Maddy summaryAB 861 extends the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to child trafficking. It allows victims to file lawsuits for damages before reaching age 35, instead of the previous deadline. The bill specifically creates new legal provisions (895.439(2) and 893.586) to clarify this timeline for child trafficking cases. It does not change criminal penalties but ensures victims have more time to pursue civil claims, regardless of whether criminal charges were filed. The law directly affects minors who were trafficked and now have until their 35th birthday to seek legal remedies.

Maddy summaryAB 896 requires local governments (cities, towns, counties, school districts) to coordinate with federal refugee resettlement programs. If federal authorities or a private agency contact a local official about placing refugees, the official must report this within 7 business days to their chief elected official. Within 30 days, the local government must appoint a designee to consult with federal agencies, form a county committee for discussion, and hold a public hearing before making a recommendation on refugee placement. This bill establishes a structured process for local input on federal refugee resettlement plans, affecting all local governments within a 100-mile radius of the initial contact.

Maddy summaryAB 897 removes the right to a jury trial in Child in Need of Protection or Services (CHIPS) proceedings for non-Indian children. It also restricts requests to substitute judges in parental rights termination cases to only the parent and petitioner, limiting such requests to one per case and requiring them within 10 days of a new judge's assignment. The bill affects parents and children in these specific child welfare cases, directly changing court procedures for CHIPS petitions and termination hearings. These changes apply only to cases filed after the bill's effective date, with Indian children’s cases remaining exempt under federal law.

Maddy summaryAB 906 bans foreign nationals from contributing to or influencing referendum committees that support or oppose ballot measures. It defines "foreign national" broadly to include non-citizens, foreign governments, and foreign-owned entities, and requires committees to obtain written confirmations from contributors that they are not foreign nationals and haven’t received over $100,000 from foreign sources in the past four years. Committees must also attest they haven’t accepted such funds and cannot allow foreign nationals to direct or control their activities related to referendums. The bill directly affects referendum committees, campaign finance committees, and anyone contributing to ballot measure campaigns.