Rep. Barbara Dittrich

Maddy summaryAJR 139 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) reaffirming Wisconsin’s longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan, marking its 40th anniversary in 2026. It supports the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, encourages Wisconsin to explore establishing a representative office in Taiwan to boost trade and cultural exchanges, and backs efforts to advance a U.S.-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement. The resolution highlights Wisconsin’s economic ties with Taiwan, including $380 million in exports to Taiwan in 2023. It does not create new legal obligations but formally expresses legislative support for strengthening Wisconsin-Taiwan relations.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege victory (where British forces withdrew on Saint Patrick's Day) and recognizes Irish Americans' contributions to the Revolutionary War. It specifically highlights figures like General John Sullivan (son of Irish immigrants), eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signatories, and historical connections such as John Dunlap’s printing of the Declaration. The resolution directs the legislature to formally acknowledge these events and send copies to Irish officials, including Senator Mark Daly and the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on policy or constituents.

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 summaryAB 1035 expands Wisconsin's deflection initiative by providing $400,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to existing participating sites. It allows these sites to use grants for hiring staff, contracting vendors for program evaluations, or purchasing technology that meets privacy standards like HIPAA. Vendors must have at least five years of experience with similar programs and comply with legal requirements. The bill also adds $107,100 for one additional full-time position to support this expansion.

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 summaryAJR 140 is a ceremonial joint resolution celebrating Wisconsin athletes competing in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games in Italy. It formally recognizes specific Wisconsin athletes across sports like cross-country skiing, biathlon, wheelchair curling, sled hockey, and speedskating, highlighting their connections to Wisconsin communities. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it simply asks the Wisconsin Legislature to "celebrate" these athletes and "root for their success" as a symbolic gesture. This is purely a commemorative measure with no concrete legislative effect.

Maddy summaryAJR 142 is a Wisconsin legislative resolution celebrating Scouting America's 115th anniversary. It expresses the legislature's support for Scouting America's values and community contributions, including its emphasis on character development and volunteerism, but does not create new laws or funding. The resolution encourages Wisconsin citizens and organizations to recognize Scouting America's role in youth development and community service. It is purely symbolic, with no policy changes or direct effects on individuals or programs.

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 1042 requires drivers aged 75 and older to pass a driving skills test before turning 76 and every five years thereafter. The test evaluates their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The state must provide testing at county-level locations for this age group. This applies to license renewals and replaces prior requirements for seniors under the existing statutes.

Maddy summaryAB 1081 adjusts payment rates for opioid treatment programs using medication-based care to match Medicare rates for comparable services starting in 2027. It also sets new staffing requirements, including a medical director with addiction medicine experience who must be present 40% of dosing time (reduced to 20% for the first 60 days of operation), and mandates one counselor for every 55 enrolled patients. The bill changes admission rules for minors, requiring documented failed detox attempts and written parental consent, while adding requirements for initial physical exams and Hepatitis/HIV testing with patient consent. These provisions directly affect all Wisconsin opioid treatment programs providing medication-assisted therapy.