Rep. Barbara Dittrich

Maddy summaryAB 1047 modifies shoreland zoning rules for Waukesha County by changing how setback distances (minimum distance structures must be from water) are calculated for new construction. It requires county zoning ordinances to set new building setbacks as the average of existing nearby structures' setbacks when both existing structures are within 250 feet of the proposed building and set back more than 75 feet from the water's edge. This rule applies specifically to properties in Waukesha County and only if the calculated setback still allows construction on the parcel. The bill does not affect existing structures or apply outside Waukesha County.

Maddy summaryAB 1062 prohibits former members of the Public Service Commission from working for 36 months with investor-owned public utilities or transmission companies in roles involving policy-making, executive decisions, operations management, or government relations. It directly affects former commissioners who seek employment in these specific high-level positions within utility companies. The law applies retroactively to those who left the Commission within the 12 months before the bill's effective date. This restriction aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest by limiting immediate post-Commission employment in regulated utility sectors.

Maddy summaryAB 832 requires schools to implement human trafficking and sextortion prevention education in health classes for students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 starting in the 2026-27 school year. It mandates that teachers receive training to identify children at risk of trafficking (under s. 948.051) or sextortion - defined as threatening to release explicit content unless victims send money or more content. The bill directs the Department of Children and Families and Department of Justice to create a list of age-appropriate training courses for educators. This affects all public school districts, teachers, and students in the specified grade ranges, with curriculum content aligned to the recommended training courses. The law takes effect for the 2026-27 school year.

Maddy summaryAJR 127 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the governor from using a partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee. If approved by voters, it would amend the state constitution to restrict the governor's partial veto power specifically regarding tax or fee increases. This change would directly affect the governor's authority when reviewing budget bills containing tax or fee provisions. The amendment is currently moving toward a voter referendum in November 2026, following legislative approval. It does not change current law but would require voter ratification to become effective.

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 865 prohibits medical training programs in the state from using live animals to teach human medical treatment when equivalent alternatives exist, such as simulators, cadavers, or virtual models. It applies directly to medical schools, residency programs, and institutions training doctors, residents, and students. The law requires institutions to switch to these alternatives if they are available in the state, and imposes a $1,000 fine per live animal used in violation. This creates a concrete policy change requiring medical training to adopt non-animal methods where feasible.

Maddy summaryAJR 129 is a symbolic resolution designating February 6 as "Ronald Reagan Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it urges Wisconsin citizens to recognize this day in observance of Ronald Reagan's birthday (February 6, 1911). The resolution highlights Reagan's roles as a governor, president, and his historical impact, including economic policies and Cold War contributions. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding effect beyond encouraging public acknowledgment of Reagan's legacy.

Maddy summaryAB 849 amends Wisconsin statute 939.46(1m) to define "direct result" for an affirmative defense available to victims of human trafficking. The bill clarifies that victims who commit offenses (like theft or assault) to escape or prevent trafficking under s. 940.302(2) or s. 948.051 may use this defense if the offense has a logical causal connection to the trafficking violation, occurs immediately afterward, and is necessary for escape. It directly affects trafficking victims facing criminal charges for actions taken while escaping exploitation. The law removes the requirement that the trafficking violation must have been prosecuted or convicted for the defense to apply.

Maddy summaryAB 841 expands Wisconsin's sex offender registration requirements by adding specific sexual assault and child abuse crimes to the list of offenses triggering registration. It updates the legal definition of "sex offense" to include violations of statutes covering crimes like sexual assault of minors, certain predatory acts, and offenses against children under 14. People convicted of these specific crimes will now be required to register as sex offenders, with the exception that the rule applies only when the victim was a minor and the offender was not the victim’s parent. This change directly affects individuals convicted of the newly listed offenses under Wisconsin law.