Rep. Barbara Dittrich

Maddy summaryAB 885 limits how cities can regulate land development outside their official boundaries. It prevents municipalities from denying approval for land plats or surveys based solely on the proposed land use, unless the denial follows specific, pre-approved rules related to: (1) land use itself, (2) public improvements, (3) land division standards, or (4) annexation agreements. This directly affects developers and landowners seeking to build in areas adjacent to cities but not yet within city limits. The bill ensures cities can only block development for clearly defined reasons, not arbitrary concerns about how land might be used.

Maddy summaryAB 895 modifies sentencing and parole procedures for individuals under 18 convicted of crimes. It requires courts to consider youth-specific mitigating factors and relevant information when determining eligibility for release to extended supervision or parole. The bill creates new provisions (e.g., § 302.114(5)(cs), § 304.06(1)(bc)) that apply specifically to "youthful offenders" as defined in § 973.014(3)(a). These changes directly affect minors in the state’s criminal justice system by mandating more individualized review of their cases during sentencing and parole decisions.

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 summaryThis bill creates a new regulatory category for pharmacies operating without a pharmacist physically present ("remote dispensing sites" or "remotely supervised pharmacies"). It allows the pharmacy board to establish specific rules for these sites, potentially exempting them from standard pharmacy requirements that apply to traditional locations. The law clarifies that such sites will not be classified as community or institutional pharmacies under existing rules. These changes streamline oversight for remote pharmacy operations while maintaining separate regulatory treatment.

Maddy summaryAB 840 regulates data centers in the state by requiring specific operational and environmental standards. It mandates that data centers use closed-loop cooling systems (recycling water instead of using fresh water) and report annual water usage to the department. The bill also requires renewable energy facilities serving data centers to be located on-site and prohibits utility customers from paying for data center infrastructure costs. Additionally, operators must provide financial bonds for construction and restore land if projects are abandoned. These provisions directly affect all data center operators and developers in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to automatically seal personal details (like names or photos) of child victims and witnesses in human trafficking cases. It prohibits public disclosure of this information unless a court holds a hearing considering the child's safety and decides disclosure serves justice. Courts must also provide necessary support services - such as private testimony rooms or emotional support - to protect the child's well-being during proceedings. These changes directly protect children involved in trafficking cases from potential harm while ensuring fair legal processes.

Maddy summaryAB 833 creates a state grant program to fund nonprofit organizations providing support services to human trafficking victims. The bill appropriates $1.25 million biennially for grants to nonprofits that coordinate with law enforcement and provide at least 50% private matching funds. Grants are capped at $125,000 per biennium for organizations offering housing services, or $50,000 for other support services like advocacy, medical care, or job training. The Department of Justice will administer the program and establish rules for grant distribution, prioritizing organizations with established law enforcement partnerships or capacity to serve large numbers of victims.

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 894 prohibits businesses from selling gift cards or certificates with expiration dates shorter than 5 years (or 5 years after reloading for reloadable cards). It bans hidden inactivity or dormancy fees unless clearly disclosed on the card, limits such fees to once per month, and requires specific fee details to be visible. Consumers can seek double damages or $200 per violation, and businesses face state penalties of $100-$10,000 per violation. The law directly affects gift card buyers and sellers, applying to all gift obligations sold after its effective date.

Maddy summaryAB 915 creates a $400-per-employee tax credit for Wisconsin small businesses (with 1-50 employees) that offer individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements (ICHRA) to their workers. To qualify, businesses must contribute at least $400 per covered employee annually into the ICHRA, and employees must accept the arrangement. The credit reduces state income tax liability for qualifying businesses, with partnerships and LLCs required to allocate the credit to owners based on ownership shares. This policy directly affects small employers seeking to provide health benefits without traditional group plans, while requiring specific contribution levels to claim the credit.