Rep. Barbara Dittrich

Maddy summaryAB 26 corrects a misleading title and focuses on background check procedures, not juror protection. The bill requires agencies (like child welfare departments) to verify final court dispositions for certain serious crimes within 5 years by contacting courts, if background checks indicate potential violations. It specifically targets offenses including battery (e.g., sections 940.20, 940.202) and threats listed in statutes. This affects agencies conducting background checks for employment or services, ensuring they confirm pending or recent convictions before making decisions.

Maddy summaryAB 233 amends Wisconsin law to expand funding for child advocacy centers by adding two new recipients: the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center in Sheboygan County and a statewide "Child Advocacy Centers of Wisconsin" entity. It authorizes $17,000 annually per center for education, training, and quality assurance activities related to child maltreatment response. The bill directly affects existing centers (like those in Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine Counties) and the newly added entities by securing their grant funding from the Department of Justice’s existing appropriation. The policy change specifies concrete funding recipients and mechanisms without altering eligibility criteria for current centers.

Maddy summaryAB 108 requires the Public Service Commission to conduct a study identifying potential sites for nuclear power and fusion energy facilities, including advanced reactors, by a specific deadline. It also mandates that the Commission must make a final decision on applications for large nuclear facilities within 150 days of the application being deemed complete, or automatically approve the project. This directly affects applicants seeking permits for advanced nuclear power plants and the Commission's approval process. The bill aims to streamline approvals for new nuclear energy projects while establishing a formal study to identify suitable locations.

Maddy summaryAB 259 creates a new misdemeanor offense for entering or remaining on a campground without permission from the operator. It directly affects visitors who enter or stay on licensed campground property without consent. The law allows campground operators to issue written requests for individuals to leave, and failing to comply results in fines up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail. This bill specifically applies to campgrounds and camping resorts licensed under state law, clarifying that standard trespass laws do not cover campground occupants or guests.

Maddy summaryAB 83 prohibits state and local governments from restricting the sale or use of motor vehicles based on their energy source (e.g., gasoline, electric, or hydrogen). It also extends this rule to other energy-powered devices, such as power tools or generators, if their significant functions rely on that energy source. The law explicitly allows government agencies to prioritize electric vehicles for their own fleets when purchasing. This ensures public policies do not discriminate against specific vehicle or device types based on energy use.

Maddy summaryAB 63 authorizes the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority (WHEFA) to provide working capital loans to participating health, educational, and nonprofit institutions for operating expenses. It expands WHEFA's ability to make loans for facility projects, requiring security like mortgages and limiting loan amounts to project costs or approved working capital. The bill permits out-of-state projects only if they include a substantial Wisconsin component, as determined by WHEFA. It also sets salary caps for WHEFA's executive staff based on state pay scales for specific leadership roles.

Maddy summaryAB 53 amends Wisconsin law to classify intentionally causing bodily harm or threatening harm to a community service officer (or their family) as a Class H felony under specific conditions. It directly affects community service officers and their families by creating a new felony charge when the harm occurs in response to the officer's official duties. The bill requires that the perpetrator knew the victim was a community service officer (or family member) and that the act was retaliation for an official action taken by the officer. This policy change strengthens criminal penalties for attacks targeting these officers during their work, without altering existing protections for other law enforcement roles.

Maddy summaryAB 318 requires fair organizations (like county fairs, agricultural societies, or associations) seeking state aid to submit two annual reports. Within 30 days after each fair, they must file a detailed report verifying that gambling devices, most alcohol sales (except fermented malt beverages and wine), and "immoral" exhibitions were prohibited at the event. By January 31st each year, they must also submit a finance report covering receipts, disbursements, attendance, and other required details. State aid payments are tied to submitting these reports on time, ensuring compliance before funds are released.

Maddy summaryAB 348 lowers the minimum age for assistant child care teachers in Wisconsin from 17 or 18 to 16 years old, directly affecting licensed child care centers hiring these staff. To qualify, individuals must complete early childhood education training (e.g., two college credits, a department-approved course, or an approved program) within six months. The bill maintains current rules that assistant teachers may only provide sole supervision during specific times (like opening/closing hours or naptime) if a qualified child care teacher is present on-site. It does not change requirements for child care teachers themselves.

Maddy summaryAB 350, introduced on July 8, 2025, by multiple state representatives and senators, aims to establish new regulations for family and group child care centers. It directly affects child care providers operating under these models by setting standards for safety, staffing, and facility requirements. The bill is currently referred to the Committee on Children and Families for further review. As introduced, it focuses on creating specific regulatory frameworks for these centers without detailing exact provisions in the provided context.