Rep. Barbara Dittrich

Maddy summaryAB 556 requires most state executive agencies to submit biennial budget requests using zero-based budgeting starting in 2027. This means agencies must justify each program's funding needs from scratch, not just build on previous budgets, and analyze whether each appropriation met its intended goal. The bill mandates that 20% of agencies use this method each biennium, with every agency required to submit at least one zero-based budget every five years. Agencies must also publicly post these reports on their websites.

Maddy summaryAB 393 modifies restrictions on school bus drivers over 70 years old and those with certain medical conditions, allowing them to operate school buses under new medical review requirements. The bill requires school districts to implement a standardized medical evaluation process for qualifying drivers. This directly affects school bus drivers in these categories and their employers. The legislation is currently in the Assembly Transportation Committee after recent amendments.

Maddy summaryAB 519 requires courts to appoint a court-appointed advocate (guardian ad litem) for a minor child in any family court case where a nonparent (such as a grandparent or close family friend) petitions for reasonable visitation rights under statute 767.43 and has legally established standing to file the petition. This mandate applies specifically to cases involving nonparent visitation requests, ensuring the child’s best interests are represented by an independent advocate. The bill takes effect for all such petitions filed on or after its effective date, creating a new procedural requirement in family court proceedings.

Maddy summaryAB 135 requires vehicle manufacturers to provide owners and repair shops with free, unrestricted access to vehicle data (like diagnostics) and critical repair information (tools, manuals, parts specs) needed to fix cars. It prohibits manufacturers from using technological barriers (like encrypted data) or legal barriers (such as forcing owners to use dealer-approved parts) to limit repair choices. The bill directly affects car owners, independent repair shops, and aftermarket parts companies by ensuring they can access necessary information without fees or manufacturer-imposed restrictions. Manufacturers must also stop mandating specific brands of parts or tools in repair guides, though they can still recommend options with clear disclaimers. This law aims to make vehicle repairs more accessible and affordable by removing artificial barriers.

Maddy summaryAB 492 creates a new Music Therapy Examining Board within the Department of Safety and Professional Services to regulate the practice of music therapy. The bill requires music therapists to register with this board (replacing previous certification requirements), mandates renewal based on maintained national certification, and sets specific renewal dates (October 1 of odd-numbered years). It defines music therapy as evidence-based use of music interventions within a therapeutic relationship but explicitly excludes diagnosing physical or mental disorders. The law also clarifies that music therapists cannot perform psychotherapy without an additional license, and it establishes penalties for unlicensed practice. This directly affects licensed music therapists seeking to legally practice in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 380 requires judges facing allegations of misconduct or permanent disability to be suspended without pay during disciplinary proceedings. It amends statutes to mandate that both final suspensions imposed by the Supreme Court for misconduct and temporary suspensions pending investigations must be without pay. The bill directly affects judges under investigation by the Judicial Commission or facing formal complaints. This policy change clarifies that judges cannot receive salary during these disciplinary processes, applying to all cases involving alleged misconduct or disability.

Maddy summaryAB 249 prohibits the abandonment of boats on state waters or adjacent land without landowner consent. It defines abandonment as leaving a boat unattended for over 7 days without intent to return, or leaving a neglected boat that poses navigation, safety, or environmental hazards. The bill requires law enforcement to issue a 30-day removal notice to owners; if not complied with, or if the boat presents an immediate hazard, authorities may remove it without notice. Violators face fines up to $10,000, up to 9 months in jail, or both, plus liability for removal costs. This directly affects boat owners who leave vessels unattended in waterways.

Maddy summaryAB 491 allows residential care centers for children and youth, group homes, and shelter care facilities to use video surveillance in common areas, entrances, and exits without a child’s consent, provided they inform the child and their parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Facilities must adopt a safety monitoring policy that may include such video use and are prohibited from replacing one-on-one supervision for high-risk children with video alone. Video recordings are kept confidential (not public) but may be reviewed by the department, with exceptions for public inspection mirroring existing confidentiality rules. The bill applies directly to these child care facilities and the children they serve.

Maddy summaryAB 283 expands Wisconsin's business development tax credit to include specific child care costs incurred by employers for their employees. It allows businesses to claim a tax credit covering up to 15% of eligible expenses, such as capital costs to start a child care program, operational costs, reimbursements for employee child care, purchased child care slots, and contributions to dependent care flexible spending accounts. This directly affects businesses operating in Wisconsin that provide child care benefits to employees, making these costs deductible under the existing tax credit program. The bill modifies tax code sections to define these eligible expenses and sets the effective date for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryAB 389 would require California's Department of Motor Vehicles to add a visible symbol or notation on driver's licenses and identification cards to indicate veteran status for certain service members. It directly affects veterans who have received an honorable discharge or have a service-connected disability, allowing them to visibly identify their military service. The key provision mandates that the DMV create and implement this indicator on state-issued IDs, with the specific symbol to be determined by the agency. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly, having recently received a fiscal estimate and added co-authors.