Sen. André Jacque

Maddy summarySB 932 defines artificial intelligence and explicitly states it does not have legal personhood in Wisconsin. The bill creates a new statute section that clarifies AI systems are not considered persons, cannot own property, hold titles, or serve in corporate leadership roles. It also specifies that any assets or interests generated by AI belong to the developer, manufacturer, or owner rather than the AI itself. This legislation aims to prevent AI from being granted rights or legal status similar to humans or other entities.

Maddy summarySJR 132 is a symbolic resolution designating February 2026 as "Career and Technical Education Month" in Wisconsin. It recognizes the value of career and technical education (CTE) programs by highlighting their role in preparing students for careers, with supporting data on high graduate employment rates (92%) and median salaries ($55,636 for certificates, $60,003 for associate degrees). The resolution has no binding effect or new funding - it simply encourages public awareness of CTE benefits. It affects all Wisconsinites by promoting statewide recognition of CTE opportunities, but does not alter existing programs or policies. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a bill with policy changes.)

Maddy summarySJR 133 is a symbolic resolution (not a binding law) that reaffirms Wisconsin's longstanding relationship with Taiwan. It expresses support for the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, highlights Wisconsin's economic ties with Taiwan (including $380 million in exports to Taiwan in 2023), and encourages state agencies to explore establishing a Wisconsin representative office in Taiwan to boost trade and cultural exchanges. The resolution does not create new programs or change laws but formally endorses continued cooperation amid Taiwan's 40th anniversary of Wisconsin's sister-state relationship.

Maddy summarySB 1006 designates specific highway segments as memorial routes honoring eight deceased Wisconsin State Troopers. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain markers on these routes only after receiving sufficient private contributions from counties, cities, or other interested parties (no state funds may be used). It names routes including STH 23 near Green Lake (Trooper Donald C. Pederson), I-94 near Eau Claire (Trooper Debbie M. McMenamin), and I-90 near Lake Delton (Trooper Anthony J. Borostowski), among others. The measure is purely commemorative, creating no new state obligations or policy changes.

Maddy summarySB 969 bans local governments and data centers from using nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) to hide details about data center development from the public. It specifically prohibits agreements meant to conceal construction plans, location, or operational details, while allowing NDAs solely for protecting trade secrets. The bill defines "data center" as facilities primarily handling digital data storage, management, and processing equipment. This law directly affects local governments approving projects and data center operators, requiring transparency in public review processes.

Maddy summarySB 981 creates an expedited process for state agencies to repeal outdated rules they no longer have authority to create. It defines "restricted agencies" as those inactive for 10+ years or delinquent in reporting, requiring them to submit overdue reports before creating new rules. Agencies must now petition a joint committee for review to fast-track rule repeals, replacing older processes. This directly affects state agencies managing regulations, streamlining removal of obsolete rules while adding new reporting requirements.

Maddy summarySB 979 modifies state rules for reviewing proposed regulations that could impose significant costs. It lowers the cost threshold triggering a review from $10 million to $4 million over two years for businesses, local governments, and individuals. The bill specifically prevents agencies from avoiding this review by splitting a single rule into multiple rules or creating interdependent rules on the same topic. Agencies must halt work on rules exceeding the threshold or revise them to reduce costs, requiring a new economic analysis before proceeding. This directly affects state agencies creating regulations and the entities subject to those rules.

Maddy summarySB 940 limits state agencies' rule-making authority by requiring explicit and specific statutory permission for agencies to interpret or implement laws. It prohibits agencies from using policy statements, federal compliance plans, settlement agreements, or court orders as justification for creating rules. The bill also adds a new requirement that agencies must obtain approval from the governor and the relevant policy-making body before drafting new rules. This directly affects state agencies responsible for creating regulations, such as environmental or health departments, by tightening oversight of their regulatory actions.

Maddy summarySB 1018 creates a mandatory one-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of a felony committed with the intent to terrorize, intimidate, or coerce two or more people inside a church. It prohibits probation for these offenses and requires courts to obtain a special verdict confirming the intent to terrorize church occupants. Prosecutors cannot dismiss or amend related charges without court approval, and deferred prosecution programs are banned for such cases. This law directly affects defendants charged with church-targeted violent crimes, prosecutors handling these cases, and courts overseeing sentencing.

Maddy summarySB 1073 would establish requirements for hospitals, fire stations, emergency medical services stations, and law enforcement agencies that choose to install newborn infant safety devices (secure containers for surrendering newborns). Facilities must meet criteria like 24-hour staffing, having a 24/7 surveillance system to monitor the device, and placing interior access points in visible areas for staff. The bill also allows parents to call 911 to surrender a newborn and have an officer or EMS provider meet them, while requiring facilities to monitor devices continuously, check them twice daily, and test alarms weekly.