Rep. Robyn Vining

Maddy summaryAB 338 requires most health insurance plans (including those offered by state/local governments) to cover at least 28 annual therapy visits for mental health or substance use disorders without prior authorization. It mandates that insurers provide this minimum coverage per policy year, based on the insured's treatment goals. The law includes a cost-check mechanism: if insurers' actuarial analysis shows coverage would increase plan costs by over 10%, enforcement may be paused. This directly affects health insurers, self-insured public employer plans, and individuals seeking mental health/substance use treatment. The bill takes effect for new policy years starting after its publication date.

Maddy summaryAB 333 creates a refundable tax credit for low-income residents who purchase bicycles (including electric bikes) for their dependents. Eligible claimants - those with family income under 200% of the federal poverty line - can claim up to $200 per dependent annually, based on actual purchase costs. The credit is refundable, meaning unused portions are paid directly by the state via a dedicated appropriation. Claimants must submit proof of purchase with their tax return and meet residency and income requirements.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (AJR 73) is a symbolic recognition by the Wisconsin Legislature that June 2025 will be observed as Black Music Month in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin residents by formally acknowledging the state's support for celebrating Black musical contributions. The resolution highlights the historical significance of Black music genres like jazz, soul, and hip-hop, and honors Black artists' global influence on music and culture. As a commemorative measure with no new laws or funding, it serves solely to affirm and celebrate this cultural legacy through official state recognition.

Maddy summaryAJR 76 proposes removing a constitutional ban that currently defines marriage as only between one man and one woman. If passed, this change would eliminate the restriction preventing the state from recognizing same-sex marriages or creating equivalent legal status for unmarried couples. The bill directly affects all residents by removing a constitutional barrier to marriage equality, allowing the state to legally recognize same-sex marriages without requiring separate legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $2 million annually for two years to fund LGBTQIA+ rights training for school counselors and social workers in Wisconsin public schools. It requires school boards to provide department-approved training on LGBTQIA+ rights, defined as including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other nonheterosexual or noncisgender identities. The training must be developed or approved by the state Department of Public Instruction. School counselors and social workers employed by participating school boards will directly receive this training through the grant program. The funding is tied to specific statutory provisions creating new grant categories under education budgets.

Maddy summaryAB 336 would allocate $11 million annually for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years to fund additional mental and behavioral health services at the University of Wisconsin System. The bill specifically directs these funds toward improving student health services through enhanced staffing, training, prevention programs, and assessment tools. It directly affects all University of Wisconsin System campuses and their students by expanding access to mental health support. The funding mechanism is a direct state appropriation with no additional requirements for institutions.

Maddy summaryAB 335 creates a new $2 million annual appropriation to provide monthly stipends for school social worker interns. It directly affects interns enrolled in graduate programs leading to school social work licensure who are placed in public schools by school boards. The bill establishes that funds from the Public Instruction budget will cover these stipends starting in the 2026-27 school year. This is a concrete funding mechanism with no additional requirements or policy changes beyond the stipend payments.

Maddy summaryAB 341 creates a $5 million annual grant program to help prospective school social workers cover education costs for licensure. It specifically targets individuals who are members of racial minority groups (including Black Americans, American Indians, Hispanic individuals, Asian/Pacific Islanders, or multiracial people) and are either school employees or enrolled in relevant graduate programs. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction will administer the grants and establish rules to implement the program. The bill allocates funding for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years, with implementation starting after the 2025 budget act is published.

Maddy summaryAB 342 creates a $5 million annual grant program for school districts to hire mental health professionals who are members of racial minority groups. The bill defines "racial minority group" to include Black Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hispanic individuals, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and multiracial people. School districts receiving grants must use funds specifically to hire qualified professionals from these groups. The Department of Public Instruction will administer the program and establish rules for implementation, with funding allocated for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years.

Maddy summaryAB 359 prohibits licensed mental health professionals from providing conversion therapy to individuals under 18 years old. The bill defines conversion therapy as any attempt to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, while explicitly excluding supportive counseling for gender transition, general acceptance, or safety-focused interventions. Violations could lead to disciplinary actions by licensing boards, including license suspension, revocation, or limitations on practice. This law directly affects minors under 18 and mental health professionals licensed under chapters 448, 455, or 457 of the statutes.