Rep. Margaret Arney

Maddy summaryAB 495 adjusts Wisconsin's school funding system to protect districts from funding cuts between 2024 and 2025. It creates a "supplemental hold harmless aid" provision (20.255(2)(ab)) to ensure districts receiving higher state aid in 2024 retain that level in 2025-26. The bill also modifies per-pupil revenue limits, adding $325 for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, and increases state funding appropriations by $493.8 million for 2025-26 and $699.9 million for 2026-27. These changes directly affect public school districts receiving state equalization aid.

Maddy summaryAB 371 allows first-class cities to use automated red-light cameras at intersections with high accident rates (1.0+ annually over 5 years). It requires cities to place warning signs, capture images focused on license plates from behind, and limit camera use to no more than five intersections per city council district. Vehicle owners, not drivers, are liable for violations (like running red lights), with fines collected funding traffic safety programs - not general city budgets. Exceptions include stolen vehicles (reported within 7 days) or rentals/dealerships that provide lessee/operator details.

Maddy summaryAB 528 requires the Wisconsin Group Insurance Board to conduct a cost analysis study on whether school districts should join the state's group health insurance program, either voluntarily or mandatorily. The bill appropriates $300,000 to fund this study, which will examine potential costs and savings for school districts and current health plan participants. The study must be completed within six months, after which the Group Insurance Board will submit a written report to the governor and legislature. This bill does not change current insurance participation rules but sets the stage for future decisions based on the study's findings.

Maddy summaryAB 507 amends state civil service laws to adjust veteran preference policies for state government hiring. It repeals outdated sections and revises provisions related to veteran eligibility, removing age restrictions for veterans applying for positions and clarifying how preference points are calculated and applied. Specifically, it modifies rules so veterans and their spouses receive preference points without age limits, and updates procedures for adding qualified veterans to certification lists after initial hiring. These changes directly affect veterans seeking state civil service jobs and state hiring boards managing employment eligibility. The bill updates statutory language to align with current veteran preference practices under sections like 230.16 (7).

Maddy summaryAB 325 modifies Wisconsin's firearm transfer rules to require most sales or transfers to go through a licensed firearms dealer, with exceptions for direct family gifts, bequests, or inheritances (if the recipient is at least 18 and not prohibited from owning firearms). It adds a $10 fee for background checks conducted by dealers and mandates new forms requiring transferees to confirm they aren’t transferring to prohibited individuals. Violating these rules carries a misdemeanor penalty of fines ($500-$10,000) or up to 9 months in jail, plus a 2-year firearm possession ban. The bill directly affects gun sellers, buyers, and family members transferring firearms without a dealer.

Maddy summaryAJR 78 is a joint resolution that directs the Wisconsin legislature to officially proclaim June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Day" in the state. It recognizes the historical significance of June 12, 1948 - the date President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act - and highlights Wisconsin’s 29,000+ women veterans, who represent about 10% of the state’s veteran population. The resolution aims to honor women veterans’ service and sacrifices, acknowledging their growing demographic presence and unique challenges like higher rates of PTSD and unemployment compared to male veterans. This is a symbolic recognition with no new policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryAB 569 regulates the sale and resale of event tickets by requiring sellers and resellers to clearly disclose all costs (including fees and taxes) upfront. It bans resellers from selling "speculative" tickets (not in their possession) and restricts presales through fan clubs or early access programs. The bill also mandates refunds within 10 days for canceled events, counterfeit tickets, or tickets that don't match descriptions, and prohibits deceptive marketing using artists' or venues' names without permission. These rules apply directly to ticket sellers, secondary marketplaces, and resellers, aiming to increase transparency and prevent deceptive practices.

Maddy summaryAJR 106 is a non-binding resolution honoring the 200th anniversary of Norwegian immigration to the United States, specifically commemorating the 1825 voyage of the sloop *Restauration* from Norway to New York. It formally recognizes the arrival of the first organized group of Norwegian immigrants and their descendants, particularly highlighting Wisconsin's historical connection as home to approximately 25% of Norwegian Americans by 1900. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups; it is purely commemorative, aligning with the 2025 bicentennial of the *Restauration*'s journey.

Maddy summaryAB 539 allows 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote in the state. This preregistration becomes active when they turn 18, enabling them to vote in future elections without needing to re-register. The bill amends voter registration rules to require that preregistered 16-17 year olds only appear on voter lists once they reach age 18 on election day. It does not permit their names to appear on election lists before they turn 18.

Maddy summaryAB 529 requires school boards to provide eligible high school students with voter registration forms, eligibility information, and nonpartisan materials explaining voting importance and civic roles. It directly affects high school students who become eligible to register to vote (typically 16-18 year olds in most states). The bill mandates schools to distribute these resources as part of student enrollment or transition processes, ensuring access to nonpartisan voting information. It creates a new statute (6.31) specifying these requirements without altering voting eligibility rules. The measure aims to streamline voter registration access for young adults through educational institutions.