Rep. Christine Sinicki

Maddy summaryAJR 114 is a non-binding resolution recognizing nature's inherent rights - including the right to exist, flourish, and regenerate - and affirming Wisconsin's duty to protect these rights as part of its conservation legacy. It calls for exploring policies to implement "rights of nature" principles, engaging Indigenous communities and experts, and encourages local governments and agencies to adopt such approaches. The resolution does not create new laws but urges future legislative action and collaboration to address environmental challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.

Maddy summaryAB 322 designates the monarch butterfly as Wisconsin's official state butterfly. The bill adds a specific statutory provision (1.10(3)(w)) stating "The monarch butterfly is the state butterfly" and amends another section to include "butterfly" in the list of symbols featured in the Wisconsin Blue Book. This symbolic designation directly affects all Wisconsin residents by formally recognizing the monarch butterfly as a state emblem. The bill does not create new regulations or impact any policies - its sole purpose is to establish a ceremonial state symbol.

Maddy summaryAB 126 amends Wisconsin vehicle safety rules to allow school buses to have two additional back-up lamps - one mounted on each side of the bus - specifically designed to illuminate the rear wheels when the bus is backing up. This change directly affects school bus manufacturers, operators, and school districts that maintain school bus fleets. The bill adds a new provision (347.26(4)(am)) to the statutes, permitting these side-mounted lamps to project white or amber light, while existing limits on standard back-up lamps (max two, illuminating up to 75 feet rearward) remain unchanged for other vehicles. The law updates safety requirements for school buses to improve visibility during backing maneuvers without altering general vehicle lamp regulations.

Maddy summaryAB 589 eliminates specific abortion-related requirements from medical licensing regulations. It removes references to abortion procedures from statutes governing medical board investigations (amending §448.02) and repeals sections requiring parental consent, ultrasound disclosures, or abortion-specific definitions (like §253.10). This directly affects physicians and medical licensing boards by removing mandatory reporting obligations related to abortion care. The bill streamlines medical oversight by excluding abortion-related violations from the list of unprofessional conduct that triggers board investigations.

Maddy summaryAB 410 provides state funding through grants to community organizations for falls prevention awareness programs and initiatives. It directly affects local health agencies, senior service providers, and community groups working with at-risk populations, particularly older adults. The bill establishes a specific appropriation from the state budget to support these prevention efforts. This is a funding measure, not a regulatory change, and focuses on allocating resources for education and outreach programs.

Maddy summaryAB 600 establishes new rules for faculty tenure and probationary appointments at University of Wisconsin System institutions. It defines "probationary appointments" as temporary positions (capped at 7 consecutive academic years, excluding approved leaves) and "tenure appointments" as permanent roles. The bill requires tenure decisions to follow a multi-step process: a chancellor's recommendation, a committee review if the academic department rejects tenure, and adherence to board-defined rules prohibiting discriminatory or irrelevant factors in decisions. It also clarifies that tenure is institution-specific and mandates procedural safeguards, including due process for dismissals, for both tenured and probationary faculty.

Maddy summaryAB 591 modifies Wisconsin's fee remission program for veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System or technical colleges. It removes outdated provisions (like sections 36.27 (3n) (bm) 2. and 39.50 (3m)) and clarifies that the state will reimburse institutions for waived tuition and fees, with proration if funds are insufficient. This directly affects veterans and dependents who qualify for fee waivers, ensuring they receive proportional reimbursement when state funds fall short. The changes take effect for students enrolled in Fall 2026.

Maddy summaryAB 611 modifies how state funding for public schools is calculated by changing the formula for per-pupil aid starting in the 2026-27 school year. It directly affects school districts receiving state funding, specifically for students in grades 9-12. The bill requires that each year's per-pupil aid amount equals the previous year's amount plus any positive annual change in a separate funding formula (s. 119.23 (4) (bg) 3) for high school students. This creates an automatic annual adjustment tied to that specific funding change, rather than using a fixed rate.

Maddy summaryAB 608 allocates $10 million annually for two years (2025-26 and 2026-27) to support student success and retention programs at University of Wisconsin System institutions and Wisconsin technical colleges. The funding, designated as a continuing appropriation, directly supports institutions in enhancing academic advising and other retention-focused initiatives. It creates new statutory provisions to channel these funds through the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. The bill does not establish new programs but provides dedicated annual funding for existing student support efforts at these public institutions.

Maddy summaryAB 513 modifies Wisconsin law to clarify procedures for employment discrimination cases involving unfair honesty testing or genetic testing. It allows individuals or the department to file civil lawsuits in circuit court within 300 days of an alleged violation, with courts able to award compensatory damages and punitive damages up to specific caps based on employer size (e.g., $50,000 for businesses with ≤100 employees). The bill also establishes a process for automatic annual adjustments to these damage caps using the consumer price index. It ensures complainants receive clear notices about their right to pursue legal action after administrative decisions.