Rep. Joe Sheehan

Maddy summaryAB 314 updates state statutes to replace gendered terms like "husband and wife" with gender-neutral language across numerous legal provisions. The bill specifically amends fishing license statutes (such as 29.219(4), 29.228(5), and 29.228(6)) to use inclusive terms like "spouses" instead of gendered language. It also makes similar changes to marriage and parentage rights throughout the statutes. The bill does not create new rights but ensures consistent gender-neutral terminology in existing legal language. This affects how state agencies and legal documents refer to family relationships in multiple areas of law.

Maddy summaryAB 392 creates a state Task Force focused on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered African American women and girls in Wisconsin. The task force will develop recommendations to improve responses, prevention efforts, and support services for this community. The bill includes a funding appropriation to cover the task force’s operational costs. It was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety for further review.

Maddy summaryAB 402 requires all health insurance plans in Wisconsin to cover maternity and newborn care services. It grants the Commissioner of Insurance authority to create specific rules for implementing this coverage requirement. The bill directly affects health insurance providers and ensures these services are included in standard coverage for policyholders.

Maddy summaryAB 396 establishes procedures for the legislature to appoint legal counsel, specifying how the process will be managed internally. This procedural bill affects the legislative body's internal operations but does not change laws or impact the public. It focuses solely on the mechanics of hiring legal staff, without altering substantive policy or affecting constituents.

Maddy summaryAB 213 prohibits hedge funds managing $50 million or more in assets from acquiring or owning single-family homes in the state. It defines "hedge fund" as investment entities meeting specific criteria (not tax-exempt organizations, managing pooled investor funds). Violations require forfeiting the home to the state, enforced by the attorney general, but only apply to ownership acquired after a future effective date - existing holdings are unaffected. The bill directly affects large hedge funds meeting its financial and structural definition, not all real estate investors.

Maddy summaryAJR 63 is a ceremonial joint resolution that officially designates January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, as the "Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary." It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it symbolically recognizes the 125th anniversary of Wisconsin's state park system, which began in 1900 with Interstate Park. The resolution highlights the system's role in conservation, recreation (over 20 million annual visits), and economic impact ($11.2 billion GDP, 97,000 jobs), but it has no direct effect on residents, funding, or park operations. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to honor the park system's history and contributions.

Maddy summaryAB 324 amends Wisconsin law to require a 48-hour waiting period after a background check approval before a handgun can be purchased. It specifically states that a firearm dealer must wait 48 hours from the time they receive confirmation of a clean background check from the Department of Justice. For cases where the background check is unclear, the bill mandates that the Department must resolve the issue and notify the dealer within 5 working days. This bill directly affects handgun buyers and firearms dealers by changing the timing rules for firearm sales.

Maddy summaryAJR 82 is a non-binding resolution designating September 15 to October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Wisconsin. It formally recognizes the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to Wisconsin's economy, culture, and civic life, following the state legislature's acknowledgment of their historical and ongoing impact. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official state designation to honor these communities. It affects Wisconsin's official recognition practices and aligns with national observance of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Maddy summaryAB 319 creates a new grant program to fund law enforcement training on extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), allocating $700,000 annually for this purpose. It expands background check requirements for firearm purchases to include checks for temporary restraining orders or injunctions under Section 813.124. The bill amends statutes to clarify how courts and law enforcement must verify firearm prohibitions, including checking for ERPO-related orders during background checks. These changes directly affect law enforcement agencies, courts, and individuals seeking to purchase firearms in Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 379 defines which state-issued identification documents qualify as valid proof for voting. It specifies that a driver's license or ID card issued by any state, meeting federal standards under the Real ID Act (P.L. 109-13), satisfies voting ID requirements. The bill does not create new voting rules but clarifies existing eligibility by adding this definition to state statutes. It directly affects voters needing to present ID at polling locations and election officials verifying ID compliance. The bill was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to the Campaigns and Elections Committee in 2025.