Rep. Karen DeSanto

Maddy summaryAB 635 requires the state environmental department to notify county health departments, tribal health departments, and county land conservation departments within 7 business days whenever groundwater protection standards or PFAS standards are exceeded. The bill creates a formal notification system to alert affected local governments and adjacent counties that might face negative impacts, with notices available for public review under state law. This law directly affects local health and land management agencies in counties where water contamination breaches are confirmed, ensuring timely public awareness of groundwater safety issues.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally designates October 2025 and October 2026 as "Cybersecurity Awareness Month" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or programs but makes an official state proclamation to highlight the importance of cybersecurity education. The resolution cites rising online threats like phishing scams and identity theft as reasons to promote public awareness. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by encouraging broader attention to online safety practices during those months.

Maddy summaryAB 263 requires disability insurance policies and self-insured health plans to cover diagnostic breast examinations and supplemental screenings for individuals at increased breast cancer risk, as defined by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines or breast density (per American College of Radiology standards). It mandates coverage without copays or deductibles for these specific screenings, including diagnostic exams for abnormalities and supplemental screenings for high-risk patients. The bill applies to all affected plans, ensuring coverage regardless of symptoms and prohibiting cost-sharing for these services. This directly impacts patients with dense breast tissue, family history, or other risk factors, as well as the insurers and employers offering these health plans.

Maddy summaryAB 688 creates a temporary Shared Revenue Advisory Council to review and recommend improvements to how Wisconsin distributes supplemental county and municipal aid. The council, composed of legislative leaders, local association representatives, and the revenue secretary, must study revenue variations, evaluate current distribution formulas, and propose fairer methods for 2027 and beyond. It requires the council to submit recommendations by January 2027, including a formula that maintains or increases aid for all counties/municipalities and accounts for population and equalized value changes. The bill also establishes a new funding mechanism: starting in 2026, payments will adjust annually based on tax revenue changes (using $16.2575 million as the base for 2026-27) and include a population-based supplement for larger cities. This directly affects all Wisconsin counties and municipalities receiving supplemental aid under existing statutes.

Maddy summaryAB 462 requires construction contractors to register with the state and comply with worker classification laws, directly affecting employers in the construction industry. It creates a whistleblower program offering 15-30% of penalties collected (up to 10% for media-sourced tips) to employees who report misclassification or tax violations, while prohibiting retaliation against reporting workers. The bill also mandates multilingual outreach to educate employers and workers about misclassification rights and anonymous reporting options. These provisions aim to increase compliance with worker classification and tax laws in the construction sector.

Maddy summaryAB 381 requires the state department to partner with healthcare providers (like OB/GYNs) and community health centers to educate women about perimenopause and menopause. It directs the department to create accessible informational materials covering symptoms, treatments, biological processes, when to seek care, and communication tips - distributed through healthcare providers to women identified as experiencing or nearing these stages. The materials must be available both online and in print. This bill directly affects women navigating perimenopause and menopause by providing standardized educational resources through existing healthcare channels.

Maddy summaryAJR 5 is a symbolic joint resolution directing the Governor of Wisconsin to proclaim February 2025 as Black History Month. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs; it is a ceremonial recognition of the significance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context and highlights contributions of Wisconsin residents of African descent, but its sole effect is to formally request the Governor issue the proclamation. This is a procedural resolution with no policy impact beyond the symbolic recognition.