Rep. Maureen McCarville

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 It repeals outdated sections and revises provisions related to veteran eligibility, removing age restrictions for veterans applying for positions and clarifying how preference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 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 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 536 requires election officials to complete one-hour accessibility training sessions focused on meeting voter accessibility requirements under sections 5.25(4) and 6.82. Specifically, chief inspectors must attend this training under new section 7.31(6), while municipal clerks, inspectors, special deputies, and registration officials must complete it under new section 7.315(5). All training must be provided before the 2027 spring election. The bill directly affects local election staff responsible for polling place operations and voter assistance.

Maddy summaryAB 535 requires all polling places to be accessible to voters with disabilities by mandating election workers to use a standardized accessibility checklist on election day to identify and immediately report barriers. It also requires the election commission to submit annual reports (by June 30 in odd years) on voting impediments faced by elderly and disabled voters, consulting with relevant advocacy groups. Additionally, the bill creates uniform signage guidelines to notify disabled voters about ballot assistance options at polling place entrances. These changes apply to all polling places and take effect before the 2027 spring election.

Maddy summaryAB 531 creates a $200,000 annual grant program for counties and law enforcement agencies to establish safe firearm disposal initiatives. Agencies must advertise the program, use law enforcement personnel (with grant funds covering overtime), securely store firearms until destruction, prevent fraud, and have firearms inspected by licensed dealers before payment. Participants receive gift cards (not cash) that cannot be redeemed for guns or ammo, and agencies must report firearm details and program outcomes to the state. The bill also funds staff positions to administer the program and requires annual reports on participation and improvements.

Maddy summaryAJR 98 is a symbolic resolution that would officially proclaim October 2025 as "Filipino American History Month" in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin residents by encouraging the state to recognize and celebrate Filipino American heritage, contributions, and history. The resolution cites historical milestones, including the first Filipino settlement in the U.S. and Wisconsin's Filipino population of over 22,000 people. It does not create new laws or policies, but rather serves as a ceremonial recognition of Filipino American contributions to Wisconsin and the U.S. The resolution was introduced by multiple legislators and refers to the established national observance of Filipino American History Month.

Maddy summaryAB 579 creates a new University of Wisconsin System tuition grant program to help cover the gap between other scholarships and full tuition and fees for eligible students. It directly affects Wisconsin residents enrolled in their first bachelor's degree program at a non-Madison UW campus with household income under $71,000 annually. The bill appropriates $11.86 million for 2025-26 and $28.11 million for 2026-27 to fund grants covering up to 8 consecutive semesters for freshmen or 4 for transfers (excluding summer terms). The program requires students to meet academic standards and excludes those with unmet selective service or child support obligations.

Maddy summaryAB 49 allows minors aged 14 or older who are unaccompanied youth (homeless youth without parental supervision) to consent to medically necessary health care without parental permission. To qualify, a minor must be verified as unaccompanied by specific professionals like school counselors, shelter staff, or social workers. The bill defines "medically necessary care" as treatment meeting established medical standards, including safety, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. Healthcare providers following this law are protected from liability for providing such care, though the law does not override existing mandatory reporting requirements or other minor consent rights under Chapter 51.