Rep. Brienne Brown

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 220 seeks to expand anti-discrimination protections across various aspects of life. The bill proposes to amend numerous state statutes to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. This would directly affect individuals in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, insurance coverage, and adoption. Key provisions include requiring government contractors not to discriminate on these grounds, while clarifying that affirmative action requirements may not apply to these new protected characteristics in certain contracts.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 186 requires the Department of Workforce Development to conduct a study on establishing a guaranteed employment grant program. This study will examine the requirements, costs, and eligibility for a program that would offer grants to public and nonprofit entities in the "care economy" to create jobs. These jobs would pay at least $20 per hour for 100 days, targeting specific groups such as young adults, individuals with disabilities, low-income heads of households, the long-term unemployed, and previously incarcerated individuals. The department must submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature within 18 months. The bill appropriates $250,000 to the Department of Workforce Development to conduct this study and create the report.

Maddy summaryAJR 37 is a joint resolution that declares May 2025 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This aims to increase understanding of these inherited connective tissue disorders among both medical professionals and the general public.

Maddy summaryAJR 40 is a commemorative resolution that celebrates 50 years of strength and resilience of the Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese people. It honors the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War, the Secret War in Laos, and the Fall of Phnom Penh in Cambodia in 1975, recognizing the contributions of these communities, particularly those who resettled in Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 41 (AJR 41) proclaims May 2025 and May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Months. This resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature recognizes the over 370-year history of Jewish contributions to the nation's civic, social, economic, and cultural life, and thanks Jewish American citizens for shaping the country's character and strengthening religious freedom.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 39 officially recognizes Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. This resolution by the Wisconsin State Legislature aims to honor the significant contributions of Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history and diversity of the United States and Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 52 proclaims April 20 to 26, 2025, as National Infertility Awareness Week in Wisconsin. The resolution formally affirms the legal right of patients in Wisconsin to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments. It also rejects the notion of embryonic or fetal "personhood," aiming to support individuals seeking various family-building options.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 58 officially designates the month of May as Older Americans Month in Wisconsin. This resolution aims to recognize the significant contributions of older Americans in the state and underscore the importance of supporting programs that help them maintain health and independence.

Maddy summaryAB 224 requires that referendum questions on ballots - whether for constitutional amendments or other measures - be written in plain, clear language. It prohibits wording that would force voters to cast a "negative vote" to approve a proposal or an "affirmative vote" to reject one. For constitutional amendment questions, the ballot must also specify if any part of the amendment is already in existing state law. This rule applies to all public votes on measures submitted to voters, aiming to make ballot initiatives easier for the public to understand. The bill directly affects voters and election officials who draft and administer referendum questions.

Maddy summaryAJR 61 is a symbolic resolution, not a law, that formally designates June 6, 2025, as "Gun Violence Awareness Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new legal requirements or affect any specific group; instead, it serves as a ceremonial recognition of gun violence impacts. The resolution cites Wisconsin's statistics on gun-related deaths and injuries to frame the awareness day, but it contains no policy changes or funding mechanisms. This procedural action aims to highlight the issue through official proclamation, consistent with similar resolutions in other states.