Rep. Lori Palmeri

Maddy summaryAB 340 increases state reimbursement for school medical services in Wisconsin from 60% to 100% of the federal share for eligible school districts, cooperative agencies, and specialized programs like the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. It also raises reimbursement for administrative costs from 90% to 100% of the federal share, using time studies to calculate these costs. The bill explicitly includes common carrier transportation costs as part of reimbursable school medical services, unless federal policy changes prohibit it. School districts and agencies must still comply with federal health department requirements to receive these reimbursements.

Maddy summaryAB 321 prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of undetectable firearms - those not detectable by standard metal detectors or security scanners - and requires serial numbers on firearm frames or receivers. It directly affects individuals who own or handle such firearms or unmarked firearm components, with specific exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and pre-1968 firearms. Violations carry penalties of Class G felony (possession of undetectable firearms), Class H felony (possession of manufacturing plans), or Class I felony (unmarked frames/receivers). The law aims to enhance public safety by making firearms more detectable during security screenings.

Maddy summaryAB 332 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks at intersections with traffic signals or when pedestrians have begun crossing on a green signal. It applies to all vehicles, including those turning, and affects pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of e-scooters or mobility devices. The bill clarifies that drivers must yield and remain stopped until the pedestrian or device has safely crossed, whether at signaled intersections or unmarked crosswalks. It also specifies that pedestrians may not suddenly enter a vehicle's path, and drivers must yield to all crossing users during turns on red signals.

Maddy summaryAB 352 prohibits the release of certain balloons (like single-use helium balloons) into the atmosphere, directly affecting event organizers, balloon vendors, and anyone hosting public gatherings. The bill grants environmental agencies rule-making authority to define specific balloon types and exceptions (e.g., for medical or religious purposes), and establishes fines for violations. Key provisions include banning releases that could harm wildlife or contribute to litter, while allowing agencies to develop detailed implementation rules. The legislation aims to reduce environmental harm from balloon debris without specifying exact penalties or enforcement timelines.

Maddy summaryAB 435 restructures funding and governance for Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 conservation program. It establishes a new Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Board with specific member appointments (including assembly/senate representatives, environmental groups, tribal representatives, and outdoor recreation stakeholders) and creates two new grant programs: one for nonprofit conservation organizations ($5 million annually) and a tribal co-management program ($3 million annually). The bill also adjusts debt limits for the program and modifies how funds are allocated from the capital improvement fund to support state parks, local recreation, and boating facilities. This directly affects conservation organizations, tribal governments, local municipalities, and outdoor recreation businesses receiving program funding.

Maddy summaryAB 431 creates a "special motion to strike" process to quickly dismiss lawsuits that target individuals or groups for speaking out on public issues, such as criticizing government actions or participating in public debates. If a plaintiff sues for speech protected under free speech or petition rights, the defendant can file this motion; the court will dismiss the case unless the plaintiff proves they are likely to win. If the motion succeeds, the winning defendant typically recovers attorney fees, unless the motion was frivolous or delayed the case. This bill directly affects people engaging in public discourse, including activists, journalists, and community members, by making it harder for opponents to use lawsuits to silence them.

Maddy summaryAB 378 requires all state agencies to mask or anonymize personally identifiable information (PII) before sharing it with the federal government, directly affecting state agencies handling sensitive data like health records or social services. The bill allows limited exceptions for sharing unmasked data when required by law, for legislative constituent services, or for court operations. It also creates a civil lawsuit option for individuals harmed by negligent violations, allowing recovery of actual damages, up to $1,000 in punitive damages, and attorney fees. The law aims to strengthen data privacy protections by limiting federal access to identifiable state records without explicit safeguards.

Maddy summaryAB 181 modifies grant eligibility for county forest programs by allowing counties to receive funding for one professional forester in a county forest administrator or assistant role. The bill specifies that grants cover up to 50% of the forester’s salary and up to 40% of fringe benefits (capped at 40% of salary), using funds from a designated appropriation. It defines a qualifying "county forest administrator" as someone with a forestry degree (or equivalent), natural resources degree with 3+ years’ experience, or an associate degree in forestry with 3+ years’ experience managing county forests - excluding department employees. The changes apply retroactively to grant applications submitted on or after the bill’s effective date (January 1, 2025). This bill directly affects counties managing forest programs seeking state funding for their designated forest administration staff.

Maddy summaryAJR 86 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late Representative Jim Rooney, a former Wisconsin State Assembly member (1972-1985) and lifelong public servant from Racine County. The resolution expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and recognizes his career, including chairing the Wisconsin Waterways Commission and contributing to Racine's lakefront revitalization. As a procedural resolution (not a policy bill), it contains no new laws or funding but formally commemorates his service and legacy. It was adopted by the legislature on October 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 490 creates a statewide suicide prevention program funded by an annual $250,000 appropriation. The program requires the Department of Health Services to implement public awareness campaigns, coordinate with community groups, and provide training for law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, and others who interact with people at risk of suicide. It specifically targets at-risk groups including youth, elderly individuals, Native Americans, and rural residents through county-level initiatives, crisis service enhancements, and a centralized resource website. The bill also mandates annual reports to the legislature on program activities starting in 2027.