Rep. Lori Palmeri

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege victory (where British forces withdrew on Saint Patrick's Day) and recognizes Irish Americans' contributions to the Revolutionary War. It specifically highlights figures like General John Sullivan (son of Irish immigrants), eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signatories, and historical connections such as John Dunlap’s printing of the Declaration. The resolution directs the legislature to formally acknowledge these events and send copies to Irish officials, including Senator Mark Daly and the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on policy or constituents.

Maddy summaryAB 1015 adjusts Wisconsin Shares child care assistance copayment rules and increases funding. It limits copayments to no more than 7% of a family’s gross income (49.155 (5) (ag)) and waives copayments entirely for families earning below 150% of the federal poverty line (49.155 (5) (ar)). The bill also increases annual funding for child care subsidies by $22.93 million for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. These changes directly affect low-income families using Wisconsin Shares child care assistance.

Maddy summaryAB 1041 requires all Wisconsin public, private, and charter schools to integrate age-appropriate instruction about African American history into K-12 social studies curricula. It mandates the development of a state model curriculum covering African American contributions to U.S. and state history, with collaboration from organizations like the Wisconsin Black Historical Society. The bill funds three full-time education consultants ($384,900 annually) to support schools in implementing this curriculum. This policy directly affects all K-12 schools and educators, requiring concrete changes to social studies teaching standards starting with the 2026-27 school year.

Maddy summaryAB 1040 requires all public and private school boards, including charter schools, to maintain an easily accessible on-site supply of opioid antagonists (medication used to reverse opioid overdoses) at every school they oversee. It creates a grant program funded by a $100,000 appropriation increase for fiscal year 2026-27, allowing schools to purchase these antidotes to comply with the new requirement. The law takes effect on September 1, 2026, directly affecting school administrators and staff responsible for implementing this safety measure. This bill focuses on making life-saving medication readily available in schools without specifying outcomes or advocating for policy positions.

Maddy summaryAB 1084 expands dental coverage for pregnant individuals enrolled in Wisconsin's Medical Assistance program (Medicaid). The bill requires that pregnant recipients referred for dental care must be seen by a dentist or dental therapist within 30 days of referral. It defines "dental therapist" as a licensed professional under existing law and ensures referrals for basic dental services include this option. This directly affects pregnant Medical Assistance recipients who need dental care, guaranteeing timely access to covered services.

Maddy summaryAB 1063 requires state legislators to prove they live in the district they represent by filing sworn statements with proof of residency (like utility bills) at the start of each session and annually. If a legislator moves, they must update this within 10 days. Failure to comply triggers an investigation and potential legal action to remove them from office if residency is disputed. The bill also protects submitted residency records as confidential information. It directly affects all elected state legislators and aims to enforce existing residency requirements for legislative officeholders.

Maddy summaryAB 1074 creates an Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman within the Department of Financial Institutions to assist borrowers with student loan issues. The office will handle complaints, analyze borrower data, and provide guidance on loan terms, working directly with student loan servicers and educational institutions. It establishes specific duties including resolving disputes, monitoring laws affecting borrowers, and requiring servicers to cooperate with the ombudsman. This bill directly affects student loan borrowers in the state and the student loan servicers who must now engage with this new oversight office.

Maddy summaryAB 1083 prevents the state from seeking reimbursement from alleged fathers for birth expenses paid through the Medical Assistance program when the mother was an unmarried recipient at the time of birth. It amends statutes to eliminate the state’s right to recover these costs and prohibits courts from ordering fathers to pay for such expenses. The bill specifically applies to cases involving unmarried mothers who received Medical Assistance during pregnancy or birth. This affects unmarried mothers enrolled in Medical Assistance who have given birth while covered by the program.

Maddy summaryAB 1043 requires adult family homes and residential care apartment complexes to implement fall prevention and recovery training for staff and residents. It mandates that facilities maintain at least one certified CPR provider, one certified first aid provider, and one staff member trained in fall recovery and safe lifting techniques on-site at all times. Facilities must provide fall prevention training to new residents within 30 days of move-in (unless a healthcare provider certifies they cannot participate) and require staff to complete related training. The bill also establishes a duty for facilities to administer CPR or first aid during emergencies before emergency services arrive, unless a do-not-resuscitate order exists, and prohibits policies that prevent staff from providing immediate aid.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require Wisconsin's Medical Assistance program (similar to Medicaid) to reimburse certified doulas for services provided to program recipients. It mandates that hospitals and birthing centers allow Medical Assistance-certified doulas to accompany patients during labor and birth without counting them toward visitor limits. Facilities must create written policies for this access, post them online, and ensure doulas don't conflict with medical standards. The bill directly affects low-income pregnant people, certified doulas, and healthcare facilities.