Rep. Angelina Cruz

Maddy summaryAJR 115 is a non-binding resolution recognizing October 26, 2025, and 2026, as Intersex Awareness Day in Wisconsin. It honors the 1996 first public demonstration by intersex people at a medical conference and acknowledges intersex individuals - those born with variations in physical sex characteristics - as part of Wisconsin's diverse community. The resolution highlights ongoing challenges like discrimination and unnecessary medical procedures on intersex children, while affirming the importance of bodily autonomy and dignity. This symbolic gesture does not create new laws but formally supports awareness and respect for intersex people.

Maddy summaryAB 632 imposes a moratorium on issuing permits for mining sulfide ore bodies (mineral deposits where metals mix with sulfide minerals) until two conditions are verified. Specifically, the department must confirm that similar mining operations in the U.S. or Canada have operated for at least 10 years without polluting groundwater or surface water from acid drainage or heavy metals, and that similar closed mines have remained pollution-free for 10 years. This applies to all permit applications, regardless of when they were submitted, and remains in effect until the verification requirements are met. The bill directly affects mining companies seeking permits for sulfide ore mining projects in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 570 redirects remaining scholarship funds to public school districts when students switch schools. If a student withdraws from a private school under a parental choice program, the Special Needs Scholarship Program, or an independent charter school during a school year and enrolls in a public school district, the state department must pay the unused scholarship amount to that district instead of the original school. This applies to all specified programs and covers the remainder of the school year's funding. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026. It directly affects students transferring programs, public school districts receiving funds, and the state's scholarship payment process.

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 summaryAJR 117 is a non-binding Wisconsin legislative resolution calling on the federal government to immediately resolve the U.S.-China trade war. It specifically highlights harm to Wisconsin’s soybean industry, noting that 16,000 farmers and a $1.3 billion sector face lost access to China - the world’s top soybean buyer - while Argentina now supplies China instead due to federal trade actions. The resolution argues that current federal priorities, including a $20 billion Argentina bailout, undermine Wisconsin farmers without addressing the trade war. As a symbolic measure, it does not change laws but urges federal action to protect the state’s agricultural economy.

Maddy summaryAB 97 extends health coverage under Wisconsin's Medicaid program (Medical Assistance) for postpartum women from 60 days to 365 days after pregnancy, directly affecting pregnant and postpartum women who qualify for the program. The bill changes eligibility rules to ensure coverage continues without regard to income changes during this extended period. It also adds a provision allowing women with family incomes above 300% of the poverty line to qualify if their income is spent on medical care or health insurance premiums. This policy update aims to provide longer-term health coverage for new mothers during a critical postpartum period.

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 478 repeals two existing statutes (66.0134 and 947.21) that previously prohibited state and local governments from regulating labor matters. This bill directly affects state and local government entities by removing a legal barrier that prevented them from creating their own labor regulations. The key mechanism is the simple repeal of these specific statutes, allowing governments to establish rules on issues like wages, working conditions, or union practices without violating the repealed restrictions. The bill does not create new regulations but enables governments to develop their own labor policies where they previously could not.

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 summaryAB 257 expands the authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) by allowing them to complete medical forms and verify physical disabilities that previously required a physician's signature. The bill updates specific laws to include certified APRNs as authorized providers who can sign disability assessments for permit applications, such as those for physical disability permits. It also adjusts review procedures for permit denials, making APRNs one of the qualified professionals who can verify medical conditions. This change directly affects APRNs, patients seeking disability permits, and state agencies processing these applications.