Rep. Karen Kirsch

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 summaryAssembly Bill 11 mandates that hospitals must obtain written informed consent from a patient before a pelvic examination is performed solely for educational purposes while the patient is under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious. This bill creates a new statute requiring hospitals to ensure this consent is secured. Additionally, it directs hospitals to establish and maintain written policies and procedures that enforce this requirement for educational pelvic exams on unconscious patients.

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 Bill 43 permits pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraceptive patches and self-administered oral hormonal contraceptives to individuals aged 18 and older. Pharmacists must adhere to new rules, including requiring patients to complete a self-assessment questionnaire and undergo a blood pressure screening. The bill also mandates that pharmacists report prescriptions to the patient's primary care provider, provide a written record, and carry malpractice liability insurance. Furthermore, it ensures these contraceptives are covered under Medical Assistance when prescribed by pharmacists and grants the Pharmacy Examining Board authority for related rule-making.

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 summaryAJR 51 is a joint resolution that officially designates May 2025 and May 2026 as "Food Allergy Awareness Months" in Wisconsin. This designation aims to increase public understanding and awareness of food allergies and anaphylaxis.

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.

Maddy summaryAJR 64 designates June 2025 as Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This symbolic resolution recognizes MG, an autoimmune neuromuscular disease causing muscle weakness that affects vision, speech, and breathing, and aligns with the national observance of MG Awareness Month held every June. The bill does not create new laws, funding, or services; it is a formal acknowledgment to raise public awareness about MG, which impacts approximately 10-20 people per 100,000 Americans.

Maddy summaryAB 205 creates a new statute (97.19) requiring that any product labeled as "maple syrup" served in public eating places must be made entirely of maple syrup. It directly affects restaurants and food service establishments that serve items marketed as maple syrup. The bill prohibits serving products identified as maple syrup unless they contain 100% maple syrup, while allowing non-maple syrup products to be served if they aren't labeled as maple syrup. This clarifies labeling standards for consumers and aligns with federal definitions for maple syrup.