Rep. Karen Kirsch

Maddy summaryAJR 83 is a symbolic resolution designating September 15 to October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Wisconsin. It formally recognizes the historical contributions and ongoing cultural impact of Hispanic and Latino communities across the state, including their roles in Wisconsin's agricultural economy, public service, and military service. As a recognition resolution, it does not create new policies, alter rights, or affect any specific groups. The resolution serves only to honor these contributions through official state acknowledgment during the designated period.

Maddy summaryAB 379 defines which state-issued identification documents qualify as valid proof for voting. It specifies that a driver's license or ID card issued by any state, meeting federal standards under the Real ID Act (P.L. 109-13), satisfies voting ID requirements. The bill does not create new voting rules but clarifies existing eligibility by adding this definition to state statutes. It directly affects voters needing to present ID at polling locations and election officials verifying ID compliance. The bill was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to the Campaigns and Elections Committee in 2025.

Maddy summaryAJR 89 is a symbolic resolution honoring Wisconsin's Hispanic veterans, directly affecting approximately 8,500 Hispanic veterans residing in Wisconsin. The resolution recognizes their service in U.S. military conflicts from the Civil War through recent wars, noting they represent 18.4% of the armed forces and include 61 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. It formally resolves that the Wisconsin Legislature "recognize and honor the bravery and sacrifice" of Hispanic veterans during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). This resolution has no funding, policy changes, or enforcement mechanisms - it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryAJR 90 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing August 2025 as Immunization Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the importance of vaccines through the state legislature's public recognition. The resolution cites Wisconsin's school immunization requirements and global vaccine impact statistics as context for this symbolic observance. It directly affects the Wisconsin Legislature by authorizing its members to publicly honor this awareness month. This is a procedural resolution with no binding policy changes or direct impact on residents.

Maddy summaryAB 403 requires certain buildings (like public facilities and commercial properties) to install universal changing stations for diaper changes or other needs. It creates a tax credit to help offset the cost of installing these stations for building owners or operators. The bill also includes state funding (an appropriation) to support the implementation of this requirement. This directly affects property owners in covered buildings by mandating new infrastructure while providing financial assistance through the tax credit.

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 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 444 prohibits state agencies, local governments, and county sheriffs from using public facilities (including jails) to detain people solely based on immigration status. It also bans state or local funding for immigrant detention facilities. The bill directly affects all state and local entities that operate facilities or manage public funds, preventing them from participating in immigration enforcement through detention or financial support. The law creates a clear legal barrier to state involvement in immigration detention systems, effective upon enactment.

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.