Rep. Karen Kirsch

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 475 creates a state grant program to fund immigration-related civil legal services for individuals and families. It allocates $300,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year to award grants to community-based organizations (including for-profit groups) that provide legal assistance in immigration matters, with requirements that applicants have a history of such services and offer them without regard to immigration status. The bill also enables counties to fund similar services through existing county budgeting mechanisms. This directly supports immigrants facing legal challenges and expands access to civil legal aid in immigration cases.

Maddy summaryAB 480 requires most employers to include a salary range (minimum and maximum) and details about benefits like health insurance or retirement plans in all public job postings. Employers must also retain these posting records for two years and allow department or employee review. Penalties include $300-$600 for small businesses (under 50 employees) and $1,000-$2,000 for larger businesses for repeated violations. Third parties (e.g., staffing agencies) posting jobs on behalf of employers must follow the same rules.

Maddy summaryAB 470 repeals the state's right-to-work law, which previously prohibited requiring employees to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment. The bill eliminates section 111.04(3) and amends labor statutes to allow employers to collect union dues with employee consent (via written authorization) and to enter "all-union agreements" requiring membership in collective bargaining units where a majority of workers have voted in favor. This directly affects employees, employers, and labor organizations by removing restrictions on mandatory union membership and dues in unionized workplaces. The bill also establishes a new policy declaration emphasizing fair employment relations and collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryAJR 94 is a symbolic resolution that would officially recognize January as "Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" across Wisconsin. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by designating a specific month for statewide awareness efforts focused on human trafficking. The resolution has no binding legal requirements but serves as a formal declaration to encourage educational events, community outreach, and resource sharing related to human trafficking prevention during January. It does not create new laws or allocate funding.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (AJR 104) proclaims November 2025 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It directly encourages all Wisconsin residents to increase awareness and education about pancreatic cancer and support services for patients. The resolution cites state-specific statistics, noting pancreatic cancer caused an estimated 1,060 deaths in Wisconsin in 2025 and may become the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the state. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but aims to raise public attention through official recognition.

Maddy summaryAB 175 requires owners of parking structures to hire a licensed engineer for a structural safety inspection at least once every five years, starting from the bill's effective date. Owners must submit inspection reports to their local government agency (like a city or county) and face penalties for missing deadlines, including $200 per month in fines and potential closure after 12 months. The law directly affects all parking structure owners statewide, ensuring ongoing safety checks to prevent structural failures. It does not apply to inspections already required under other existing statutes. Violations trigger mandatory reporting to state authorities and may lead to temporary closure of un-inspected structures.

Maddy summaryAB 442 changes the earliest date nomination papers can be circulated for local spring elections from December 1 to November 16. It affects towns and villages holding spring elections for offices like town council or village board. The bill adjusts the filing deadline for nomination papers to 5 p.m. on the first Tuesday in January (or the next business day if Tuesday is a holiday). This update applies to all relevant local election statutes covering nomination processes and vacancy procedures.

Maddy summaryAJR 105 is a commemorative resolution proposing to recognize September 25, 2025, as "First Amendment Day" in Wisconsin. It honors the First Amendment's protections of free speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition rights, referencing its historical role in movements like civil rights and women's suffrage. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it does not create new laws or alter existing rights. The resolution was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to committee for further consideration.

Maddy summaryAB 441 requires law enforcement officers to clearly identify themselves during arrests or detentions. Specifically, officers must state their name, display their badge number and agency insignia (with specified visibility standards), and state the legal authority for the action. The bill prohibits concealing identity except for medical masks, tactical gear, or during imminent danger. Violating these rules is a Class D felony, though courts cannot impose jail time. This directly affects officers employed by state or local law enforcement agencies during enforcement actions.