Rep. Angela Stroud

Maddy summaryAB 467 modifies unemployment insurance requirements for claimants. It mandates that individuals seeking benefits must complete at least four documented work search activities weekly (with the department able to set higher standards via rules), unless they have a verified expectation of reemployment with their former employer. The bill also establishes a process for the department to waive work search requirements through rulemaking and requires employers to verify reemployment prospects for exemptions. This directly affects unemployed workers filing for state unemployment benefits in Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryAB 593 amends Wisconsin statutes to clarify and strengthen collective bargaining processes for University of Wisconsin System employees covered by union contracts. It requires pay increases to align with existing compensation plans or collective bargaining agreements, prohibits closed-session negotiations for finalizing agreements, and updates funding mechanisms for grievance arbitrations and training. The bill directly affects UW System employees in unionized positions and their bargaining representatives. Key provisions include revised rules for pay adjustments, transparency in negotiation procedures, and specific appropriations for dispute resolution services under existing labor laws.

Maddy summaryAB 10 creates a sales and use tax exemption for gun safes specifically designed to store firearms, excluding general gun storage items like locking cabinets or racks. This exemption applies to buyers purchasing qualifying safes, meaning they won’t pay state sales or use tax on these items. The bill amends tax statutes to explicitly list gun safes under exempt categories, ensuring retailers don’t need to collect tax for these purchases. It directly affects consumers and retailers selling purpose-built gun safes, with no impact on other firearm-related products or tax policies.

Maddy summaryAB 639 expands the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors in Wisconsin. It specifically allows them to provide "expedited partner therapy" for sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis) under new section 466.052, enabling them to prescribe antibiotics to sexual partners of infected patients. The bill also requires naturopathic doctors to maintain malpractice insurance (with limited exceptions for government employees) under amended section 466.05(3). Additionally, it updates prescription drug and controlled substance regulations to explicitly include naturopathic doctors in relevant statutes (e.g., 961.23(6)). These changes directly affect naturopathic doctors and patients seeking STI treatment in the state.

Maddy summaryAB 641 creates a dedicated $500,000 annual appropriation for the University of Wisconsin Missing-in-Action (MIA) Recovery and Identification Project within the 2025-27 fiscal biennium. The bill directly affects Wisconsin veterans missing in action by funding their recovery and identification efforts through the University of Wisconsin System. It requires the UW Board of Regents to allocate funds annually for this mission and mandates a detailed report on findings and spending to state legislative committees, the governor, and veterans agencies. The legislation establishes a continuing funding mechanism without altering existing veterans' benefits or services.

Maddy summaryAJR 108 proposes adding a constitutional amendment to guarantee equality of rights under state law, prohibiting discrimination by state or local government based on characteristics like sex, gender identity, race, disability, religion, or other immutable traits. It would create a new right for individuals to directly sue the state or local government in court if their rights under this amendment are violated. This amendment, if approved, would establish a constitutional standard for equality and provide a legal path for people to seek remedies when state actors deny them equal treatment.

Maddy summaryAB 356 requires firearms stored in a residence to be kept securely when a child is present, prohibiting unsafe storage. It directly affects residents who keep firearms in homes where children live or visit. The bill establishes penalties for failing to store firearms safely under these circumstances. Key provisions mandate secure storage (e.g., locked containers or safes) and define violations with associated fines or penalties. The bill is currently in committee referral after introduction.

Maddy summaryAJR 107 is a symbolic joint resolution designating November 2025 as "Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month" in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin veterans by raising public awareness of their elevated mental health challenges and suicide rates, citing that 134 veterans died by suicide in Wisconsin in 2023 (15% of all adult suicides despite veterans comprising only 5% of the adult population). The resolution does not create new programs or funding but aims to highlight existing resources like the Wisconsin Veterans Crisis Line and honor veterans' service. It was introduced by multiple legislators and cosponsored by numerous senators, reflecting legislative recognition of veteran mental health as a priority.

Maddy summaryAB 588 establishes a statutory right to contraception in Wisconsin, protecting patients' access to FDA-approved contraceptive methods and providers' ability to offer them. The bill prohibits state or local governments from implementing laws that restrict access to FDA-approved contraceptives (like pills, IUDs, or condoms), single out contraceptive services, or make it harder to obtain them. It allows individuals, providers, or the Attorney General to sue if this right is violated, with courts able to block restrictive policies and award legal fees. The law specifically does not affect insurance coverage requirements for contraception. It directly affects all patients seeking contraception and healthcare providers offering these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (AJR 113) proposes that Wisconsin officially recognize the second Monday in October as "Indigenous Peoples Day" each year. It does not create new laws or programs but formally acknowledges the historical and ongoing presence of Wisconsin's 11 federally recognized tribes and their contributions to the state. The resolution aims to promote appreciation, reconciliation, and partnership with Indigenous communities through this annual observance. As a symbolic gesture, it directly affects all Wisconsinites by encouraging reflection on Indigenous history and contributions.