Rep. Francesca Hong

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 7 (AJR 7) designates February 4, 2025, as Transit Equity Day in Wisconsin. This joint resolution aims to recognize the importance of equitable access to public transit for all residents, including people of color, economically disadvantaged individuals, and those with disabilities.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 42 (AJR 42) proposes an advisory referendum for Wisconsin voters at the general election in November 2026. This referendum asks voters if Wisconsin's congressional delegation should support, and the state Legislature should ratify, an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The proposed amendment would state that only human beings have constitutional rights, not corporations or other artificial entities. It would also declare that money is not speech, allowing for limitations on political contributions and spending.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 36 (AJR 36) proposes to amend the state constitution to establish a fundamental right for all people, including future generations, to a clean, safe, and healthy natural environment. This right would encompass clean water, air, healthy soils, self-sustaining ecosystems, and a safe climate. The bill specifies that these rights are self-executing, cannot be infringed, and would be subject to strict legal review. It also designates the state as a trustee responsible for protecting Wisconsin's natural resources for its citizens. As a "first consideration" bill, it represents the initial step in a multi-stage process to potentially alter the state constitution.

Maddy summaryAJR 54 is a joint resolution that would formally recognize Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as Equal Pay Day in Wisconsin. This resolution highlights the ongoing pay equity gap, noting that women must work further into the new year to earn the same wages their male counterparts earned in the previous year.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 33 (AJR 33) declares an "Economic Justice Bill of Rights" for the people of Wisconsin. This resolution aims to renew the state's progressive tradition and address historical disparities for various communities. It outlines ten specific rights, including the right to a job paying a living wage, adequately funded public education, affordable healthcare, a clean environment, and safe, affordable housing. The resolution also includes rights to a union, equitable access to capital, and a fair justice system, regardless of a person's background or status.

Maddy summaryAssembly Bill 220 seeks to expand anti-discrimination protections across various aspects of life. The bill proposes to amend numerous state statutes to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. This would directly affect individuals in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodations, education, insurance coverage, and adoption. Key provisions include requiring government contractors not to discriminate on these grounds, while clarifying that affirmative action requirements may not apply to these new protected characteristics in certain contracts.

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 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.