Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

Maddy summaryThis Assembly Resolution (AR 8) commemorates the victims of the December 16, 2024, Abundant Life Christian School tragedy in Wisconsin, specifically honoring Erin West and Rubi Vergara who died and supporting the six injured students and staff. It formally sends condolences to their families, expresses ongoing support for the school community, and condemns the violence that caused the tragedy. The resolution calls on Wisconsin residents to unite against all forms of violence but does not create new laws or allocate funding. As a symbolic gesture, it directly affects the Abundant Life Christian School community and all Wisconsin school communities impacted by violence.

Maddy summaryAB 157 prohibits recording or filing contracts for services or materials that do not improve real estate and create property claims (like liens). It directly affects contractors, service providers, and property owners who might improperly tie non-improvement services (e.g., general cleaning or repairs not tied to property enhancement) to real estate. The bill requires county registers of deeds to reject such contracts and bans filing them, with exceptions for mortgages, homeowners associations, leases, and existing lien laws. Violators face civil lawsuits by affected property owners or fines up to $10,000.

Maddy summaryAB 264 restricts veterans and surviving spouses from claiming the property tax credit for the same taxable year if they also file for certain other property tax credit programs (specifically subchapters VIII or IX, or subsections 3m or 9). It prevents duplicate claims by prohibiting the veterans' credit when related claims under other provisions are filed for the same year. The law applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025, and directly affects eligible veterans and surviving spouses seeking property tax relief. This is a policy change clarifying eligibility rules for existing tax credit programs.

Maddy summaryAJR 65 is a ceremonial resolution congratulating the Milwaukee Academy of Science Boys Basketball Team on winning the 2025 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division III State Championship. It formally commends the team for achieving their first state title in program history, overcoming a halftime deficit, and finishing the season with a 25-1 record. This resolution has no policy impact or effect on laws, funding, or regulations - it solely serves as symbolic recognition by the Wisconsin State Legislature. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new obligations or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryAB 324 amends Wisconsin law to require a 48-hour waiting period after a background check approval before a handgun can be purchased. It specifically states that a firearm dealer must wait 48 hours from the time they receive confirmation of a clean background check from the Department of Justice. For cases where the background check is unclear, the bill mandates that the Department must resolve the issue and notify the dealer within 5 working days. This bill directly affects handgun buyers and firearms dealers by changing the timing rules for firearm sales.

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 summaryAJR 80 is a symbolic resolution declaring May 2025 and May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Months in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the impact of ALS on patients and families while promoting public awareness of the disease. The resolution highlights ALS as a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative condition with no known cure, emphasizing the importance of research and support for those affected. It directly affects Wisconsin residents by designating these months for community education and advocacy efforts focused on ALS.

Maddy summaryAB 418 requires long-term care facilities (including nursing homes and assisted living facilities) and hospitals to allow specific visitation during communicable disease outbreaks. It mandates that facilities permit at least one "essential visitor" (designated by the resident or their legal representative) or one "member of the clergy" for compassionate reasons like end-of-life care, grief support, or when a healthcare professional determines the visitor's presence benefits the patient. Facilities may deny visitation only if the visitor refuses to follow health protocols, poses a contagion risk, or the patient objects. The bill also creates a process for residents or families to file complaints if facilities violate these rules.

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 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.