Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

Maddy summaryAB 78 modifies Wisconsin law regarding vehicle impoundment for reckless driving offenses. It gives law enforcement officers discretion to impound vehicles used in certain reckless driving cases, rather than requiring mandatory impoundment. The bill directly affects drivers convicted of qualifying reckless driving offenses and law enforcement officers who decide whether to impound a vehicle. This change, now part of 2025 Wisconsin Act 46, alters the standard procedure for handling such vehicles.

Maddy summaryAJR 95 designates October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Wisconsin. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the importance of addressing domestic violence. It aims to honor survivors, remember those lost to domestic violence, and acknowledge the work of advocates and service providers across the state. The bill passed unanimously and is now official, aligning Wisconsin with national observances to promote awareness.

Maddy summaryAJR 96 is a symbolic resolution designating October 2025 and October 2026 as "Breast Cancer Awareness Months" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws, funding, or obligations; it is a ceremonial proclamation to promote public awareness of breast cancer. The resolution cites Wisconsin-specific breast cancer statistics and screening recommendations to justify the designation. As a procedural joint resolution, it has no direct policy impact but serves to highlight this public health issue.

Maddy summaryAJR 91 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing the U.S. Navy's 250th birthday on October 13, 2025, marking the anniversary of the Continental Congress vote to establish the Navy on October 13, 1775. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's appreciation for the Navy's historical service and its legacy of defending U.S. freedoms, values, and interests over 250 years. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes; it solely serves to honor the Navy's history and its connections to Wisconsin through shipbuilding, named vessels, and military contributions.

Maddy summaryAB 424 clarifies key terms in Wisconsin's mobile and manufactured home rental laws. It defines "community" as land with 3+ rental plots (excluding farms), specifies "operator" as the business renting sites, and clarifies "resident" as someone occupying a home as their primary residence. These changes help ensure consistent application of existing rental rules for mobile home renters and community operators. The bill does not create new requirements but refines legal terminology to improve clarity.

Maddy summaryAJR 92 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday on November 10, 2025. It formally celebrates the Marine Corps' history, beginning with its founding by the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775, and acknowledges its ongoing service, including active-duty personnel and training at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin. The resolution contains no new policies, funding, or legal requirements - it solely expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's symbolic appreciation for the Marine Corps' 250 years of service. As a procedural resolution, it does not directly affect any individuals or change existing laws.

Maddy summaryAB 273 amends Wisconsin statute 15.405(5g) to update the membership of the Controlled Substances Board. It adds the secretary of agriculture, trade and consumer protection (or their designee), chairpersons of several medical boards (pharmacy, medical, physician assistant, dentistry, nursing), and two appointed experts (a psychiatrist and pharmacologist) serving 3-year terms. The bill does not change the board's duties but specifies who serves on it. This directly affects the composition of the board, which reviews controlled substances regulations. The change is procedural, focusing on board structure rather than policy.

Maddy summaryAJR 99 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 14, 2025, as "First Responders Appreciation Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors all professional and volunteer first responders, including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. The resolution acknowledges their daily risks and service to the public, specifically noting Wisconsin's over 4,800 career firefighters, 20,600 volunteer firefighters, 14,700 law enforcement officers, and 17,426 EMS personnel. This is a non-binding gesture of appreciation with no direct impact on legislation or funding.

Maddy summaryAJR 47 is a symbolic resolution declaring May as Eye Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the importance of eye health and encourages proactive measures. The resolution urges Wisconsin residents to prioritize eye exams, use protective measures like sunglasses, and learn about eye conditions, while calling on organizations to support related education and resources. This is a non-binding observance aimed at raising public awareness, not a policy with enforcement mechanisms.

Maddy summaryAB 257 expands the authority of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) by allowing them to complete medical forms and verify physical disabilities that previously required a physician's signature. The bill updates specific laws to include certified APRNs as authorized providers who can sign disability assessments for permit applications, such as those for physical disability permits. It also adjusts review procedures for permit denials, making APRNs one of the qualified professionals who can verify medical conditions. This change directly affects APRNs, patients seeking disability permits, and state agencies processing these applications.