Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

Maddy summaryAJR 18 is a joint resolution from the Wisconsin Legislature that honors the life and public service of the late Representative Jonathan Brostoff. The resolution extends condolences to his family and friends, recognizing his dedication as a public servant and community advocate.

Maddy summaryAssembly Joint Resolution 4 (AJR 4) is a commemorative resolution by the Wisconsin Legislature. It honors the life and public service of Justice David T. Prosser Jr., recognizing his over 40 years of service in all three branches of state government, including 18 years in the Wisconsin Legislature and 18 years on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The resolution also extends condolences to his family and friends.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 3 observes February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in Wisconsin. This resolution acknowledges the impact of rare diseases on approximately 25 to 30 million Americans, including Wisconsin residents, and supports nationwide efforts to raise awareness for these conditions.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 4 is a procedural bill where the Wisconsin Assembly officially proclaims its appreciation and respect for grocery and retail food employees. It encourages all citizens to join in honoring these workers for their contributions to communities and access to food.

Maddy summaryAJR 5 is a symbolic joint resolution directing the Governor of Wisconsin to proclaim February 2025 as Black History Month. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs; it is a ceremonial recognition of the significance of Black History Month. The resolution cites historical context and highlights contributions of Wisconsin residents of African descent, but its sole effect is to formally request the Governor issue the proclamation. This is a procedural resolution with no policy impact beyond the symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) adopted by the Wisconsin Assembly to honor Irish heritage. It formally expresses the Assembly's appreciation for Irish descendants in Wisconsin and their cultural contributions, specifically joining in the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day on March 17, 2025. The resolution acknowledges historical Irish immigration, military service (including the 17th Wisconsin Infantry), and the current Irish-American population in the state. It has no binding effect or policy changes - it is purely symbolic recognition. The resolution was adopted by the Assembly on March 13, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Justice, led by a director appointed by the Attorney General. It establishes state policy recognizing gun violence as a public health crisis and requires the office to develop strategies that address root causes like poverty, racism, and trauma while involving community partners and health experts. The legislation mandates that the office submit a written action plan to the legislature every two years detailing how it will use a public health approach to improve safety in high-risk communities. Additionally, the bill appropriates state funds to increase the authorized staff positions needed to direct this new office.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $25 million fund to provide financial assistance to businesses in Wisconsin that want to open new locations or expand into vacant commercial spaces. The program allows the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to award grants to eligible for-profit businesses, while explicitly excluding nonprofit organizations from receiving funding. Eligibility rules for the grants are designed to be similar to those used in a previous 2023 initiative, giving the corporation flexibility to set specific application procedures. Although the bill was introduced to support local commerce recovery, it ultimately failed to pass during the 2024 legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the monarch butterfly as the official state butterfly of Wisconsin. It achieves this by adding a new section to the state statutes that explicitly names the monarch in this role and updating the Wisconsin Blue Book to include butterflies alongside other official state symbols. While the legislation was introduced in the 2024 session, it did not pass into law during that legislative cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill would have exempted private individuals who sell their own cars from legal liability for accidents or violations that occur after the buyer takes possession of the vehicle. Under the proposed rules, a seller would be protected from civil and criminal claims if they properly signed over the title and both parties intended to transfer ownership, even if the official registration paperwork was not yet completed. The exemption specifically applies to private sales and excludes licensed dealers or wholesalers, while still holding sellers accountable if death or injury resulted from willful or reckless behavior. Although the legislation was passed by the legislature, it was vetoed by the Governor and did not become law.