Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a revolving loan program to provide gap funding for workforce housing projects that have already received some financial assistance but still need additional funds to complete construction. It authorizes the state housing authority to issue up to $50 million in bonds to establish a dedicated fund for these loans, which will be repaid by developers and reused to fund future projects. The program targets residential housing where costs do not exceed 30% of 120% of the area median income, benefiting developers and local governments that partner on eligible workforce housing initiatives. The bill also amends existing statutes to exempt these new bonds from certain spending limitations and requires coordination with the state building commission before issuing any bonds.

Maddy summaryAB 1068 modifies Wisconsin's broadband expansion grant program to better support local governments. It repeals outdated sections and updates rules to allow cities, villages, towns, and counties to apply for grants covering broadband infrastructure construction in unserved areas and related planning costs. Key changes include enabling grants for project planning (like feasibility studies) and permitting up to 50% of a broadband director's salary to be covered by grant funds. The bill directly affects local governments seeking to expand high-speed internet access in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryAB 446 requires all state agencies and local governments (including cities, counties, and school districts) to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition of antisemitism when evaluating evidence in discrimination cases based on race, religion, color, or national origin. This applies to both civil policies prohibiting discrimination and criminal cases where bias against a victim's identity is a factor for enhanced penalties. The bill explicitly states it does not affect First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state antidiscrimination laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase state funding for passenger rail operations by $10 million and allocate an additional $5.2 million for feasibility studies on rail expansion projects. The funds would be directed to the department of transportation for fiscal year 2026-27 to support existing rail services and evaluate potential new routes. The legislation affects state transportation budgets and rail service providers by authorizing these specific appropriations. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program called "Grow Your Own" to help Wisconsin schools recruit and train new teachers. The program would provide up to $5 million annually starting in the 2026-27 school year to school districts and charter schools for costs related to teacher development initiatives. These initiatives could include high school clubs that encourage teaching careers, paying for current staff to earn licensure, supporting dual enrollment pathways, and offering incentives for paraprofessionals to become licensed teachers. The Department of Public Instruction would administer the grants and establish rules for how schools apply for and use the funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill would require the Wisconsin state courts to remove defendants' names from public eviction records when an eviction case is dismissed. It creates a new rule that mandates redaction of names from the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Internet site for dismissed eviction actions, while keeping names visible for cases where eviction writs are granted for at least 10 years. The change applies to eviction cases dismissed on or after the bill's effective date. This legislation directly affects tenants involved in dismissed eviction proceedings and modifies how public court records are managed for those specific cases.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Department of Health Services to create a public health campaign aimed at preventing youth from starting to use tobacco and electronic cigarettes. It also provides funding for grants to local and regional organizations that work on youth vaping prevention and offer cessation services. The legislation includes a requirement for the department to submit annual reports to the governor and legislature evaluating the success of the grant program. Additionally, the bill appropriates $2 million for fiscal year 2026-27 to support these initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally declares February 2026 as Black History Month in Wisconsin. It directly affects state government officials and the public by establishing an official recognition of the month. The resolution includes historical context about African American contributions to the state and specifically honors eight individuals for their achievements in civil rights, public service, education, and community leadership. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a commemorative proclamation to acknowledge and celebrate the heritage and contributions of people of African descent.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state-funded mentorship program to support beginning music, art, and performing arts teachers in Wisconsin. It appropriates $50,000 for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years to contract with a nonprofit organization to pair experienced mentors with new teachers. The program provides classroom guidance, resources, conference support, and materials to help new teachers succeed and prepare students for performances. The nonprofit must match the state funding and provide quarterly reports on program activities and expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans, including those for government employees and public schools, to cover prosthetic limbs and custom orthotic braces when deemed medically necessary by a licensed healthcare provider. The law defines prostheses as devices that replace missing limbs and custom orthotic braces as personalized devices that correct or support musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring coverage includes materials, instruction, and repairs under specific circumstances. Coverage must match or exceed federal standards and apply to replacement or repair when medically needed due to changes in the patient's condition or when repair costs exceed 60 percent of replacement costs. The bill also mandates that plans maintain access to at least two in-network providers in the state and requires written explanations for any coverage denials based on medical necessity.