Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new criminal penalties for intentionally obstructing access to reproductive health service facilities or places of religious worship. It defines prohibited actions as using force, threats, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere with people seeking or providing reproductive health services, or to damage property at these locations. Violations are classified as a Class A misdemeanor for first offenses and a Class I felony for repeat offenses. The law also establishes civil remedies allowing affected individuals or entities to sue for damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees, with the option to receive statutory damages of up to $25,000 per violation. Additionally, the bill modifies existing tort claim limitations to exclude cases covered under this new statute.

Maddy summaryAB 1178 amends Wisconsin statutes to update definitions and procedures for regional transit authorities, ensuring they are recognized as eligible entities for various state programs including highway relocation orders, right-of-way applications, and employer classifications for employee benefits. The bill creates new funding mechanisms by establishing appropriation accounts to collect and distribute taxes imposed by transit authorities that choose to levy them, with a portion of those revenues retained for administrative costs. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which organizations qualify as municipalities and employers under existing laws, explicitly including transit authorities created under the specified chapter while excluding cultural arts districts from certain employer definitions. This bill does not mandate tax collection but provides the legal framework for transit authorities to adopt resolutions imposing taxes if they choose to do so.

Maddy summaryAssembly Resolution 12 designates February 28, 2026, as Rare Disease Day in Wisconsin to raise awareness about rare diseases, which affect millions of Americans including Wisconsin residents. The resolution acknowledges challenges like delayed diagnosis and limited treatment access for conditions impacting fewer than 200,000 people. It aligns with a national observance organized by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and serves as a symbolic gesture without creating new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryAB 1019 allows vehicle owners to purchase an annual state park admission receipt when registering or renewing their vehicle license. It adds a line on vehicle registration forms where owners can choose to pay an additional fee (with discounts for seniors or those with existing park passes). The collected fees are deposited quarterly into the conservation fund, specifically for state parks, recreation areas, and forest lands. This affects all vehicle owners in the state during registration, streamlining park access without requiring separate purchases.

Maddy summaryAB 1007 amends the definition of "veteran at risk" in Wisconsin law to explicitly include active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces, National Guard, or military reserves who have service-related physical or mental health conditions. The bill clarifies that a person qualifies as "at risk" based on information provided in a report about such conditions. This change directly affects military service members and veterans who may be identified through the existing veterans at risk alert system. The amendment refines the eligibility criteria for the system without creating new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryAJR 135 is a commemorative resolution honoring Wisconsin's Polish community for 180 years of residence and contributions. It formally recognizes the historical significance of Polish immigrants who arrived seeking freedom after Poland's partition, and acknowledges their cultural enrichment of Wisconsin. The resolution pays tribute to the community's enduring legacy, including figures like Polish-American heroes and refugees from historical events like the January Uprising and the Września Children's Strike. This non-binding resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the community's historical impact.

Maddy summaryAB 1010 allows adult and minor children to claim damages for loss of society and companionship if a parent is injured or dies due to medical malpractice. It specifically covers three situations: adult children with disabilities who relied on parental support, adult children in post-secondary education dependent on parental financial support, or children who incurred out-of-pocket medical, funeral, or legal costs. The bill creates new legal grounds for these claims while clarifying they do not replace other existing malpractice claims under Wisconsin law. It applies to cases arising after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryAB 1011 raises the cap on total noneconomic damages (such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life) in medical malpractice cases from $750,000 to $3,000,000 per incident. This directly affects patients who win malpractice lawsuits and healthcare providers or insurers who pay these damages. The bill amends statutes to set this new $3 million limit for all claims against health care providers or their employees for negligence occurring on or after April 6, 2006. It also updates the legislative findings to state that this amount balances victim compensation with maintaining affordable healthcare access. The bill does not change limits for economic damages (like medical costs) or alter liability rules.

Maddy summaryAJR 139 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) reaffirming Wisconsin’s longstanding sister-state relationship with Taiwan, marking its 40th anniversary in 2026. It supports the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act, encourages Wisconsin to explore establishing a representative office in Taiwan to boost trade and cultural exchanges, and backs efforts to advance a U.S.-Taiwan Bilateral Trade Agreement. The resolution highlights Wisconsin’s economic ties with Taiwan, including $380 million in exports to Taiwan in 2023. It does not create new legal obligations but formally expresses legislative support for strengthening Wisconsin-Taiwan relations.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Boston siege victory (where British forces withdrew on Saint Patrick's Day) and recognizes Irish Americans' contributions to the Revolutionary War. It specifically highlights figures like General John Sullivan (son of Irish immigrants), eight Irish American Declaration of Independence signatories, and historical connections such as John Dunlap’s printing of the Declaration. The resolution directs the legislature to formally acknowledge these events and send copies to Irish officials, including Senator Mark Daly and the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on policy or constituents.