Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

Maddy summaryAB 1084 expands dental coverage for pregnant individuals enrolled in Wisconsin's Medical Assistance program (Medicaid). The bill requires that pregnant recipients referred for dental care must be seen by a dentist or dental therapist within 30 days of referral. It defines "dental therapist" as a licensed professional under existing law and ensures referrals for basic dental services include this option. This directly affects pregnant Medical Assistance recipients who need dental care, guaranteeing timely access to covered services.

Maddy summaryAB 1071 requires baby food manufacturers selling in the state to test for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury (toxic heavy metals) and publicly disclose results. If tested, manufacturers must post metal levels, testing dates, and product details on their website with a QR code on the product label linking to this information. If not tested, they must clearly state this on the label and website with a QR code. The law applies to all baby food (including infant formula) sold in the state, with violations subject to a $100 daily penalty per product. It aims to provide consumers with transparent safety information about heavy metals in products for children under age 2.

Maddy summaryAB 1043 requires adult family homes and residential care apartment complexes to implement fall prevention and recovery training for staff and residents. It mandates that facilities maintain at least one certified CPR provider, one certified first aid provider, and one staff member trained in fall recovery and safe lifting techniques on-site at all times. Facilities must provide fall prevention training to new residents within 30 days of move-in (unless a healthcare provider certifies they cannot participate) and require staff to complete related training. The bill also establishes a duty for facilities to administer CPR or first aid during emergencies before emergency services arrive, unless a do-not-resuscitate order exists, and prohibits policies that prevent staff from providing immediate aid.

Maddy summaryAB 1059 increases funding for home-delivered meals by $250,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and another $250,000 for fiscal year 2026-27. This directly affects seniors and vulnerable adults who rely on state-funded home-delivered meal programs under Section 46.80(5)(a). The bill modifies the budget allocation to the Department of Health Services, specifically boosting the available funds for these services. It does not change program eligibility or service requirements, only increasing the financial support.

Maddy summaryAB 1082 creates a temporary sales and use tax exemption for breastfeeding equipment in Wisconsin, effective until June 30, 2027. It exempts breast pumps, breast pump kits (pumps bundled with collection/storage supplies), and specific collection/storage supplies like breast shields, bottles, and milk storage bags. This directly affects new and expecting mothers who purchase these items, reducing their out-of-pocket costs. The exemption does not cover unrelated products like nursing bras, cleaning supplies, or general bottles sold separately. The bill defines covered items precisely to ensure only essential breastfeeding equipment qualifies for the tax break.

Maddy summaryAB 1067 requires broadband providers to advertise and sell services based on consistent, verifiable speeds - minimum 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload - matching federal standards. It mandates standardized broadband labels using FCC templates for all consumers before sale, preventing misleading speed claims. Providers violating these rules face consumer refunds if they fail to correct misrepresentations within a month of written notice. The bill directly affects broadband companies and protects consumers by ensuring accurate speed disclosures.

Maddy summaryAB 1069 establishes a legislative study committee to examine requirements for a "Dig Once Law," which would mandate installing empty underground pipes (conduit) during infrastructure projects to prepare for future fiber-optic internet expansion. The committee will study key details like communication protocols between municipalities and contractors, ownership of unused conduit, maintenance cost responsibilities, conduit sizing for multiple providers, and optimal installation timing (e.g., during road construction). This bill does not enact new law but prepares recommendations for potential future legislation. It directly affects municipalities, construction firms, and future internet service providers by identifying implementation challenges. The committee must submit findings by January 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Wisconsin's Medicaid program (Medical Assistance) to reimburse providers for maternal mental health screenings during pregnancy. It also mandates that all health insurance plans covering maternity must include these screenings as a standard benefit, with no cost to the patient. The law specifies that screenings can be provided by licensed midwives, nurse-midwives, or other qualified healthcare providers. It includes a requirement for the state to develop screening standards in consultation with organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. Coverage requirements will take effect for most plans starting September 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryAB 1087 creates a special enrollment period for pregnancy, requiring health benefit plans and self-insured health plans to allow pregnant individuals and their eligible family members to enroll at any time during pregnancy. Coverage must begin no later than the first day of the calendar month following medical verification of pregnancy, with individuals able to choose an earlier start date. The bill mandates that insurers provide clear notice of this special enrollment option during initial enrollment. This policy directly affects pregnant people seeking health coverage and the health plans that must implement this new enrollment window.

Maddy summaryAB 825 creates a $2 million grant program to support parent and guardian volunteer programs in elementary and secondary schools. It authorizes the Department of Public Instruction to award grants to public school boards, charter schools, and private schools participating in specific state education programs. The grants, starting in the 2026-27 school year, aim to help schools create or expand opportunities for parents and guardians to volunteer. The bill also gives the department rule-making authority to implement the program.