Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

Maddy summaryAB 832 requires schools to implement human trafficking and sextortion prevention education in health classes for students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 starting in the 2026-27 school year. It mandates that teachers receive training to identify children at risk of trafficking (under s. 948.051) or sextortion - defined as threatening to release explicit content unless victims send money or more content. The bill directs the Department of Children and Families and Department of Justice to create a list of age-appropriate training courses for educators. This affects all public school districts, teachers, and students in the specified grade ranges, with curriculum content aligned to the recommended training courses. The law takes effect for the 2026-27 school year.

Maddy summaryAB 826 amends Wisconsin statute 118.07(4)(bm)2 to require school districts to include specific procedures in their safety plans. The bill mandates schools establish clear guidelines for informing students and families when an incident triggers the safety plan, as well as procedures for debriefing students, staff, and families after such events. These requirements apply directly to all public school districts in Wisconsin, impacting how they communicate during and after safety incidents. The changes take effect on July 1, 2026, adding standardized communication and follow-up steps to existing school safety planning.

Maddy summaryAB 827 requires the Department of Justice to create and provide free prerecorded audio messages for school lockdown announcements to all public, private, and tribal schools. The bill mandates that schools include this specific audio message in their individualized safety plans when those plans require lockdown procedures. It directly affects school districts and administrators responsible for developing and implementing safety protocols. The law standardizes how lockdowns are communicated, replacing potentially inconsistent verbal announcements with a consistent, pre-approved audio message. This change applies to all school buildings regularly occupied by students.

Maddy summaryAB 828 creates a new program to provide grants to licensed school counselors in Wisconsin for mental and behavioral health training. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, the Department of Public Instruction will award these grants to cover costs related to continuing education in this field. The bill appropriates $2 million for the program in the 2026-27 fiscal year. It requires the department to develop rules to administer the grants, targeting counselors who hold a specific state license under Wisconsin Administrative Code § PI 34.059.

Maddy summaryAB 861 extends the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to child trafficking. It allows victims to file lawsuits for damages before reaching age 35, instead of the previous deadline. The bill specifically creates new legal provisions (895.439(2) and 893.586) to clarify this timeline for child trafficking cases. It does not change criminal penalties but ensures victims have more time to pursue civil claims, regardless of whether criminal charges were filed. The law directly affects minors who were trafficked and now have until their 35th birthday to seek legal remedies.

Maddy summaryAB 860 requires state and county correctional facilities to provide written guides detailing inmates' and juveniles' rights, updated annually or after legal changes. These guides must account for individual circumstances like confinement status and location, and be posted throughout facilities, provided upon entry or transfer, and explained by staff to all affected individuals. The bill appropriates $200,000 for the Department of Administration to contract with legal organizations - including formerly incarcerated individuals - to develop these guides by June 2027. The law takes effect July 1, 2027, directly affecting all inmates in state prisons, county jails, and juveniles in youth facilities across Wisconsin.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to automatically seal personal details (like names or photos) of child victims and witnesses in human trafficking cases. It prohibits public disclosure of this information unless a court holds a hearing considering the child's safety and decides disclosure serves justice. Courts must also provide necessary support services - such as private testimony rooms or emotional support - to protect the child's well-being during proceedings. These changes directly protect children involved in trafficking cases from potential harm while ensuring fair legal processes.

Maddy summaryAB 821 creates a $2.5 million biennial grant program to help health care facilities recruit and retain staff who perform forensic exams on crime victims. It requires facilities to establish new positions, recruitment programs, or training for providers conducting exams related to domestic abuse or strangulation cases. The bill also revises reimbursement rules to ensure health care providers receive payment for exam costs (including STD testing/treatment) regardless of whether victims cooperate with law enforcement. This directly affects health care facilities and providers who conduct these forensic examinations for victims of specific offenses.

Maddy summaryAB 833 creates a state grant program to fund nonprofit organizations providing support services to human trafficking victims. The bill appropriates $1.25 million biennially for grants to nonprofits that coordinate with law enforcement and provide at least 50% private matching funds. Grants are capped at $125,000 per biennium for organizations offering housing services, or $50,000 for other support services like advocacy, medical care, or job training. The Department of Justice will administer the program and establish rules for grant distribution, prioritizing organizations with established law enforcement partnerships or capacity to serve large numbers of victims.

Maddy summaryAB 829 gives the state superintendent (or their designated representative) the authority to issue subpoenas during investigations into revoking professional licenses. This applies specifically to cases involving license revocation for "incompetency or immoral conduct." The bill allows the superintendent to compel witness testimony or document production using standard subpoena forms, as defined in existing law. It directly affects license holders facing revocation proceedings and individuals or entities required to provide evidence during these investigations. The change streamlines the investigation process by formalizing subpoena power within the superintendent's existing authority.