Rep. Mike Bare

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 modifies the waiting period for purchasing handguns in Wisconsin by extending the time a dealer must wait before completing a sale when a background check is unclear. Under the new rules, if the state justice department cannot immediately determine if a buyer is prohibited from owning a firearm, the dealer must wait up to five working days for a final decision instead of the previous 48-hour limit. The change applies to sales occurring on or after the bill's effective date and is designed to ensure more thorough background checks for potential gun buyers.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a violence prevention grant program funded by taxes on vapor products. The money would be distributed to local health departments and tribal health centers, which could then award grants to organizations for violence prevention initiatives. A key provision explicitly prohibits these health entities from giving the funds to law enforcement agencies or any groups working through them. The legislation also authorizes an additional $150,000 in state funding to support the administrative staff needed to manage this grant program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires anyone living with or expecting a child to store firearms in a securely locked container or with a trigger lock engaged to prevent accidental access. It establishes penalties for non-compliance, starting with a misdemeanor for a first offense and escalating to a felony for repeat violations. Additionally, the law mandates that law enforcement officers wait at least seven days before arresting parents or guardians whose children were injured or killed in an accidental shooting, allowing district attorneys to consider the impact of the tragedy on the family during the decision to file charges.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Workforce Development to study the feasibility of creating a grant program that funds guaranteed jobs in the care economy, such as healthcare, education, and social services. The proposed program would provide grants to public and nonprofit entities to offer at least 100 days of work at $20 per hour, with priority given to specific groups including youth, people with disabilities, low-income households, long-term unemployed individuals, and formerly incarcerated people. The study must analyze the number of positions needed, associated costs, training strategies, and pathways to full-time employment, with results to be reported to state officials within 18 months. To support this research, the bill appropriates an additional $250,000 for the fiscal year 2023-24.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a state program to provide loans and grants to housing cooperatives for infrastructure improvements. The funding, totaling $10 million, is intended for organizations that own residential properties used as homes by their members, including multi-family apartment complexes and manufactured or mobile home communities. Recipients can use the funds to repair or upgrade buildings, add energy-saving features, install storm shelters, or build community facilities to ensure properties remain safe and affordable. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority will manage the program and set specific rules for how the money is awarded.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a revolving loan fund and program administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority to provide financing for housing cooperatives. The program is designed to help these cooperatives build or purchase resident-owned housing, with a specific focus on manufactured or mobile home communities and multi-family apartment complexes. Loans issued under the program must have interest rates at or below market levels or be interest-free, and they require that at least 50 percent of the units remain affordable to households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income. Additionally, the bill appropriates $25 million to establish the fund and includes a requirement that the loan amount becomes due if the housing is sold, unless the sale is to a current resident under a rent-to-own agreement approved by the authority.