Rep. Jodi Emerson

Maddy summaryAB 960 requires most social media platforms operating in the state to display a clear, prominent mental health warning each time a user in the state accesses the platform. The warning must inform users about potential negative mental health effects and provide access to crisis resources like the 988 suicide hotline. It applies to platforms defined as user-generated content services (excluding search engines, email, business communication tools, and streaming services), and prohibits hiding warnings in terms of service or allowing users to disable them without specific conditions. Violations may result in fines up to $5,000 per incident, enforced by state departments.

Maddy summaryAB 736 requires state correctional facilities and county jails to provide free, nontoxic menstrual products to all inmates with active menstrual cycles. It mandates facilities to offer at least three verified brands each of tampons (with plastic applicator), pads, and reusable menstrual cups from a published list of nontoxic products. The bill defines "nontoxic" as free from harmful chemicals and requires facilities to sanitize reusable cups as needed. This directly affects incarcerated people who menstruate, ensuring access to essential hygiene products without cost. The law applies to all state prisons, county jails, and houses of correction in the state.

Maddy summaryAJR 120 is a resolution celebrating the U.S. Postal Service's 250th anniversary and opposing efforts to privatize, dismantle, or weaken it. It highlights the Postal Service's role in delivering essential services - such as prescriptions, ballots, and mail - to all communities, including rural, remote, and Indigenous areas that private companies often bypass. The resolution urges continued public funding and protection of the Postal Service as a vital national institution that serves all Americans regardless of geography or income. (This is a procedural resolution, not a law, so it does not create new policies or directly affect specific groups.)

Maddy summaryAB 771 increases annual funding by $5 million for the University of Wisconsin System's freshwater collaborative for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. This bill directly affects the University of Wisconsin System's freshwater collaborative research program by providing new state funding. The key mechanism is a specific budget appropriation added to existing funding under Section 20.285 (1) (ar). The bill does not change program requirements or create new regulations, only adjusting the financial allocation. The funding supports collaborative research on freshwater resources across the UW System.

Maddy summaryAB 765 creates a state bonding program to fund lead service line replacement for private water users connected to public water systems. It authorizes up to $274.95 million in state bonds (increasing previous limits) and allocates $200 million from bond proceeds to provide forgivable loans covering up to 50% of replacement costs for homeowners. The bill directly affects private residents with lead pipes by reducing their financial burden for replacing hazardous infrastructure. Key provisions include the new bonding authority and the specific allocation for forgivable loans to address public health concerns related to lead in drinking water.

Maddy summaryAB 753 creates a state program to provide matching grants to Wisconsin counties for investments they make in their healthcare, public health, and care provider workforce. Counties can receive state funds equal to their previous fiscal year's spending on recruitment, retention, mental health, trauma care, and wellness programs for workers in health care, public health, child care, and long-term care. The grant amount for each county is capped at $1.11 multiplied by the county's population. This bill establishes the funding mechanism and sets the maximum grant level, requiring the state to appropriate funds for these matching grants annually.

Maddy summaryAB 770 allocates $500,000 annually from the general fund for the Groundwater Coordinating Council's activities, specifically for the Department of Natural Resources and the University of Wisconsin System. The bill creates a new statutory funding line (20.370 (4) (cf)) to support ongoing council operations under existing laws (ss. 15.347(13) and 160.50). This appropriation applies to both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years, directly funding the council's coordination work related to groundwater management. The bill does not change groundwater regulations but ensures dedicated funding for the council's existing responsibilities.

Maddy summaryAB 769 creates a new grant program to fund food waste reduction pilot projects, allocating $100,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. The grants support projects focused on preventing food waste, redirecting surplus food to hunger relief organizations, and composting food waste. The Department of Agriculture must prioritize proposals serving low-income census tracts (below statewide median income) without grocery stores. The bill also authorizes the department to create rules for administering the program. This directly affects local pilot projects and hunger relief organizations in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law) that formally recognizes November 20, 2025, and 2026, as Wisconsin’s Transgender Day of Remembrance. It does not create new policies or affect any specific group directly - it simply asks the Wisconsin Legislature to acknowledge the day through a formal proclamation. The resolution cites the purpose of memorializing transgender and nonbinary people killed due to transphobic violence and aligns with the established international observance. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal force but serves to affirm the state’s recognition of this day.

Maddy summaryAB 783 repeals statute 66.0419, which previously governed local regulations on certain containers. This bill removes an existing legal provision but does not create new regulations or directly affect residents, businesses, or local governments. It is a procedural repeal with no new policy changes or implementation mechanisms.