Rep. Jodi Emerson

Maddy summaryAB 446 requires all state agencies and local governments (including cities, counties, and school districts) to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition of antisemitism when evaluating evidence in discrimination cases based on race, religion, color, or national origin. This applies to both civil policies prohibiting discrimination and criminal cases where bias against a victim's identity is a factor for enhanced penalties. The bill explicitly states it does not affect First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state antidiscrimination laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to increase state funding for passenger rail operations by $10 million and allocate an additional $5.2 million for feasibility studies on rail expansion projects. The funds would be directed to the department of transportation for fiscal year 2026-27 to support existing rail services and evaluate potential new routes. The legislation affects state transportation budgets and rail service providers by authorizing these specific appropriations. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been enacted into law.

Maddy summaryThis bill would add a nonvoting teacher representative to school boards in Wisconsin's common and union high school districts. The teacher representative would be selected through a secret ballot vote by teaching staff members and would serve a three-year term, attending all board meetings including closed sessions but without voting rights. The legislation also updates procedures for school board reorganization and special meetings to include notification requirements for the teacher representative.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new grant program called "Grow Your Own" to help Wisconsin schools recruit and train new teachers. The program would provide up to $5 million annually starting in the 2026-27 school year to school districts and charter schools for costs related to teacher development initiatives. These initiatives could include high school clubs that encourage teaching careers, paying for current staff to earn licensure, supporting dual enrollment pathways, and offering incentives for paraprofessionals to become licensed teachers. The Department of Public Instruction would administer the grants and establish rules for how schools apply for and use the funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates manoomin as the official state native grain of Wisconsin by adding a new section to the state statutes. It requires the Wisconsin Blue Book to include information about manoomin alongside other official state symbols like the state song and tree. The legislation does not change any laws or regulations but serves as a symbolic designation to recognize the cultural significance of this grain.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the state constitution to require that all state contracts for stationery and printing be awarded to the lowest bidder operating within the state, unless federal law or international agreements prohibit it. The amendment would allow the legislature to set a maximum price for these contracts and include an anti-corruption provision preventing legislators and state officers from having any financial interest in such contracts. If passed, this change would directly affect state procurement processes by establishing a constitutional mandate for competitive bidding on office supplies and printing services. The bill currently failed to advance after being referred to a committee.

Maddy summaryThis bill asks the Wisconsin State Legislature to officially recognize February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. It does not change laws or create new programs, but instead serves as a symbolic resolution to raise awareness about dating violence among young people. The measure highlights statistics about teen abuse and encourages public education about healthy relationship dynamics. It directly affects the state legislature and the public by designating a specific month for awareness activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Department of Health Services to create a public health campaign aimed at preventing youth from starting to use tobacco and electronic cigarettes. It also provides funding for grants to local and regional organizations that work on youth vaping prevention and offer cessation services. The legislation includes a requirement for the department to submit annual reports to the governor and legislature evaluating the success of the grant program. Additionally, the bill appropriates $2 million for fiscal year 2026-27 to support these initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in Wisconsin to provide reasonable break time and specific accommodations for breastfeeding employees with children under one year of age. Employers must offer a private space shielded from view and free from intrusion, along with access to electrical outlets, running water, and a refrigerator for storing breast milk. The law applies to all employers, including state and local government agencies, but includes an exception for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees if compliance would cause undue hardship. Employees cannot be discriminated against or retaliated against for taking these breaks, and violations can be reported to the department for enforcement. The bill also clarifies how unpaid break time affects health care coverage eligibility and when it counts as paid work time.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes the life and leadership of Bob Harlan, a longtime Green Bay resident and former president of the Green Bay Packers. It highlights his achievements, including transforming the team into one of the NFL's most successful franchises, winning Super Bowl XXXI, and leading the redevelopment of Lambeau Field. The measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than establishing new laws or policies.