Rep. Tara Johnson

Maddy summaryAJR 61 is a symbolic resolution, not a law, that formally designates June 6, 2025, as "Gun Violence Awareness Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new legal requirements or affect any specific group; instead, it serves as a ceremonial recognition of gun violence impacts. The resolution cites Wisconsin's statistics on gun-related deaths and injuries to frame the awareness day, but it contains no policy changes or funding mechanisms. This procedural action aims to highlight the issue through official proclamation, consistent with similar resolutions in other states.

Maddy summaryAB 231 creates a 25% tax credit for film production companies in Wisconsin covering eligible expenses (like wages, equipment, and location costs) and capital investments for accredited productions. It directly affects film production companies operating in Wisconsin that meet minimum spending thresholds ($50,000 or $100,000 depending on production length) and excludes news, sports, or corporate content. The bill establishes a State Film Office to administer the program, requiring accredited productions to include a state acknowledgment in the final film and mandating annual reports on credit allocations. It caps annual tax credits at $10 million statewide and $1 million per company, with strict eligibility rules and third-party audit requirements to ensure compliance.

Maddy summaryAB 205 creates a new statute (97.19) requiring that any product labeled as "maple syrup" served in public eating places must be made entirely of maple syrup. It directly affects restaurants and food service establishments that serve items marketed as maple syrup. The bill prohibits serving products identified as maple syrup unless they contain 100% maple syrup, while allowing non-maple syrup products to be served if they aren't labeled as maple syrup. This clarifies labeling standards for consumers and aligns with federal definitions for maple syrup.

Maddy summaryAB 289 bans the Department of Natural Resources from using neonicotinoid insecticides on state-owned lands it acquires and maintains. The bill directly affects the department’s land management practices, prohibiting these specific insecticides on properties covered under section 23.09(2)(d) of the statutes. Exceptions include existing cooperative farming agreements entered before the law's effective date and insecticide use for forest pest control on state forests, nurseries, or infested zones. The law creates a clear policy change for pesticide use on public lands while maintaining necessary exemptions for forestry and agriculture partnerships.

Maddy summaryAB 287 creates a new section of state law allowing local governments (like cities or counties) to regulate pesticides specifically to protect pollinators, such as bees and butterflies. The bill defines "pollinator" as insects that pollinate flowers and establishes a legal basis for local ordinances restricting pesticide use in ways that safeguard these insects and their habitats. This legislation directly affects local governments, enabling them to develop their own pesticide rules without overriding state law, while focusing on concrete protection for pollinators rather than imposing new statewide restrictions.

Maddy summaryAB 305 designates the rusty patched bumble bee (*Bombus affinis*) as Wisconsin's official state native insect. The bill amends Wisconsin statutes to add this designation to the list of state symbols included in the Wisconsin Blue Book. This is a symbolic, non-regulatory change that does not alter any policies or regulations affecting the public or environment. The bill creates a new statutory section (1.10 (3) (w)) and updates a reference in another section to include "native insect" in the Blue Book's listings.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 2025 as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It recognizes the ecological and economic importance of pollinators (like bees and butterflies) to agriculture and ecosystems, citing their role in producing food and supporting Wisconsin's $230 million in pollinator-dependent crops. The resolution has no regulatory effect - it is purely ceremonial, aiming to raise public awareness through existing community efforts like "No Mow May" rather than creating new policies or programs.

Maddy summaryAJR 53 designates May 5th each year as an annual observance to commemorate the 1886 Bay View labor strike in Milwaukee, where state militia fired on peaceful striking workers, killing seven and injuring four. The resolution formally recognizes the historical significance of this event, which involved workers protesting for an eight-hour workday and was met with violent suppression. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group, but instead directs the state to honor this pivotal moment in labor history through an annual observance.

Maddy summaryAB 291 requires all state agencies to prioritize using native prairie and forage plants in their projects to support native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This law directly affects state agencies, including departments and boards, by mandating they favor native plant species over non-native alternatives where appropriate. The Department of Natural Resources must provide requested information to help agencies implement this requirement. The bill creates a new statute section defining state agencies and establishing this preference without altering existing environmental protections.

Maddy summaryAJR 34 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Wisconsin's child support program on its 50th anniversary, specifically recognizing January 4, 2025 - the anniversary of the federal law that established the program. It highlights the program's impact, noting it served 341,000 children and collected $841 million in fiscal year 2023 while ranking third nationally in support collection. The resolution commends the work of county, state, and tribal child support agencies and their staff, who help enforce support orders, connect parents to services, and promote financial security for families. As a joint resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the program's role in reducing child poverty and supporting Wisconsin families.