Rep. Tara Johnson

Maddy summaryAB 435 restructures funding and governance for Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 conservation program. It establishes a new Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Board with specific member appointments (including assembly/senate representatives, environmental groups, tribal representatives, and outdoor recreation stakeholders) and creates two new grant programs: one for nonprofit conservation organizations ($5 million annually) and a tribal co-management program ($3 million annually). The bill also adjusts debt limits for the program and modifies how funds are allocated from the capital improvement fund to support state parks, local recreation, and boating facilities. This directly affects conservation organizations, tribal governments, local municipalities, and outdoor recreation businesses receiving program funding.

Maddy summaryAB 444 prohibits state agencies, local governments, and county sheriffs from using public facilities (including jails) to detain people solely based on immigration status. It also bans state or local funding for immigrant detention facilities. The bill directly affects all state and local entities that operate facilities or manage public funds, preventing them from participating in immigration enforcement through detention or financial support. The law creates a clear legal barrier to state involvement in immigration detention systems, effective upon enactment.

Maddy summaryAB 378 requires all state agencies to mask or anonymize personally identifiable information (PII) before sharing it with the federal government, directly affecting state agencies handling sensitive data like health records or social services. The bill allows limited exceptions for sharing unmasked data when required by law, for legislative constituent services, or for court operations. It also creates a civil lawsuit option for individuals harmed by negligent violations, allowing recovery of actual damages, up to $1,000 in punitive damages, and attorney fees. The law aims to strengthen data privacy protections by limiting federal access to identifiable state records without explicit safeguards.

Maddy summaryAB 214 modifies Wisconsin town government procedures for appointing clerks and treasurers. It allows towns with 2,500+ residents to combine these roles under new rules, including immediate implementation when both positions become vacant or upon vacancy in one role. The bill updates deputy appointment rules (removing residency requirements) and adjusts highway discontinuance timelines. These changes primarily affect municipal officials in Wisconsin towns operating under the specified statutes.

Maddy summaryAJR 86 is a commemorative resolution honoring the late Representative Jim Rooney, a former Wisconsin State Assembly member (1972-1985) and lifelong public servant from Racine County. The resolution expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and recognizes his career, including chairing the Wisconsin Waterways Commission and contributing to Racine's lakefront revitalization. As a procedural resolution (not a policy bill), it contains no new laws or funding but formally commemorates his service and legacy. It was adopted by the legislature on October 7, 2025.

Maddy summaryAB 490 creates a statewide suicide prevention program funded by an annual $250,000 appropriation. The program requires the Department of Health Services to implement public awareness campaigns, coordinate with community groups, and provide training for law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, and others who interact with people at risk of suicide. It specifically targets at-risk groups including youth, elderly individuals, Native Americans, and rural residents through county-level initiatives, crisis service enhancements, and a centralized resource website. The bill also mandates annual reports to the legislature on program activities starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryAB 475 creates a state grant program to fund immigration-related civil legal services for individuals and families. It allocates $300,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year to award grants to community-based organizations (including for-profit groups) that provide legal assistance in immigration matters, with requirements that applicants have a history of such services and offer them without regard to immigration status. The bill also enables counties to fund similar services through existing county budgeting mechanisms. This directly supports immigrants facing legal challenges and expands access to civil legal aid in immigration cases.

Maddy summaryAB 489 creates a voluntary program allowing individuals to prohibit themselves from purchasing handguns for specific periods (1, 5, or 20 years, with the first year irrevocable). Individuals submit forms to the Department of Justice for verification, entering their details into a new database. This database is now checked by firearms dealers during background checks under existing law (s. 175.35), which will block sales if a person is listed. The program directly affects individuals seeking to restrict their own firearm access, with the state appropriating $150,000 annually to administer it.

Maddy summaryAB 480 requires most employers to include a salary range (minimum and maximum) and details about benefits like health insurance or retirement plans in all public job postings. Employers must also retain these posting records for two years and allow department or employee review. Penalties include $300-$600 for small businesses (under 50 employees) and $1,000-$2,000 for larger businesses for repeated violations. Third parties (e.g., staffing agencies) posting jobs on behalf of employers must follow the same rules.

Maddy summaryAJR 88 is a commemorative resolution recognizing November 10, 2025, as the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. The resolution honors the 29 crew members who died when the ship sank during a storm on Lake Superior on November 10, 1975, including eight Wisconsin residents. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely serves to formally acknowledge this historical event and the ongoing impact on families. The resolution was introduced by multiple Wisconsin legislators and referred to committee for consideration.