Rep. Tara Johnson

Maddy summaryAB 484 modifies requirements for concealed carry license applicants and renewals in this state. It allows applicants to use copies of previous licenses (from this state, another state, or a local jurisdiction) as proof of training, instead of requiring separate documentation. The bill also mandates specific training topics for renewals, including live ammunition practice, firearm safety and storage, suicide prevention, and de-escalation techniques. License holders must submit proof of completing such training when renewing their licenses.

Maddy summaryAB 479 reduces costs for individuals seeking trade licenses by creating a funding mechanism to offset fees for third-party-administered examinations. It allocates $181,900 annually (for 2025-26 and 2026-27) from the General Purpose Revenue fund to lower exam costs required for occupations like electricians or plumbers. The bill directly affects license applicants who must pay these third-party exams, as the funding lowers their out-of-pocket expenses. This is a straightforward appropriation bill with no new regulatory requirements, solely focused on reducing financial barriers for license seekers.

Maddy summaryAB 256 designates April 24 as Armenian Genocide Awareness Day in Wisconsin public schools, to be observed annually as part of Genocide Awareness Month. The bill requires schools to recognize this day on their calendars but does not mandate specific curriculum or activities. It directly affects all public K-12 schools in Wisconsin, beginning with the school year after the law takes effect. The legislation creates a new statutory provision (118.02 (7d)) to formalize this observance without altering existing educational requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 470 repeals the state's right-to-work law, which previously prohibited requiring employees to join a union or pay dues as a condition of employment. The bill eliminates section 111.04(3) and amends labor statutes to allow employers to collect union dues with employee consent (via written authorization) and to enter "all-union agreements" requiring membership in collective bargaining units where a majority of workers have voted in favor. This directly affects employees, employers, and labor organizations by removing restrictions on mandatory union membership and dues in unionized workplaces. The bill also establishes a new policy declaration emphasizing fair employment relations and collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryAJR 94 is a symbolic resolution that would officially recognize January as "Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" across Wisconsin. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by designating a specific month for statewide awareness efforts focused on human trafficking. The resolution has no binding legal requirements but serves as a formal declaration to encourage educational events, community outreach, and resource sharing related to human trafficking prevention during January. It does not create new laws or allocate funding.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (AJR 104) proclaims November 2025 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in Wisconsin. It directly encourages all Wisconsin residents to increase awareness and education about pancreatic cancer and support services for patients. The resolution cites state-specific statistics, noting pancreatic cancer caused an estimated 1,060 deaths in Wisconsin in 2025 and may become the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the state. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but aims to raise public attention through official recognition.

Maddy summaryAB 496 changes income requirements for families using state-funded private school choice programs. It raises the income limit from 2.2 times the federal poverty level to 3.0 times for most districts (previously only 2.2x applied to some districts), while maintaining the lower 2.2x limit for specific school districts. The bill also simplifies income verification by removing outdated requirements for checking family income. This affects families applying for private school choice programs, with changes taking effect for the 2026-27 school year.

Maddy summaryAB 515 makes it a crime to disrupt elections by engaging in loud, harassing, or intimidating behavior at polling places or absentee voting sites during voting hours. It directly affects individuals who interfere with voters, election officials, or municipal staff performing election duties. The bill increases penalties for crimes committed specifically to target election activities, such as attacking someone because they were voting or working at a polling place. Violators face fines up to $10,000 or up to 9 months in jail, with steeper penalties for repeat offenses or crimes against election workers.

Maddy summaryAB 538 requires state elected officials (such as governors, state senators, and representatives) to serve as election officials during their first full term and every three years thereafter. These officials must work at least eight hours on election day at a polling location, attend required training, and provide no compensation for this service. Officials with medical limitations may be exempt if they submit a physician's sworn statement verifying their inability to serve. The bill ensures their appointment doesn't count toward municipal staffing limits for elections. This applies to all general elections where they are not candidates on the ballot.

Maddy summaryAJR 105 is a commemorative resolution proposing to recognize September 25, 2025, as "First Amendment Day" in Wisconsin. It honors the First Amendment's protections of free speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition rights, referencing its historical role in movements like civil rights and women's suffrage. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal effect or policy changes - it does not create new laws or alter existing rights. The resolution was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to committee for further consideration.