Rep. Tara Johnson

Maddy summaryAB 507 amends state civil service laws to adjust veteran preference policies for state government hiring. It repeals outdated sections and revises provisions related to veteran eligibility, removing age restrictions for veterans applying for positions and clarifying how preference points are calculated and applied. Specifically, it modifies rules so veterans and their spouses receive preference points without age limits, and updates procedures for adding qualified veterans to certification lists after initial hiring. These changes directly affect veterans seeking state civil service jobs and state hiring boards managing employment eligibility. The bill updates statutory language to align with current veteran preference practices under sections like 230.16 (7).

Maddy summaryAB 325 modifies Wisconsin's firearm transfer rules to require most sales or transfers to go through a licensed firearms dealer, with exceptions for direct family gifts, bequests, or inheritances (if the recipient is at least 18 and not prohibited from owning firearms). It adds a $10 fee for background checks conducted by dealers and mandates new forms requiring transferees to confirm they aren’t transferring to prohibited individuals. Violating these rules carries a misdemeanor penalty of fines ($500-$10,000) or up to 9 months in jail, plus a 2-year firearm possession ban. The bill directly affects gun sellers, buyers, and family members transferring firearms without a dealer.

Maddy summaryAJR 78 is a joint resolution that directs the Wisconsin legislature to officially proclaim June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Day" in the state. It recognizes the historical significance of June 12, 1948 - the date President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act - and highlights Wisconsin’s 29,000+ women veterans, who represent about 10% of the state’s veteran population. The resolution aims to honor women veterans’ service and sacrifices, acknowledging their growing demographic presence and unique challenges like higher rates of PTSD and unemployment compared to male veterans. This is a symbolic recognition with no new policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryAB 569 regulates the sale and resale of event tickets by requiring sellers and resellers to clearly disclose all costs (including fees and taxes) upfront. It bans resellers from selling "speculative" tickets (not in their possession) and restricts presales through fan clubs or early access programs. The bill also mandates refunds within 10 days for canceled events, counterfeit tickets, or tickets that don't match descriptions, and prohibits deceptive marketing using artists' or venues' names without permission. These rules apply directly to ticket sellers, secondary marketplaces, and resellers, aiming to increase transparency and prevent deceptive practices.

Maddy summaryAJR 106 is a non-binding resolution honoring the 200th anniversary of Norwegian immigration to the United States, specifically commemorating the 1825 voyage of the sloop *Restauration* from Norway to New York. It formally recognizes the arrival of the first organized group of Norwegian immigrants and their descendants, particularly highlighting Wisconsin's historical connection as home to approximately 25% of Norwegian Americans by 1900. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups; it is purely commemorative, aligning with the 2025 bicentennial of the *Restauration*'s journey.

Maddy summaryAB 423 establishes an annual sales tax holiday for qualifying back-to-school items, exempting them from state sales tax during a designated period. The bill defines "eligible property" to include clothing (excluding certain accessories), school supplies (like notebooks and pencils), art supplies, school computer supplies, and instructional materials (such as textbooks), but excludes items like protective gear or sport equipment. It creates a reimbursement mechanism requiring the state to fund counties and municipalities for lost sales tax revenue during the holiday. The policy directly affects consumers purchasing these items and retailers selling them during the tax-free period.

Maddy summaryAB 539 allows 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote in the state. This preregistration becomes active when they turn 18, enabling them to vote in future elections without needing to re-register. The bill amends voter registration rules to require that preregistered 16-17 year olds only appear on voter lists once they reach age 18 on election day. It does not permit their names to appear on election lists before they turn 18.

Maddy summaryAB 529 requires school boards to provide eligible high school students with voter registration forms, eligibility information, and nonpartisan materials explaining voting importance and civic roles. It directly affects high school students who become eligible to register to vote (typically 16-18 year olds in most states). The bill mandates schools to distribute these resources as part of student enrollment or transition processes, ensuring access to nonpartisan voting information. It creates a new statute (6.31) specifying these requirements without altering voting eligibility rules. The measure aims to streamline voter registration access for young adults through educational institutions.

Maddy summaryAB 536 requires election officials to complete one-hour accessibility training sessions focused on meeting voter accessibility requirements under sections 5.25(4) and 6.82. Specifically, chief inspectors must attend this training under new section 7.31(6), while municipal clerks, inspectors, special deputies, and registration officials must complete it under new section 7.315(5). All training must be provided before the 2027 spring election. The bill directly affects local election staff responsible for polling place operations and voter assistance.

Maddy summaryAB 535 requires all polling places to be accessible to voters with disabilities by mandating election workers to use a standardized accessibility checklist on election day to identify and immediately report barriers. It also requires the election commission to submit annual reports (by June 30 in odd years) on voting impediments faced by elderly and disabled voters, consulting with relevant advocacy groups. Additionally, the bill creates uniform signage guidelines to notify disabled voters about ballot assistance options at polling place entrances. These changes apply to all polling places and take effect before the 2027 spring election.