Rep. Tara Johnson

Maddy summaryAB 356 requires firearms stored in a residence to be kept securely when a child is present, prohibiting unsafe storage. It directly affects residents who keep firearms in homes where children live or visit. The bill establishes penalties for failing to store firearms safely under these circumstances. Key provisions mandate secure storage (e.g., locked containers or safes) and define violations with associated fines or penalties. The bill is currently in committee referral after introduction.

Maddy summaryAB 208 creates tax exemptions for income and franchise taxes related to broadband expansion funding. It directly affects internet service providers, telecom companies, and community organizations receiving grants or federal high-cost program funds for building broadband infrastructure in the state. The bill exempts from taxation: (1) state/local/tribal/federal grants for broadband expansion, and (2) federal high-cost program funding under 47 USC 254. These exemptions apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and prevent double-counting with other existing tax provisions.

Maddy summaryAB 437 requires large retailers (those with over $3 million in annual consumer goods sales) to include the total tariff cost on every sales invoice or receipt. This means customers will see the exact amount of tariffs or import taxes added to their purchase price at checkout. The law applies to both paper and electronic documents and affects only businesses meeting the sales threshold. It mandates clear disclosure without changing current tariff rates or policies.

Maddy summaryAB 64 creates a state income tax subtraction for eligible K-12 teachers who pay out-of-pocket for classroom supplies and materials. It allows teachers to subtract up to $300 annually from their taxable income for expenses covered under federal tax code (26 USC 62(a)(2)(D)), using the federal definition of "eligible educator." This provision directly affects teachers who incur these costs, reducing their state tax burden without requiring them to itemize deductions. The bill mirrors a federal tax break but applies specifically to Wisconsin's income tax system. The law would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryAJR 107 is a symbolic joint resolution designating November 2025 as "Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month" in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin veterans by raising public awareness of their elevated mental health challenges and suicide rates, citing that 134 veterans died by suicide in Wisconsin in 2023 (15% of all adult suicides despite veterans comprising only 5% of the adult population). The resolution does not create new programs or funding but aims to highlight existing resources like the Wisconsin Veterans Crisis Line and honor veterans' service. It was introduced by multiple legislators and cosponsored by numerous senators, reflecting legislative recognition of veteran mental health as a priority.

Maddy summaryAB 588 establishes a statutory right to contraception in Wisconsin, protecting patients' access to FDA-approved contraceptive methods and providers' ability to offer them. The bill prohibits state or local governments from implementing laws that restrict access to FDA-approved contraceptives (like pills, IUDs, or condoms), single out contraceptive services, or make it harder to obtain them. It allows individuals, providers, or the Attorney General to sue if this right is violated, with courts able to block restrictive policies and award legal fees. The law specifically does not affect insurance coverage requirements for contraception. It directly affects all patients seeking contraception and healthcare providers offering these services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (AJR 113) proposes that Wisconsin officially recognize the second Monday in October as "Indigenous Peoples Day" each year. It does not create new laws or programs but formally acknowledges the historical and ongoing presence of Wisconsin's 11 federally recognized tribes and their contributions to the state. The resolution aims to promote appreciation, reconciliation, and partnership with Indigenous communities through this annual observance. As a symbolic gesture, it directly affects all Wisconsinites by encouraging reflection on Indigenous history and contributions.

Maddy summaryAB 636 requires private postsecondary schools (proprietary schools) in Wisconsin to include veteran enrollment data in their existing quarterly reports to the state department. These schools must report how many veterans are enrolled, alongside other details like total enrollment, graduates, and employment rates. The bill amends current reporting rules to specifically add veteran enrollment as a required data point, without creating new funding or penalties. This affects all private colleges operating in Wisconsin that are subject to state approval and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryAB 568 requires most health insurance plans and self-insured employer health coverage to cover infertility diagnosis, treatment, and standard fertility preservation services (like egg freezing before cancer treatment). It mandates coverage for at least four egg retrieval procedures and unlimited embryo transfers per American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines, with no extra costs or restrictions compared to other medical treatments. The bill directly affects health insurers, self-insured employers (including government entities), and people seeking infertility care or fertility preservation. It prohibits plans from imposing unique cost-sharing, waiting periods, or exclusions specifically for infertility services. The law applies to disability insurance policies and self-insured plans, excluding certain health benefit plans under existing statutes.

Maddy summaryAB 386 creates a $30 million agricultural purchase program to fund grants for organizations buying food made or grown in the state. It directly affects nonprofit food banks, pantries, and local food distributors that provide food assistance, allowing them to use these grants to purchase state-grown products. The program is administered by the Department of Agriculture, which will also add two new staff positions (program specialist and grants specialist) funded by this appropriation. The bill establishes a continuing appropriation under statute 20.115 and outlines specific grant eligibility under new statute 93.62.