Q: What is the ARRA?

A: On May 21, 2025, SB 271, otherwise known as the Abortion Rights Restoration Act (ARRA), was introduced in the Wisconsin State Senate. This bill would establish a statutory right to abortion and would repeal several dangerous and medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion care. One goal of the bill, removal of the 1849 abortion ban, was accomplished on July 2, 2025, when the WI Supreme Court ruled that law invalid. The ARRA also seeks to repeal state-mandated biased counseling and two-visit requirement, telehealth ban and medication abortion restrictions, ultrasound requirement, provider ban, insurance coverage ban, the hospital admitting privileges requirement, and requirements related to abortion-inducing drugs.  The accompanying House bill, AB 355, was introduced on July 8, 2025. Fiscal estimates have been received on both bills. Polls conducted by the Marquette Law School since 2012 have shown that the majority of Wisconsinites, including Democrats and Republicans, support abortion in all or most cases. Contact g.sklodowska@lwvmilwaukee.org to learn more about the Reproductive Rights movement.

Join the Fair Maps Coalition for a  Community Hearing in Waukesha County on August 20. While Wisconsin currently has fair maps, these are only in place until the 2030 Census. LEGISLATION is needed to ensure FAIR VOTING MAPS for FUTURE GENERATIONS.

Fair maps leaders across the state have been working on legislation, and want YOUR INPUT! LWVWI is a member of the Fair Maps Coalition.

Details, including specific locations and the draft legislation, will be provided after registration.

Questions? Email iuscely at iuscely@fairmapswi.com. 

REGISTER

FEDERAL CLIMATE ACTION: CRITICAL ACTION ALERT!  URGENT!

Protect your health and welfare. Register BEFORE August 12 to testify at the EPA’s virtual public hearing (Aug 19 & 20) on the proposed repeal of the underpinnings of the Clean Air Act and its air pollution and climate regulations. To testify you must:

1. Email EPA-MobileSource-Hearings@epa.gov. to receive a link to the registration form

2. Complete the actual google registration form you receive (instructions are provided)

3. Watch your email for a response with your assigned day and time (subject line may refer to  GHG or EPA or another related topic)

4. Speak about your experiences with dirty air and extreme heat. 

5. Want pointers for your testimony? Email Molly Collins at Molly.Collins@lung.org. Molly is LWMC member and Advocacy Director for the American Lung Association in WI. 

 LOCAL ACTION 

We have been breathing highly polluted, unhealthy air in Milwaukee County! Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports “DNR re-extends Wisconsin air quality alert from wildfire smoke for fifth time.” ACT SOON!  Attend either of two Milwaukee County Executive Crowley’s Budget Sessions 5-7p.m., August 13 and August 20th and let the County Exec. know you care about addressing climate change locally.  Sign up at:

https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/County-Executive/News/County-Executive-David-Crowley-Announces-2026-Budget-Listening-Sessions 

Q. Is Our State Legislature Considering any LGBTQ+ related Bills?

A. Yes, several. Here's an overview of bills likely to advance in 2025, with their current status and significance:

1. SB 324 / AB 3040 (Conversion Therapy Ban)

   • Status: This is the most advanced bill, with hearings and a Senate floor vote expected.

   • Significance: A July 2025 Supreme Court ruling supporting administrative bans on conversion therapy adds urgency to its passage into law. This bill is currently critical for the LGBTQ+ community.

2. Marriage & Family Equality Act (LRB 0842)

   • Status: Could move forward in the fall, particularly if included in broader equality discussions.

   • Significance: This bill would codify legal recognition of same-sex parentage and introduce gender-neutral marriage language.

3. Panic Defense Repeal (LRB 3124)

   • Status: Awaiting committee assignment.

   • Significance: Supporters aim to bundle this with other justice reform legislation. It would prohibit using a victim's LGBTQ+ identity as a legal defense for violent acts.

4. AB 316 / SB 320 (Training Grants)

   • Status: Currently in the education committee.

   • Significance: Movement is possible during budget discussions later this year. This bill provides grants to school counselors and social workers to support LGBTQ+ students.

5. Constitutional Marriage Ban Repeal (LRB 2031)

   • Status: Requires significant political consensus to advance. It may see floor debate late in the session but faces long odds.

   • Significance: This bill would remove outdated constitutional language banning same-sex marriage.

6. SJR 73 / AJR 79 (Recognition Resolutions)

   • Status: Symbolic resolutions for Pride Month and LGBTQ+ day recognition are more likely to pass before the end of the session, though nothing is guaranteed.

What You Can Do:

Contacting your state legislators is crucial. A most pressing issue for the LGBTQ+ community is the passage of the conversion therapy ban (SB 324/AB 3040). 

To find your elected officials in Wisconsin and their contact information, visit the MyVote Wisconsin website and enter your address.

LGBTQ+ All Letters Matter

** If any League member has a question to be considered in this column or is interested in being active please send to k.vance@lwvmilaukee.org

Don’t you just LOVE helping people with voter registration?

As National Voter Registration Day approaches, the Library Outreach Committee of Voter Services has scheduled several Voter Registration events in September at both Milwaukee and suburban libraries. And more may be coming. We will need volunteers to help register voters, update addresses, encourage civic engagement, offer informational handouts and answer questions. If you have some experience helping people register to vote at myvote.wi (and on paper, if necessary), please sign up! It will be three hours well spent!!

CHOOSE YOUR EVENT HERE