Bill > AB165

This bill creates a new provision in Wisconsin statutes defining and regulating guaranteed income programs at the local government level. Specifically, the bill defines a "guaranteed income program" as a program providing regular, unconditional cash payments to individuals that can be used for any purpose, explicitly excluding programs that require work or training participation. The bill prohibits political subdivisions (cities, villages, towns, and counties) from using any of their funds—including shared revenue payments, tax revenues, or fee revenues—to implement such guaranteed income programs. This means local governments in Wisconsin would be barred from creating or funding direct cash transfer initiatives for their residents, effectively preventing municipalities from independently establishing universal basic income or similar cash assistance programs. The legislation appears aimed at preventing local governments from independently implementing social welfare initiatives that provide direct cash payments to individuals.

Labor and Employment, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab165