summary
Introduced
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
In Committee
07/31/2025
07/31/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Current law requires an individual who is a qualified elector to provide proof of identification to vote. The document that the individual presents for proof of identification must contain the individual[s name and a photograph of the individual. Documents that are considered proof of identification are enumerated in statute and include a U.S. passport, an identification card issued by a U.S. uniformed service, an operator[s license issued by the Department of Transportation, and an identification card issued by DOT. This bill adds to the list of documents that may be used as proof of identification for voting a valid operator[s license or identification card that satisfies federal REAL ID requirements and is issued by a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or any other territory or possession of the United States.
AI Summary
This bill expands the list of acceptable forms of identification for voting by adding operator's licenses or identification cards that meet the federal REAL ID Act requirements (Public Law 109-13) and are issued by any U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and various U.S. territories. Currently, voters must present a valid photo ID document such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or state-issued driver's license. The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, established minimum security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes, such as boarding commercial aircraft or entering federal buildings. By specifically referencing the REAL ID Act in this bill, Wisconsin is ensuring that identification documents from states that have updated their ID systems to meet these federal standards can be used as proof of identification when voting, potentially making it easier for voters to comply with the state's voter ID requirements.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (21)
Margaret Arney (D)*,
Mike Bare (D)*,
Ryan Clancy (D)*,
Angelina Cruz (D)*,
Alex Joers (D)*,
Karen Kirsch (D)*,
Darrin Madison (D)*,
Vincent Miresse (D)*,
Christian Phelps (D)*,
Joe Sheehan (D)*,
Christine Sinicki (D)*,
Lee Snodgrass (D)*,
Angela Stroud (D)*,
Lisa Subeck (D)*,
Randy Udell (D)*,
Tim Carpenter (D),
Sarah Keyeski (D),
Chris Larson (D),
Melissa Ratcliff (D),
Mark Spreitzer (D),
Bob Wirch (D),
Last Action
Representative Haywood added as a coauthor (on 09/12/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab379 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB379.pdf |
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