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WI SB446
WI SB446Grants for the provision of immigration-related civil legal services to individuals and families, county grants for the provision of civil legal services to individuals and families, and making an appropriation. (FE)
summary
Introduced
09/29/2025
09/29/2025
In Committee
09/29/2025
09/29/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/23/2026
03/23/2026
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Department of Administration to award grants to community-based and other organizations based in Wisconsin for the provision of civil legal services to individuals and families in matters related to immigration. The bill requires DOA to establish an accessible and equitable application process for the award of the grants. Additionally, before awarding a grant, DOA must determine that the grant applicant has a record of providing civil legal services to individuals and families in matters related to immigration and that the applicant provides such services without regard to the client[s immigration status. The bill further authorizes counties to appropriate funds to make payments to community-based organizations and other organizations, whether or not operated for profit, based in Wisconsin for the provision of civil legal services to individuals and families, regardless of whether the matter is immigration-related. LRB-4742/1 MPG&EVM:cdc&emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 446 For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new grant program for immigration-related civil legal services in Wisconsin, administered by the Department of Administration. The bill creates a new section of law (16.195) that authorizes the department to award grants to community-based organizations and other non-profit or for-profit organizations to provide civil legal services to individuals and families in immigration-related matters. The department must create an accessible application process and verify that grant recipients have a proven track record of providing such services without discrimination based on immigration status. The bill also includes a continuing appropriation of $300,000 for these grants, beginning in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the bill modifies existing county board statutes to explicitly allow counties to make payments to organizations providing civil legal services to individuals and families. This legislation aims to expand legal support for immigrants and their families by providing funding for organizations that offer immigration-related legal assistance, ensuring that such services are more accessible and equitable across the state.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (34)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Dora Drake (D)*,
Jodi Habush Sinykin (D)*,
Sarah Keyeski (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Clint Anderson (D),
Margaret Arney (D),
Mike Bare (D),
Brienne Brown (D),
Ryan Clancy (D),
Karen DeSanto (D),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Kalan Haywood (D),
Francesca Hong (D),
Alex Joers (D),
Tara Johnson (D),
Karen Kirsch (D),
Darrin Madison (D),
Renuka Mayadev (D),
Supreme Moore Omokunde (D),
Greta Neubauer (D),
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D),
Christian Phelps (D),
Pricilla Prado (D),
Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D),
Ann Roe (D),
Joe Sheehan (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Lisa Subeck (D),
Sequanna Taylor (D),
Angelito Tenorio (D),
Randy Udell (D),
Last Action
Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 (on 03/23/2026)
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/sen/bill/sb446 |
| SB446 ROCP for Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/licensing_regulatory_reform_state_and_federal_affairs/1986613.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB446.pdf |
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