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WI SB638
WI SB638The maximum compensation for compatibility with elective offices in cities, villages, and towns. (FE)
summary
Introduced
11/14/2025
11/14/2025
In Committee
11/14/2025
11/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Generally under current law, the doctrine of compatibility holds that one person cannot hold two offices if one office is superior to another in some respect and the superior office makes decisions about the other office such that the duties exercised under each might conflict to the public detriment. An exception to this doctrine under current law provides that a volunteer fire fighter, emergency medical services practitioner, or emergency medical responder in a city, village, or town whose annual compensation from one or more of those positions, including fringe benefits, does not exceed $25,000 if the city, village, or town has a population of 5,000 or less, or $15,000 if the city, village, or town has a population of has a population of more than 5,000, may also hold an elective office in that city, village, or town. This bill increases those maximum annual compensation amounts to $35,000 in a city, village, or town with a population of 5,000 or less and $25,000 in a city, village, or town with a population of more than 5,000. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-4799/1 MDE:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 638
AI Summary
This bill modifies the current law regarding compatibility of offices for volunteer emergency services personnel in cities, villages, and towns. Specifically, it increases the maximum annual compensation thresholds that allow a volunteer fire fighter, emergency medical services practitioner, or emergency medical responder to simultaneously hold an elective office in the same municipality. Under the current law, such personnel could earn up to $25,000 in annual compensation in municipalities with 5,000 or fewer residents, and up to $15,000 in municipalities with more than 5,000 residents. The proposed bill raises these limits to $35,000 and $25,000, respectively. This change aims to provide more flexibility for emergency services volunteers who also serve in local elected positions, potentially making it easier for these critical community roles to be filled by allowing for slightly higher compensation without triggering conflicts of interest under the compatibility doctrine.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (11)
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D)*,
John Jagler (R)*,
Barbara Dittrich (R),
Joy Goeben (R),
Dean Kaufert (R),
Joel Kitchens (R),
Dan Knodl (R),
Jeff Mursau (R),
Jerry O'Connor (R),
Joe Sheehan (D),
Chuck Wichgers (R),
Last Action
Representative Anderson added as a cosponsor (on 01/26/2026)
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/sb638 |
| Fiscal Note - SB638: Fiscal Estimate From DOR | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb638/sb638_dor.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB638.pdf |
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