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Bill > SB1028


WI SB1028

WI SB1028
Earned wage access services.


summary

Introduced
02/17/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under current law, the Department of Financial Institutions licenses and regulates providers of earned wage access (EWA) services. “Earned wage access service” is defined in part as the business of delivering to individuals residing in this state (consumers) access to their earned but unpaid income. “Earned but unpaid income” means salary, wages, or other compensation that has been earned by or accrued to the benefit of a consumer in exchange for the consumer’s services to an employer but that has not yet been paid to the consumer. “Proceeds” means a payment by a provider of EWA services to a consumer based on the consumer’s earned but unpaid income. Current law imposes various requirements and restrictions on providers of EWA services. For example, a provider of EWA services must offer a consumer an option to obtain proceeds at no cost and must disclose to a consumer all fees associated with the EWA services. A provider of EWA services may not charge a late fee, deferral fee, interest, or other penalty for failure to repay outstanding proceeds. This bill prohibits a provider of EWA services from charging a fee for delivery or expedited delivery of proceeds to a consumer exceeding $5 for an advance of proceeds of up to $75 or, if the advance is more than $75, exceeding $7.50. The $5 and $7.50 figures are adjusted for inflation at five-year intervals. LRB-6351/1 ARG:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 1028 The bill also specifies that certain provisions of law—including portions of the Wisconsin Consumer Act and provisions relating to married persons’ credit transactions—do not apply to EWA services offered and provided by a licensed provider of EWA services.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the regulation of earned wage access (EWA) services, which allow individuals to access their earned but unpaid income before their regular payday. Currently, providers of these services are licensed and regulated by the Department of Financial Institutions and must offer a no-cost option and disclose all fees, while being prohibited from charging late fees, deferral fees, interest, or other penalties. This bill caps the fees for delivering or expediting access to these funds, limiting them to $5 for advances up to $75 and $7.50 for advances over $75, with these amounts to be adjusted for inflation every five years starting in 2030. Additionally, the bill specifies that certain consumer protection laws, including parts of the Wisconsin Consumer Act and laws related to married persons' credit, will not apply to EWA services provided by licensed providers who comply with the EWA regulations.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Read first time and referred to Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage (on 02/17/2026)

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