summary
Introduced
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
In Committee
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/23/2026
03/23/2026
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, as the work progresses on a public construction project, the state or the local governmental unit makes payments to the contractors, but retains not more than 5 percent of the value of the work performed until 50 percent of the value of the work is completed. After 50 percent of the work is completed, additional amounts, not to exceed 10 percent, may be retained if the progress of the work is not satisfactory. A similar retainage requirement exists for subcontractors that perform mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire protection work for a construction project for the state. Under current law, all retainage amounts are retained by the prime contractor. Under this bill, this retainage requirement extends also to a subcontractor that performs mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire protection work for a construction project for a local governmental unit. The bill also decreases from 5 percent to 3 percent the initial maximum retainage for all retainage requirements between a subcontractor and a prime contractor and between a prime contractor and the state or a local governmental unit for a public construction project. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing laws regarding retainage, which is a portion of payment withheld on public construction projects until the work is completed. Currently, the state or local government can withhold up to 5% of the work's value until 50% of the project is done, and potentially up to 10% if progress is unsatisfactory. This bill lowers the initial maximum retainage from 5% to 3% for all retainage requirements between subcontractors and prime contractors, and between prime contractors and government entities. Additionally, the bill extends the retainage requirement to subcontractors performing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire protection work for local government projects, ensuring these subcontractors also have a portion of their payments withheld and released upon satisfactory completion.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (6)
David Armstrong (R)*,
Dan Knodl (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
Robert Wittke (R)*,
Julian Bradley (R),
Steve Nass (R),
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/asm/bill/ab1037 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB1037.pdf |
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