Legislator
Legislator > Dianne Hesselbein

State Senator
Dianne Hesselbein
(D) - Wisconsin
Wisconsin Senate District 27
In Office - Started: 01/03/2023

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Capitol Office

P.O. Box 7882
State Capitol, 2 E. Main St.
Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 608-266-6670

Bill Bill Name Summary Progress
AJR50 Recognizing the United States Army’s 250th birthday. Relating to: recognizing the United States Army[s 250th birthday. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
SB264 Coverage of breast cancer screenings by the Medical Assistance program and health insurance policies and plans. (FE) This bill requires health insurance policies to provide coverage for diagnostic breast examinations and for supplemental breast screening examinations for an individual who is at increased risk of breast cancer, as determined in accordance with the most recent applicable guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, or has heterogeneously or extremely dense breast tissue, as defined by the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System established by the American College of Radiology. Health insurance policies are referred to in the statutes as disability insurance policies. Self-insured governmental health plans are also required to LRB-3021/1 JPC&SWB:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 264 provide the coverage specified in the bill. The bill also requires coverage of those breast screenings by the Medical Assistance program, which is the state- administered Medicaid program that is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and that provides health services to individuals with limited financial resources. Under the bill, health insurance policies may not charge a cost-sharing amount for a supplemental breast screening examination or diagnostic breast examination. The limitation on cost-sharing does not apply to the extent that the limitation would result in ineligibility for a health savings account under the federal Internal Revenue Code. Health insurance policies are required under current law to cover two mammographic breast examinations to screen for breast cancer for a woman from ages 45 to 49 if certain criteria are satisfied. Health insurance policies must currently cover annual mammograms for a woman once she attains the age of 50. The coverage required under current law is required whether or not the woman shows any symptoms of breast cancer and may be subject to only the same exclusions and limitations, including cost sharing, that apply to other radiological examinations under the policy. The bill does not change or eliminate the current coverage requirements for mammograms, except that preferred provider plans are explicitly included in the current law and the bill[s requirements. This proposal may contain a health insurance mandate requiring a social and financial impact report under s. 601.423, stats. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB261 Certain limitations on claiming the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit. (FE) Under current law, a person who claims the farmland preservation tax credit is prohibited from claiming the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit in the same tax year. This bill allows a person to claim both the farmland preservation tax credit and the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit in the same tax year. Current law allows a person to claim a farmland preservation income tax credit for the person[s land engaged in an agricultural use, if the land is covered by a farmland preservation agreement, located in a farmland preservation zoning district, or covered by an agricultural conservation easement. Also, under current law, an eligible veteran or surviving spouse may claim a refundable income tax credit that equals the amount of property taxes paid during the year on the claimant[s principal dwelling in Wisconsin. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-2781/1 KP:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 261 In Committee
SB268 Prohibiting corporal punishment in public and private schools. Under current law, no official, employee, or agent of a school board may subject a pupil enrolled in the school district to corporal punishment. Current law defines Xcorporal punishmentY as the intentional infliction of physical pain that is used as a means of discipline, which includes paddling, slapping, and prolonged maintenance of physically painful positions. This bill expands the prohibition against subjecting pupils to corporal punishment to apply to officials, employees, and agents of school boards, governing boards of charter schools, and governing bodies of private schools. In Committee
SB321 Adopting gender-neutral terminology and incorporating gender-neutral marriage and parentage rights. (FE) Summary This bill recognizes same-sex marriage by making references in the statutes to spouses gender-neutral, with the intent of harmonizing the Wisconsin Statutes with the holding of the U.S. Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S. Ct. 2584, 192 L. Ed. 2d 609 (2015), which recognizes that same-sex couples have a fundamental constitutional right to marriage. The bill also recognizes legal parentage for same-sex couples under certain circumstances and adopts gender- neutral parentage terminology. Same-sex marriage The bill provides that marriage may be contracted between persons of the same sex and confers the same rights and responsibilities on married persons of the same sex that married persons of different sexes have under current law. The bill LRB-0842/1 MDE:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 321 defines XspouseY as a person who is legally married to another person of the same sex or a different sex and replaces every reference to XhusbandY or XwifeY in current law with Xspouse.Y The bill makes applicable to married persons of the same sex all provisions under current law that apply to married persons of different sexes. These provisions relate to such diverse areas of the law as income tax, marital property, inheritance rights, divorce, child and spousal support, insurance coverage, family and spousal recreational licenses, consent to conduct an autopsy, domestic abuse, and eligibility for various types of benefits, such as retirement or death benefits and medical assistance. Parentage In addition to making statutory references to spouses gender-neutral, the bill specifies ways in which couples of the same sex may be the legal parents of a child, recognizes that a transgender person may become pregnant and give birth to a child, and makes current references in the statutes to XmotherY and Xfather,Y and related terms, gender-neutral. Under current law, all of the following may adopt a child: a husband and wife jointly, a husband or wife whose spouse is the parent of the child, and an unmarried adult. Because the bill makes references in the statutes to spouses gender-neutral, same-sex spouses jointly may adopt a child and become the legal parents of the child, and a same-sex spouse of a person who is the parent of a minor child may adopt the child and become the legal parent of his or her spouse[s child. Under current law, if a woman is artificially inseminated under the supervision of a physician with semen donated by a man who is not her husband and the husband consents in writing to the artificial insemination of his wife, the husband is the natural father of any child conceived. Under the bill, one spouse may also consent to the artificial insemination of his or her spouse and is the natural parent of the child conceived. The artificial insemination is not required to take place under the supervision of a physician, but, if it does not, the semen used for the insemination must have been obtained from a sperm bank. Under current law, a man is presumed to be the father of a child if he and the child[s natural mother 1) were married to each other when the child was conceived or born or 2) married each other after the child was born but had a relationship with each other when the child was conceived and no other man has been adjudicated to be the father or is presumed to be the father because the man was married to the mother when the child was conceived or born. The paternity presumption may be rebutted in a legal action or proceeding by the results of a genetic test showing that the statistical probability of another man[s parentage is 99.0 percent or higher. The bill expands this presumption into a parentage presumption, so that a person is presumed to be the natural parent of a child if he or she 1) was married to the person who gave birth to the child when the child was conceived or born or 2) married the person who gave birth to the child after the child was born but had a relationship with the person who gave birth to the child when the child was conceived and no person has been adjudicated to be the child[s LRB-0842/1 MDE:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 321 parent and no other person is presumed to be the child[s parent because he or she was married, at the time the child was born, to the person who gave birth to the child. The parentage presumption may still be rebutted by the results of a genetic test showing that the statistical probability of another person[s parentage is 99.0 percent or higher. Expanding on current law, the bill allows for a parentage action to be brought for the purpose of rebutting the parentage presumption, regardless of whether that presumption applies to a male or female spouse. Current law provides that a mother and a man may sign a statement acknowledging paternity and file it with the state registrar. If the state registrar has received such a statement, the man is presumed to be the father of the child. Under current law, either person who has signed a statement acknowledging paternity may rescind the statement before an order is filed in an action affecting the family concerning the child or within 60 days after the statement is filed, whichever occurs first. Under current law, a man who has filed a statement acknowledging paternity that is not rescinded within the time period is conclusively determined to be the father of the child. The bill provides that two people, one of whom gave birth to the child, may sign a statement acknowledging parentage and file it with the state registrar. If the state registrar has received such a statement, the people who have signed the statement are presumed to be the parents of the child. Under the bill, a statement acknowledging parentage that is not rescinded conclusively establishes parentage with regard to the person who did not give birth to the child and who signed the statement. Under current law, the paternity of a child may be established by genetic testing in an administrative determination of paternity or in a paternity action in court. The bill changes the term XpaternityY to XparentageY in the context of establishing the parent of a child by genetic testing. The bill defines Xnatural parentY as a parent of a child who is not an adoptive parent, whether the parent is biologically related to the child or not. Thus, a person who is a biological parent, a parent by consenting to the artificial insemination of his or her spouse, or a parent under the parentage presumption is a natural parent of a child. The definition applies throughout the statutes wherever the term Xnatural parentY is used. In addition, the bill expands some references in the statutes to Xbiological parentY by changing the reference to Xnatural parent.Y Birth certificates Generally, the bill substitutes the term XspouseY for XhusbandY in the birth certificate statutes and enters the spouse, instead of the husband, of the person who has given birth on the birth certificate at times when a husband would currently be entered on a birth certificate. The name of the person who has given birth is entered on a birth certificate when the person gives birth to a child, and current law specifies when another name should be entered on the birth certificate. Current law requires that if a birth mother is married at any time from the conception to the birth of a child, then her husband[s name is entered on the birth certificate as the legal father of the child. Under the bill, if a person who gives birth is married at any LRB-0842/1 MDE:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 321 time from the conception to the birth of the child, then that person[s spouse[s name is entered as a legal parent of the child. The bill also specifies that, in the instance that a second parent[s name is initially omitted from the birth certificate, if the state registrar receives a signed acknowledgement of parentage by people presumed to be parents because the two people married after the birth of the child, the two people had a relationship during the time the child was conceived, no person is adjudicated to be the father, and no other person is presumed to be the parent, then the state registrar must enter the name of the spouse of the person who gave birth as a parent on the birth certificate. Because this bill relates to an exemption from state or local taxes, it may be referred to the Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions for a report to be printed as an appendix to the bill. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB45 Ratification of the Dietitian Licensure Compact. (FE) This bill ratifies and enters Wisconsin into the Dietitian Licensure Compact, which provides for the ability of a dietitian to become eligible to practice in other compact states. Significant provisions of the compact include the following: 1. The creation of a Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission, which includes the primary administrators of the licensure authorities of each member state. The commission has various powers and duties granted in the compact, including establishing bylaws, promulgating rules for the compact, appointing officers and hiring employees, and establishing and electing an executive committee. The commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state or impose fees on licensees to whom it grants a compact privilege to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the commission and its staff. 2. The ability for a dietitian to obtain a Xcompact privilege,Y which allows a dietitian to practice dietetics in another compact state (remote state) if the dietitian satisfies certain criteria. The compact specifies a number of requirements in order for a dietitian to exercise a compact privilege, including holding an unencumbered dietitian license in a home state and paying any fees and meeting any jurisprudence requirements that may be imposed by a remote state. A dietitian practicing in a remote state under a compact privilege must adhere to the laws and regulations of that state. A remote state may, in accordance with that state[s laws, take adverse action against a licensee[s compact privilege within that state. If a dietitian[s license is encumbered, the dietitian loses the compact privilege in all remote states until certain criteria are satisfied. If a dietitian[s compact privilege in any remote state is removed, the dietitian may lose the compact privilege in all other remote states until certain criteria are satisfied. 3. The ability of member states to issue subpoenas that are enforceable in other states. 4. The creation of a coordinated data system containing licensure and disciplinary action information on dietitians. The compact requires member states to report adverse actions against licensees and to monitor the data system to determine whether adverse actions have been taken against licensees. A member state must submit a uniform data set to the data system on all individuals to whom the compact is applicable as required by the rules of the commission. 5. Provisions regarding resolutions of disputes between member states and between member and nonmember states, including a process for termination of a state[s membership in the compact if the state defaults on its obligations under the compact. The compact becomes effective in this state upon its enactment in seven states. The compact provides that it may be amended upon enactment of an amendment by all member states. A state may withdraw from the compact by repealing the statute authorizing the compact, but the compact provides that a withdrawal does not take effect until 180 days after the effective date of that repeal. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. Passed
AB314 Adopting gender-neutral terminology and incorporating gender-neutral marriage and parentage rights. (FE) Summary This bill recognizes same-sex marriage by making references in the statutes to spouses gender-neutral, with the intent of harmonizing the Wisconsin Statutes with the holding of the U.S. Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, 135 S. Ct. 2584, 192 L. Ed. 2d 609 (2015), which recognizes that same-sex couples have a fundamental constitutional right to marriage. The bill also recognizes legal parentage for same-sex couples under certain circumstances and adopts gender- neutral parentage terminology. Same-sex marriage The bill provides that marriage may be contracted between persons of the same sex and confers the same rights and responsibilities on married persons of the same sex that married persons of different sexes have under current law. The bill defines XspouseY as a person who is legally married to another person of the same sex or a different sex and replaces every reference to XhusbandY or XwifeY in current law with Xspouse.Y The bill makes applicable to married persons of the same sex all provisions under current law that apply to married persons of different sexes. These provisions relate to such diverse areas of the law as income tax, marital property, inheritance rights, divorce, child and spousal support, insurance coverage, family and spousal recreational licenses, consent to conduct an autopsy, domestic abuse, and eligibility for various types of benefits, such as retirement or death benefits and medical assistance. Parentage In addition to making statutory references to spouses gender-neutral, the bill specifies ways in which couples of the same sex may be the legal parents of a child, recognizes that a transgender person may become pregnant and give birth to a child, and makes current references in the statutes to XmotherY and Xfather,Y and related terms, gender-neutral. Under current law, all of the following may adopt a child: a husband and wife jointly, a husband or wife whose spouse is the parent of the child, and an unmarried adult. Because the bill makes references in the statutes to spouses gender-neutral, same-sex spouses jointly may adopt a child and become the legal parents of the child, and a same-sex spouse of a person who is the parent of a minor child may adopt the child and become the legal parent of his or her spouse[s child. Under current law, if a woman is artificially inseminated under the supervision of a physician with semen donated by a man who is not her husband and the husband consents in writing to the artificial insemination of his wife, the husband is the natural father of any child conceived. Under the bill, one spouse may also consent to the artificial insemination of his or her spouse and is the natural parent of the child conceived. The artificial insemination is not required to take place under the supervision of a physician, but, if it does not, the semen used for the insemination must have been obtained from a sperm bank. Under current law, a man is presumed to be the father of a child if he and the child[s natural mother 1) were married to each other when the child was conceived or born or 2) married each other after the child was born but had a relationship with each other when the child was conceived and no other man has been adjudicated to be the father or is presumed to be the father because the man was married to the mother when the child was conceived or born. The paternity presumption may be rebutted in a legal action or proceeding by the results of a genetic test showing that the statistical probability of another man[s parentage is 99.0 percent or higher. The bill expands this presumption into a parentage presumption, so that a person is presumed to be the natural parent of a child if he or she 1) was married to the person who gave birth to the child when the child was conceived or born or 2) married the person who gave birth to the child after the child was born but had a relationship with the person who gave birth to the child when the child was conceived and no person has been adjudicated to be the child[s parent and no other person is presumed to be the child[s parent because he or she was married, at the time the child was born, to the person who gave birth to the child. The parentage presumption may still be rebutted by the results of a genetic test showing that the statistical probability of another person[s parentage is 99.0 percent or higher. Expanding on current law, the bill allows for a parentage action to be brought for the purpose of rebutting the parentage presumption, regardless of whether that presumption applies to a male or female spouse. Current law provides that a mother and a man may sign a statement acknowledging paternity and file it with the state registrar. If the state registrar has received such a statement, the man is presumed to be the father of the child. Under current law, either person who has signed a statement acknowledging paternity may rescind the statement before an order is filed in an action affecting the family concerning the child or within 60 days after the statement is filed, whichever occurs first. Under current law, a man who has filed a statement acknowledging paternity that is not rescinded within the time period is conclusively determined to be the father of the child. The bill provides that two people, one of whom gave birth to the child, may sign a statement acknowledging parentage and file it with the state registrar. If the state registrar has received such a statement, the people who have signed the statement are presumed to be the parents of the child. Under the bill, a statement acknowledging parentage that is not rescinded conclusively establishes parentage with regard to the person who did not give birth to the child and who signed the statement. Under current law, the paternity of a child may be established by genetic testing in an administrative determination of paternity or in a paternity action in court. The bill changes the term XpaternityY to XparentageY in the context of establishing the parent of a child by genetic testing. The bill defines Xnatural parentY as a parent of a child who is not an adoptive parent, whether the parent is biologically related to the child or not. Thus, a person who is a biological parent, a parent by consenting to the artificial insemination of his or her spouse, or a parent under the parentage presumption is a natural parent of a child. The definition applies throughout the statutes wherever the term Xnatural parentY is used. In addition, the bill expands some references in the statutes to Xbiological parentY by changing the reference to Xnatural parent.Y Birth certificates Generally, the bill substitutes the term XspouseY for XhusbandY in the birth certificate statutes and enters the spouse, instead of the husband, of the person who has given birth on the birth certificate at times when a husband would currently be entered on a birth certificate. The name of the person who has given birth is entered on a birth certificate when the person gives birth to a child, and current law specifies when another name should be entered on the birth certificate. Current law requires that if a birth mother is married at any time from the conception to the birth of a child, then her husband[s name is entered on the birth certificate as the legal father of the child. Under the bill, if a person who gives birth is married at any time from the conception to the birth of the child, then that person[s spouse[s name is entered as a legal parent of the child. The bill also specifies that, in the instance that a second parent[s name is initially omitted from the birth certificate, if the state registrar receives a signed acknowledgement of parentage by people presumed to be parents because the two people married after the birth of the child, the two people had a relationship during the time the child was conceived, no person is adjudicated to be the father, and no other person is presumed to be the parent, then the state registrar must enter the name of the spouse of the person who gave birth as a parent on the birth certificate. Because this bill relates to an exemption from state or local taxes, it may be referred to the Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions for a report to be printed as an appendix to the bill. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR70 Proclaiming June 12, 2025, as Women Veterans Day. Relating to: proclaiming June 12, 2025, as Women Veterans Day. Crossed Over
SJR72 Proclaiming June 2025 as Immigrant Heritage Month. Relating to: proclaiming June 2025 as Immigrant Heritage Month. In Committee
SB330 Waiting period for purchase of handguns. Current law provides that, before a federally licensed firearms dealer may transfer a handgun after a sale, the dealer must request that the Department of Justice perform a background check on the prospective purchaser to determine if the purchaser is prohibited from possessing a firearm. This bill prohibits the dealer from transferring the handgun to the purchaser until 48 hours have passed since the firearms dealer requested the background check on the purchaser. In Committee
SB332 Prohibition against undetectable firearms, possessing a frame or receiver of a firearm without a serial number, and providing a penalty. This bill prohibits the manufacture, transportation, sale, possession, and carrying of firearms that cannot be detected by metal detectors or airport x-ray machines or scanners. Federal law currently has a comparable prohibition; under this bill, the person would violate state law as well. A person who violates the state prohibition is guilty of a Class G felony. This bill also prohibits the sale, posting, provision, or possession of plans for manufacturing an undetectable firearm. A person who violates this prohibition is guilty of a Class H felony. Finally, the bill prohibits the possession of a frame or a receiver of a firearm that is not marked with a serial number. A person who violates this prohibition is guilty of a Class I felony. Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, LRB-3489/1 CMH:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 332 the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report. In Committee
SB336 Sales and transfers of firearms and providing a penalty. (FE) Current law provides that a federally licensed firearms dealer may not LRB-1276/1 CMH:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 336 transfer a handgun after a sale until the dealer has performed a background check on the prospective transferee to determine if he or she is prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. This bill generally prohibits any person from transferring any firearm, including the frame or receiver of a firearm, unless the transfer occurs through a federally licensed firearms dealer and involves a background check of the prospective transferee. Under the bill, the following are excepted from that prohibition: a transfer to a firearms dealer or to a law enforcement or armed services agency; a transfer of a firearm classified as antique; or a transfer that is by gift, bequest, or inheritance to a family member. A person who is convicted of violating the prohibition is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not less than $500 nor more than $10,000, may be imprisoned for not more than nine months, and may not possess a firearm for a period of two years. Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR73 Recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month. Relating to: recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month. In Committee
SB329 Extreme risk protection temporary restraining orders and injunctions, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE) Under current law, a person is prohibited from possessing a firearm, and must surrender all firearms, if the person is subject to a domestic abuse injunction, a child abuse injunction, or, in certain cases, a harassment or an individuals-at-risk injunction. If a person surrenders a firearm because the person is subject to one of those injunctions, the firearm may not be returned to the person until a court determines that the injunction has been vacated or has expired and that the person is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. A person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm under such an injunction is guilty of a Class G felony for violating the prohibition. This bill creates an extreme risk protection temporary restraining order and injunction to prohibit a person from possessing a firearm. Under the bill, either a law enforcement officer or a family or household member of the person may file a LRB-3517/1 CMH:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 329 petition with a court to request an extreme risk protection injunction. The petition must allege facts that show that the person is substantially likely to injure themself or another if the person possesses a firearm. Under the bill, the petitioner may request the court to consider first granting a temporary restraining order. If the petitioner requests a TRO, the petitioner must include evidence that there is an immediate and present danger that the person may injure themself or another if the person possesses a firearm and that waiting for the injunction hearing increases the immediate and present danger. If the petitioner requests a TRO, the court must hear the petition in an expedited manner. The judge must issue a TRO if, after questioning the petitioner and witnesses or relying on affidavits, the judge determines that it is substantially likely that the petition for an injunction will be granted and the judge finds good cause to believe there is an immediate and present danger that the person will injure themself or another if the person has a firearm and that waiting for the injunction hearing may increase the immediate and present danger. If the judge issues a TRO, the TRO is in effect until the injunction hearing, which must occur within 14 days of the TRO issuance. The TRO must require a law enforcement officer to personally serve the person with the order and to require the person to immediately surrender all firearms in their possession. If a law enforcement officer is unable to personally serve the person, then the TRO requires the person to surrender within 24 hours all firearms to a law enforcement officer or a firearms dealer and to provide the court a receipt indicating the surrender occurred. At the injunction hearing, the court may grant an extreme risk protection injunction ordering the person to refrain from possessing a firearm and, if the person was not subject to a TRO, to surrender all firearms he or she possesses if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person is substantially likely to injure themself or another if the person possesses a firearm. An extreme risk protection injunction is effective for up to one year and may be renewed. A person who is subject to an extreme risk protection injunction may petition to vacate the injunction. If a person surrenders a firearm because the person is subject to an extreme risk protection TRO or injunction, the firearm may not be returned to the person until a court determines that the TRO has expired or the injunction has been vacated or has expired and that the person is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm. A person who possesses a firearm while subject to an extreme risk protection TRO or injunction is guilty of a Class G felony. In addition, a person who files a petition for an extreme risk protection injunction, knowing the information in the petition to be false, is guilty of the crime of false swearing, a Class H felony. The bill also requires the Department of Administration to award grants to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of training officers how to identify persons who are substantially likely to injure themselves or another if the person possesses a firearm and how to file a petition for an extreme risk protection TRO or injunction. LRB-3517/1 CMH:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 329 Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB257 Advanced practice registered nurses, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE) NURSING PRACTICE AND LICENSURE This bill makes various changes to practice, licensure, and certification requirements for nurses, which are administered by the Board of Nursing. Licensure of advanced practice registered nurses Under current law, a person who wishes to practice professional nursing must be licensed by the Board of Nursing as a registered nurse (RN). This bill creates an additional system of licensure for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), to be administered by the board. Under the bill, in order to apply for an APRN license, a person must 1) hold, or concurrently apply for, an RN license; 2) have completed an accredited graduate-level or postgraduate-level education program preparing the person to practice as an APRN in one of four recognized roles and hold a current national certification approved by the board; 3) possess malpractice liability insurance as provided in the bill; 4) pay a fee determined by the Department of Safety and Professional Services; and 5) satisfy certain other criteria specified in the bill. The bill also allows a person who has not completed an accredited education program described above to receive an APRN license if the person 1) on January 1, 2026, is both licensed as an RN in Wisconsin and practicing in one of the four recognized roles and 2) satisfies additional practice or education criteria established by the board. The bill also, however, automatically grants licenses to certain RNs, as further described below. The four recognized roles, as defined in the bill, are 1) certified nurse-midwife; 2) certified registered nurse anesthetist; 3) clinical nurse specialist; and 4) nurse practitioner. The bill requires the board, upon granting a person an APRN license, to also grant the person one or more specialty designations corresponding to the recognized role or roles for which the person qualifies. Under the bill, all APRNs, except APRNs with a certified nurse-midwife specialty designation, must practice in collaboration with a physician or dentist. However, under the bill, an APRN may practice without being supervised by a physician or dentist if the board verifies that the APRN has completed 3,840 hours of professional nursing in a clinical setting and has completed 3,840 clinical hours of advanced practice registered nursing practice in their recognized role while working with a physician or dentist during those 3,840 hours of practice. APRNs may count additional hours practiced as an APRN in collaboration with a physician or dentist towards the 3,840 required hours of professional nursing. APRNs with a certified nurse-midwife specialty designation are instead required, if they offer to deliver babies outside of a hospital setting, to file and keep current with the board a proactive plan for involving a hospital or a physician who has admitting privileges at a hospital in the treatment of patients with higher acuity or emergency care needs, as further described below. Regardless of whether an APRN has qualified to practice independently, the bill provides that an APRN may provide treatment of pain syndromes through the use of invasive techniques only while working in a collaborative relationship with any physician who, through education, training, and experience, specializes in pain management. Alternatively, if an APRN has qualified to practice independently, the APRN may provide treatment of pain syndromes through the use of invasive techniques in a hospital or clinic associated with a hospital. Further, an APRN may provide treatment of pain syndromes through the use of invasive techniques if the APRN has qualified to practice independently and has privileges in a hospital to provide treatment of pain syndromes through the use of invasive techniques without a collaborative relationship with a physician. The holder of an APRN license may append the title XA.P.R.N.Y to his or her name, as well as a title corresponding to whichever specialty designations that the person possesses. The bill prohibits any person from using the title XA.P.R.N.,Y and from otherwise indicating that he or she is an APRN, unless the person is licensed by the board as an APRN. The bill also prohibits the use of titles and abbreviations corresponding to a recognized role unless the person has a specialty designation for that role. The bill further prohibits any person licensed by the board from using, assuming, or appending to his or her name any title that is not granted under the nursing statutes unless the person holds another credential that entitles the person to use, assume, or append to his or her name the title or the person is permitted to use, assume, or append to his or her name the title under any other law of the state. However, the bill provides that a person who is licensed by the board and holds a doctorate degree is not prohibited from using, assuming, or appending to his or her name the title XdoctorY or any other words, letters, or abbreviations that represent that the person holds that doctorate degree or the field in which the degree was received. If a person who is licensed by the board uses, assumes, or appends to his or her name the title Xdoctor,Y the bill requires that person to also use, assume, or append to his or her name words, letters, or abbreviations that represent the field in which the person received the doctorate degree. Further, the bill provides that a person who holds a bachelor[s degree or master[s degree is not prohibited from using, assuming, or appending to his or her name any words, letters, or abbreviations that represent that the person holds that degree or the field in which the degree was received. The bill allows an APRN to delegate a task or order to another clinically trained health care worker if the task or order is within the scope of the APRN[s practice, the APRN is competent to perform the task or issue the order, and the APRN has reasonable evidence that the health care worker is minimally competent to perform the task or issue the order under the circumstances. The bill requires an APRN to adhere to professional standards when managing situations that are beyond the APRN[s expertise. Under the bill, when an APRN renews his or her APRN license, the board must grant the person the renewal of both the person[s RN license and the person[s APRN license. The bill requires all APRNs to complete continuing education requirements each biennium in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics relevant to the APRN[s area of practice and to satisfy certain other requirements when renewing a license. Practice of nurse-midwifery This bill repeals licensure and practice requirements specific to nurse- midwives and the practice of nurse-midwifery, including specific requirements to practice with an obstetrician. Under the bill, Xcertified nurse-midwifeY is one of the four recognized roles for APRNs, and a person who is licensed as a nurse-midwife under current law is automatically granted an APRN license with a certified nurse- midwife specialty designation. The bill otherwise allows nurse-midwives to be licensed as APRNs if they satisfy the licensure requirements, except that the bill also requires that a person applying for a certified nurse-midwife specialty designation be certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. The bill also requires an APRN with a specialty designation as a certified nurse-midwife to file with the Board of Nursing, and obtain the board[s approval of, a plan for ensuring appropriate care or care transitions in treating certain patients if the APRN offers to deliver babies outside of a hospital setting. Prescribing authority Under current law, a person licensed as an RN may apply to the Board of Nursing for a certificate to issue prescription orders if the person meets certain requirements established by the board. An RN holding a certificate is subject to various practice requirements and limitations established by the board and must possess malpractice liability insurance in an amount determined by the board. The bill eliminates certificates to issue prescription orders and generally authorizes APRNs to issue prescription orders. A person who is certified to issue prescription orders under current law is automatically granted an APRN license with his or her appropriate specialty designation. RNs who are practicing in a recognized role on January 1, 2026, but who do not hold a certificate to issue prescription orders on that date and who are granted an APRN license under the bill may not issue prescription orders. As under current law, an APRN issuing prescription orders is subject to various practice requirements and limitations established by the board. The bill repeals a provision concerning the ability of advanced practice nurses who are certified to issue prescription orders and who are required to work in collaboration with or under the supervision of a physician to obtain and practice under a federal waiver to dispense narcotic drugs to individuals for addiction treatment. Malpractice liability insurance The bill requires all APRNs to maintain malpractice liability insurance coverage evidenced by personal liability coverage in the amounts specified under current law for physicians and nurse anesthetists or coverage under a group liability policy providing individual coverage for the APRN in the amounts specified under current law for physicians and nurse anesthetists. Additionally, the bill requires APRNs who have qualified to practice independently and who practice outside a collaborative or employment relationship to participate in the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund. The Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund provides excess medical malpractice coverage for health care providers who participate in the fund and meet all other participation requirements, which includes maintaining malpractice liability insurance in coverage amounts specified under current law. OTHER CHANGES The bill makes numerous other changes throughout the statutes relating to APRNs, including various terminology changes. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. Crossed Over
AB263 Coverage of breast cancer screenings by the Medical Assistance program and health insurance policies and plans. (FE) This bill requires health insurance policies to provide coverage for diagnostic breast examinations and for supplemental breast screening examinations for an individual who is at increased risk of breast cancer, as determined in accordance with the most recent applicable guidelines of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, or has heterogeneously or extremely dense breast tissue, as defined by the Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System established by the American College of Radiology. Health insurance policies are referred to in the statutes as disability insurance policies. Self-insured governmental health plans are also required to provide the coverage specified in the bill. The bill also requires coverage of those breast screenings by the Medical Assistance program, which is the state- administered Medicaid program that is jointly funded by the state and federal governments and that provides health services to individuals with limited financial resources. Under the bill, health insurance policies may not charge a cost-sharing amount for a supplemental breast screening examination or diagnostic breast examination. The limitation on cost-sharing does not apply to the extent that the limitation would result in ineligibility for a health savings account under the federal Internal Revenue Code. Health insurance policies are required under current law to cover two mammographic breast examinations to screen for breast cancer for a woman from ages 45 to 49 if certain criteria are satisfied. Health insurance policies must currently cover annual mammograms for a woman once she attains the age of 50. The coverage required under current law is required whether or not the woman shows any symptoms of breast cancer and may be subject to only the same exclusions and limitations, including cost sharing, that apply to other radiological examinations under the policy. The bill does not change or eliminate the current coverage requirements for mammograms, except that preferred provider plans are explicitly included in the current law and the bill[s requirements. This proposal may contain a health insurance mandate requiring a social and financial impact report under s. 601.423, stats. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB258 Advanced practice registered nurses, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE) NURSING PRACTICE AND LICENSURE This bill makes various changes to practice, licensure, and certification requirements for nurses, which are administered by the Board of Nursing. Licensure of advanced practice registered nurses Under current law, a person who wishes to practice professional nursing must be licensed by the Board of Nursing as a registered nurse (RN). This bill creates an additional system of licensure for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), to be administered by the board. Under the bill, in order to apply for an APRN license, a person must 1) hold, or concurrently apply for, an RN license; 2) have completed an accredited graduate-level or postgraduate-level education program preparing the person to practice as an APRN in one of four recognized roles and hold a current national certification approved by the board; 3) possess malpractice liability insurance as provided in the bill; 4) pay a fee determined by the Department of Safety and Professional Services; and 5) satisfy certain other criteria specified in the bill. The bill also allows a person who has not completed an accredited education program described above to receive an APRN license if the person 1) on January 1, 2026, is both licensed as an RN in Wisconsin and practicing in one of the four recognized roles and 2) satisfies additional practice or education criteria established by the board. The bill also, however, automatically grants licenses to certain RNs, as further described below. The four recognized roles, as defined in the bill, are 1) certified nurse-midwife; 2) certified registered nurse anesthetist; 3) clinical nurse specialist; and 4) nurse practitioner. The bill requires the board, upon granting a person an APRN license, to also grant the person one or more specialty designations corresponding to the recognized role or roles for which the person qualifies. Under the bill, all APRNs, except APRNs with a certified nurse-midwife specialty designation, must practice in collaboration with a physician or dentist. However, under the bill, an APRN may practice without being supervised by a physician or dentist if the board verifies that the APRN has completed 3,840 hours of professional nursing in a clinical setting and has completed 3,840 clinical hours of advanced practice registered nursing practice in their recognized role while working with a physician or dentist during those 3,840 hours of practice. APRNs may count additional hours practiced as an APRN in collaboration with a physician or dentist towards the 3,840 required hours of professional nursing. APRNs with a LRB-1565/1 JPC:emw&wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 258 certified nurse-midwife specialty designation are instead required, if they offer to deliver babies outside of a hospital setting, to file and keep current with the board a proactive plan for involving a hospital or a physician who has admitting privileges at a hospital in the treatment of patients with higher acuity or emergency care needs, as further described below. Regardless of whether an APRN has qualified to practice independently, the bill provides that an APRN may provide treatment of pain syndromes through the use of invasive techniques only while working in a collaborative relationship with any physician who, through education, training, and experience, specializes in pain management. Alternatively, if an APRN has qualified to practice independently, the APRN may provide treatment of pain syndromes through the use of invasive techniques in a hospital or clinic associated with a hospital. Further, an APRN may provide treatment of pain syndromes through the use of invasive techniques if the APRN has qualified to practice independently and has privileges in a hospital to provide treatment of pain syndromes through the use of invasive techniques without a collaborative relationship with a physician. The holder of an APRN license may append the title XA.P.R.N.Y to his or her name, as well as a title corresponding to whichever specialty designations that the person possesses. The bill prohibits any person from using the title XA.P.R.N.,Y and from otherwise indicating that he or she is an APRN, unless the person is licensed by the board as an APRN. The bill also prohibits the use of titles and abbreviations corresponding to a recognized role unless the person has a specialty designation for that role. The bill further prohibits any person licensed by the board from using, assuming, or appending to his or her name any title that is not granted under the nursing statutes unless the person holds another credential that entitles the person to use, assume, or append to his or her name the title or the person is permitted to use, assume, or append to his or her name the title under any other law of the state. However, the bill provides that a person who is licensed by the board and holds a doctorate degree is not prohibited from using, assuming, or appending to his or her name the title XdoctorY or any other words, letters, or abbreviations that represent that the person holds that doctorate degree or the field in which the degree was received. If a person who is licensed by the board uses, assumes, or appends to his or her name the title Xdoctor,Y the bill requires that person to also use, assume, or append to his or her name words, letters, or abbreviations that represent the field in which the person received the doctorate degree. Further, the bill provides that a person who holds a bachelor[s degree or master[s degree is not prohibited from using, assuming, or appending to his or her name any words, letters, or abbreviations that represent that the person holds that degree or the field in which the degree was received. The bill allows an APRN to delegate a task or order to another clinically trained health care worker if the task or order is within the scope of the APRN[s practice, the APRN is competent to perform the task or issue the order, and the APRN has reasonable evidence that the health care worker is minimally competent LRB-1565/1 JPC:emw&wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 258 to perform the task or issue the order under the circumstances. The bill requires an APRN to adhere to professional standards when managing situations that are beyond the APRN[s expertise. Under the bill, when an APRN renews his or her APRN license, the board must grant the person the renewal of both the person[s RN license and the person[s APRN license. The bill requires all APRNs to complete continuing education requirements each biennium in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics relevant to the APRN[s area of practice and to satisfy certain other requirements when renewing a license. Practice of nurse-midwifery This bill repeals licensure and practice requirements specific to nurse- midwives and the practice of nurse-midwifery, including specific requirements to practice with an obstetrician. Under the bill, Xcertified nurse-midwifeY is one of the four recognized roles for APRNs, and a person who is licensed as a nurse-midwife under current law is automatically granted an APRN license with a certified nurse- midwife specialty designation. The bill otherwise allows nurse-midwives to be licensed as APRNs if they satisfy the licensure requirements, except that the bill also requires that a person applying for a certified nurse-midwife specialty designation be certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. The bill also requires an APRN with a specialty designation as a certified nurse-midwife to file with the Board of Nursing, and obtain the board[s approval of, a plan for ensuring appropriate care or care transitions in treating certain patients if the APRN offers to deliver babies outside of a hospital setting. Prescribing authority Under current law, a person licensed as an RN may apply to the Board of Nursing for a certificate to issue prescription orders if the person meets certain requirements established by the board. An RN holding a certificate is subject to various practice requirements and limitations established by the board and must possess malpractice liability insurance in an amount determined by the board. The bill eliminates certificates to issue prescription orders and generally authorizes APRNs to issue prescription orders. A person who is certified to issue prescription orders under current law is automatically granted an APRN license with his or her appropriate specialty designation. RNs who are practicing in a recognized role on January 1, 2026, but who do not hold a certificate to issue prescription orders on that date and who are granted an APRN license under the bill may not issue prescription orders. As under current law, an APRN issuing prescription orders is subject to various practice requirements and limitations established by the board. The bill repeals a provision concerning the ability of advanced practice nurses who are certified to issue prescription orders and who are required to work in collaboration with or under the supervision of a physician to obtain and practice LRB-1565/1 JPC:emw&wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 258 under a federal waiver to dispense narcotic drugs to individuals for addiction treatment. Malpractice liability insurance The bill requires all APRNs to maintain malpractice liability insurance coverage evidenced by personal liability coverage in the amounts specified under current law for physicians and nurse anesthetists or coverage under a group liability policy providing individual coverage for the APRN in the amounts specified under current law for physicians and nurse anesthetists. Additionally, the bill requires APRNs who have qualified to practice independently and who practice outside a collaborative or employment relationship to participate in the Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund. The Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund provides excess medical malpractice coverage for health care providers who participate in the fund and meet all other participation requirements, which includes maintaining malpractice liability insurance in coverage amounts specified under current law. OTHER CHANGES The bill makes numerous other changes throughout the statutes relating to APRNs, including various terminology changes. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB272 Eligibility for Family Care for individuals who are deaf-blind. (FE) This bill grants functional eligibility for Family Care—a program that provides community-based long-term care services—to people who are deaf-blind. Under current law, a person must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for Family Care, including that the person is at least 18 years of age; the person has a physical or developmental disability or is a frail elder; and the person is both functionally and financially eligible based on the standards described in the statute. The bill adds an express provision that a person is functionally eligible for the Family Care program if the person is deaf-blind, as defined in the bill. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB264 Certain limitations on claiming the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit. (FE) Under current law, a person who claims the farmland preservation tax credit is prohibited from claiming the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit in the same tax year. This bill allows a person to claim both the farmland preservation tax credit and the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit in the same tax year. Current law allows a person to claim a farmland preservation income tax credit for the person[s land engaged in an agricultural use, if the land is covered by a farmland preservation agreement, located in a farmland preservation zoning district, or covered by an agricultural conservation easement. Also, under current law, an eligible veteran or surviving spouse may claim a refundable income tax credit that equals the amount of property taxes paid during the year on the claimant[s principal dwelling in Wisconsin. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR55 Recognizing the United States Army’s 250th birthday. Relating to: recognizing the United States Army[s 250th birthday. In Committee
SJR69 Honoring the life and public service of Representative Terrence A. “Terry” Willkom. Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative Terrence A. XTerryY Willkom. In Committee
SB12 A sales and use tax exemption for the sale of gun safes. (FE) This bill creates a sales and use tax exemption for sales of gun safes. Because this bill relates to an exemption from state or local taxes, it may be referred to the Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions for a report to be printed as an appendix to the bill. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AJR63 Proclaiming January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, as Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary. Relating to: proclaiming January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, as Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary. In Committee
SB301 Rehired annuitants. (FE) Under current law, if a Wisconsin Retirement System annuitant, or a disability annuitant who has attained his or her normal retirement date, is appointed to a position with a WRS-participating employer or provides employee services to a WRS-participating employer in which he or she is expected to work at least two-thirds of what is considered full-time employment by the Department of Employee Trust Funds, the annuity must be suspended and no annuity payment is payable until after the participant again terminates covered employment. This bill removes the requirement that an annuitant who returns to work for a participating employer have his or her annuity suspended and become a participating employee and instead allows an annuitant who returns to work to either 1) elect to suspend his or her annuity and become a participating employee; or 2) elect to continue receiving his or her annuity and not become a participating employee. Under current law, a WRS participant who has applied to receive a retirement LRB-1617/1 MIM:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 301 annuity must wait at least 75 days between terminating covered employment with a WRS employer and returning to covered employment again as a participating employee. The bill reduces that period to 30 days. Because this bill relates to public employee retirement or pensions, it may be referred to the Joint Survey Committee on Retirement Systems for a report to be printed as an appendix to the bill. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR62 Proclaiming January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, as Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary. Relating to: proclaiming January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, as Wisconsin State Park System 125th Anniversary. In Committee
AB213 Prohibiting hedge funds from acquiring single-family homes in this state. (FE) This bill prohibits a hedge fund from acquiring a single-family home in this state. The bill provides that an ownership interest in a single-family home acquired or owned by a hedge fund in violation of the bill is forfeited to the state and that the attorney general is responsible for enforcement. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB293 Native prairie and forage plants. This bill requires state agencies and other state governmental entities to give preference, where appropriate, to using native prairie and forage plants to benefit native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to provide information upon request to support this initiative. In Committee
SB297 Special registration plates to support protecting pollinators and making an appropriation. (FE) Under current law, members of certain designated special groups may obtain from the Department of Transportation special registration plates for certain vehicles that are owned or leased by special group members. A fee, in addition to the regular registration fee for the particular kind of vehicle, is charged for the issuance or reissuance of most special plates. This bill establishes a special group for persons to express support for protecting pollinators. The bill requires that plates issued to members of the special group have a design that covers the entire plate and includes the words XProtect Pollinators.Y The bill provides that, in addition to the required fees, special group members are required to make a voluntary payment of $25 to be issued the special plates. Under the bill, DOT retains $23,700, or the actual initial costs of production, whichever is less, from the voluntary payment moneys for the initial costs of production of the special plates. The remainder of the voluntary payment amounts LRB-3157/1 ZDW:amn&cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 297 are deposited in the conservation fund to be used by the Department of Natural Resources for the purposes of the endangered resources program. In addition, the bill appropriates $23,700 from the general fund to DOT for the initial costs of production of the special group plates. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB298 Ban on the use of certain insecticides by the Department of Natural Resources. This bill prohibits, with limited exceptions, the Department of Natural Resources from using any insecticide from the neonicotinoid class on land maintained by DNR. Under the bill, this prohibition does not apply to uses of this insecticide that are 1) pursuant to existing cooperative farming agreements or contracts or 2) for forest insect control on forested lands, state forest nurseries, or seed orchards or in designated zones of infestation. In Committee
AJR53 Commemorating the Bay View labor strike and tragedy. Relating to: commemorating the Bay View labor strike and tragedy. In Committee
SB294 Labeling plants as beneficial to pollinators. (FE) This bill prohibits a person that provides plants or that sells plants at retail from labeling or advertising the plant as being beneficial to pollinators if the plant has been treated with an insecticide that contains warnings about pollinator hazards on its label. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB290 Special registration plates to support protecting pollinators and making an appropriation. (FE) Under current law, members of certain designated special groups may obtain from the Department of Transportation special registration plates for certain vehicles that are owned or leased by special group members. A fee, in addition to the regular registration fee for the particular kind of vehicle, is charged for the issuance or reissuance of most special plates. This bill establishes a special group for persons to express support for protecting pollinators. The bill requires that plates issued to members of the special group have a design that covers the entire plate and includes the words XProtect Pollinators.Y The bill provides that, in addition to the required fees, special group members are required to make a voluntary payment of $25 to be issued the special plates. Under the bill, DOT retains $23,700, or the actual initial costs of production, whichever is less, from the voluntary payment moneys for the initial costs of production of the special plates. The remainder of the voluntary payment amounts are deposited in the conservation fund to be used by the Department of Natural Resources for the purposes of the endangered resources program. In addition, the bill appropriates $23,700 from the general fund to DOT for the initial costs of production of the special group plates. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB289 Ban on the use of certain insecticides by the Department of Natural Resources. This bill prohibits, with limited exceptions, the Department of Natural Resources from using any insecticide from the neonicotinoid class on land maintained by DNR. Under the bill, this prohibition does not apply to uses of this insecticide that are 1) pursuant to existing cooperative farming agreements or contracts or 2) for forest insect control on forested lands, state forest nurseries, or seed orchards or in designated zones of infestation. In Committee
AJR62 Designating June 2025 as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin. Relating to: designating June 2025 as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin. In Committee
AB291 Native prairie and forage plants. This bill requires state agencies and other state governmental entities to give preference, where appropriate, to using native prairie and forage plants to benefit native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to provide information upon request to support this initiative. In Committee
SB322 A Department of Children and Families program to make payments to child care programs, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE) This bill authorizes the Department of Children and Families to establish a program for making monthly payments and monthly per-child payments to certified child care providers, licensed child care centers, and child care programs established or contracted for by a school board. This new payment program is in addition to the current law system for providing child care payments under Wisconsin Shares. The bill requires DCF to promulgate rules to implement the program, including establishing eligibility requirements and payment amounts and setting requirements for how recipients may use the payments, and authorizes DCF to promulgate these rules as emergency rules. The bill funds the program through a new appropriation and by allocating federal moneys, including child care development funds and moneys received under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant program. LRB-3324/1 EHS:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 322 The bill eliminates the current law method by which DCF may modify maximum payment rates for child care providers under Wisconsin Shares based on a child care provider[s rating under the quality rating system known as YoungStar. Wisconsin Shares is a part of the Wisconsin Works program under current law, which DCF administers and which provides work experience and benefits for low-income custodial parents who are at least 18 years old. Under current law, an individual who is the parent of a child under the age of 13 or, if the child is disabled, under the age of 19, who needs child care services to participate in various education or work activities, and who satisfies other eligibility criteria may receive a child care subsidy for child care services under Wisconsin Shares. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB320 Grants for LGBTQIA+ rights training for school counselors and school social workers and making an appropriation. (FE) Under this bill, the Department of Public Instruction must award grants to school boards to provide training in LGBTQIA+ rights, in a program developed or approved by DPI, to school counselors and school social workers employed by school boards. The bill defines XLGBTQIA+Y as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or any other nonheterosexual or noncisgender orientation, identity, or expression. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB324 Prohibiting conversion therapy. This bill prohibits certain mental health providers from engaging in conversion therapy with a minor. Conversion therapy is defined under the bill to mean any intervention or method that has the purpose of attempting to change a person[s sexual orientation or gender identity, including any intervention or method that attempts to change behaviors or expressions of self or to reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender. However, under the bill, conversion therapy does not include counseling that assists an individual who is seeking to undergo a gender transition or who is in the process of undergoing a gender transition; counseling that provides a client with acceptance, support, or understanding; counseling that facilitates a client[s coping, social support, and identity exploration or development; or counseling in the form of sexual orientation-neutral or gender identity-neutral interventions provided for the purpose of preventing or addressing unlawful conduct or unsafe sexual practices, but only if the counseling is not provided for the purpose of attempting to change the client[s sexual orientation or gender identity. Under the bill, the Medical Examining Board, the Psychology Examining Board, and the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board are required to investigate any allegation that any person LRB-3040/1 JPC:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 324 licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized to practice by the respective boards has violated the prohibition on performing conversion therapy. Upon a finding that the holder of a license, certificate, or other authorization has violated the prohibition on performing conversion therapy, the bill requires the applicable examining board to limit, suspend, or revoke the person[s license, certificate, or other authorization, or any combination of the three. In Committee
SJR68 Eliminating constitutional restrictions on marriage (first consideration). relating to: eliminating constitutional restrictions on marriage (first consideration). In Committee
SJR67 Honoring Anna Mae Robertson for her extraordinary achievements and service to our nation. Relating to: honoring Anna Mae Robertson for her extraordinary achievements and service to our nation. In Committee
SJR61 Designating June 2025 as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin. Relating to: designating June 2025 as Pollinator Awareness Month in Wisconsin. In Committee
AB10 A sales and use tax exemption for the sale of gun safes. (FE) This bill creates a sales and use tax exemption for sales of gun safes. Because this bill relates to an exemption from state or local taxes, it may be referred to the Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions for a report to be printed as an appendix to the bill. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB205 Serving maple syrup in a public eating place. Under this bill, a public eating place may not serve a food product identified as maple syrup unless the product is made entirely of maple syrup, as the term is defined in federal regulations. In Committee
SB195 Serving maple syrup in a public eating place. Under this bill, a public eating place may not serve a food product identified as maple syrup unless the product is made entirely of maple syrup, as the term is defined in federal regulations. In Committee
SB272 Eligibility for Family Care for individuals who are deaf-blind. (FE) This bill grants functional eligibility for Family Care—a program that provides community-based long-term care services—to people who are deaf-blind. Under current law, a person must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for Family Care, including that the person is at least 18 years of age; the person has a physical or developmental disability or is a frail elder; and the person is both functionally and financially eligible based on the standards described in the statute. The bill adds an express provision that a person is functionally eligible for the Family Care program if the person is deaf-blind, as defined in the bill. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB271 Right to bodily autonomy, elimination of certain abortion-related regulations, and coverage of abortion under certain health care coverage plans. (FE) This bill specifies that every individual has the fundamental right to bodily autonomy, which includes the right to access abortion. Under the bill, the state may not prohibit an individual from obtaining an abortion if an abortion is necessary in the professional judgment of the individual[s medical provider. Also under the bill, a law or rule of this state that restricts a individual[s access to abortion is unenforceable if the law or rule does not confer any legitimate health benefit. Any person that is or may be aggrieved by the enforcement of a law or rule passed or LRB-2921/1 SWB&JPC:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 271 promulgated after the effective date of the bill that would be unenforceable under the bill may bring an action in state or federal court for injunctive relief or damages against a state or local official who enforces or attempts to enforce such a law or rule. The bill also expressly provides that all requirements applicable to health care providers are applicable to providers of abortion care. The bill does not change standard informed consent requirements applicable to all medical procedures, including abortion, but removes additional requirements specific to the performance of an abortion that exceed those standard informed consent requirements. Current law requires that these additional requirements must be met in order for a woman upon whom an abortion is to be performed or induced to give voluntary and informed consent to an abortion. Except in a medical emergency, under current law, a woman[s consent to an abortion is considered informed only if, with certain exceptions, at least 24 hours before the abortion is performed or induced, the physician or an assistant has, in person, orally provided the woman with certain information and given to the woman certain written materials. The bill repeals these requirements. Under current law, the state is required to offer to all of its employees at least 2 insured or uninsured health care coverage plans. Further, under current law, certain employers including counties, villages, towns, school districts, and other governmental units or instrumentalities other than the state may offer to all of its employees a health care coverage plan through a program offered by the Group Insurance Board. Current law prohibits these plans from providing coverage for abortion or services the funding for which is ineligible under current law. The bill repeals these restrictions and instead requires coverage of abortion and any other medical services necessary to provide abortion under these health coverage plans if the health care coverage plan provides maternity coverage. The bill also repeals other various abortion-related laws, including all of the following: 1. The bill eliminates the prohibition on giving a woman an abortion-inducing drug unless the physician who provided the drug for the woman performs a physical exam on the woman and is physically present in the room when the drug is given to the woman. 2. The bill eliminates the prohibition on coverage of abortions by qualified health plans offered through an exchange in this state. 3. The bill eliminates the prohibition on performing abortions by a physician that does not have admitting privileges in a hospital within 30 miles of the location where the abortion is to be performed. This statute was previously held to be unenforceable by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit in Planned Parenthood of Wis., Inc. v. Schimel, 806 F.3d 908 (7th Cir. 2015), which affirmed a permanent injunction granted by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. 4. The bill repeals a statute that provides that any person, other than the mother, who intentionally destroys the life of an unborn child may be fined not more than $10,000, imprisoned for not more than six years, or both. XUnborn childY is defined in the statute as a human being from the time of conception until born alive. LRB-2921/1 SWB&JPC:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 271 The statute also provides that any person, other than the mother, who intentionally destroys the life of an unborn quick child or causes the mother[s death by an act done with intent to destroy the life of an unborn child may be fined not more than $50,000, imprisoned for not more than 15 years, or both. None of these penalties apply to a therapeutic abortion that is performed by a physician; is necessary, or advised by two other physicians as necessary, to save the life of the mother; and, unless an emergency prevents, is performed in a licensed maternity hospital. This statute was previously held to be unenforceable. It was cited in Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973), as similar to a Texas statute that was held to violate the due process clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The unenforceability of the statute following the Roe v. Wade decision was noted in a subsequent decision by a federal district court, Larkin v. McCann, 368 F. Supp. 1352 (E.D. Wis. 1974). In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women[s Health Org., 142 S. Ct. 2228 (2022). Litigation concerning the status of the statute is currently pending in state court. In December 2023, the Dane County Circuit Court issued a decision and order declaring that the statute Xdoes not apply to abortions.Y Kaul v. Urmanski, No. 22- CV-1594, slip op. at 14 (Wis. Dane Cnty. Cir. Ct. Dec. 5, 2023). An appeal is pending before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. See Kaul v. Urmanski, No. 2023AP002362 (Wis. July 2, 2024) (order granting a petition to bypass the court of appeals). The Wisconsin Supreme Court has also granted a petition for leave to commence an original action regarding whether the state constitution protects a right to receive an abortion and a right for physicians to provide abortions. See Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin v. Urmanski, No. 2024AP000330 (Wis. July 2, 2024) (order granting leave to commence an original action); see Petition to Wis. S. Ct. to Take Jurisdiction of an Original Action, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin v. Urmanski, No. 2024AP000330 (Wis. filed Feb. 22, 2024). The bill also repeals the criminal penalty on a person who is not a physician and who intentionally performs an abortion. The bill does not affect any other criminal prohibition or limitation on abortion in current law, such as the general prohibition on performing an abortion after the fetus or unborn child has reached viability, or any other homicide prohibition. The bill also does not affect a separate provision in current law that prohibits prosecution of and imposing or enforcing a fine or imprisonment against a woman who obtains an abortion or otherwise violates any abortion law with respect to her unborn child or fetus. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. This proposal may contain a health insurance mandate requiring a social and financial impact report under s. 601.423, stats. In Committee
AJR64 Designating June 2025 as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month. Relating to: designating June 2025 as Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month. In Committee
SB208 Prohibiting hedge funds from acquiring single-family homes in this state. (FE) This bill prohibits a hedge fund from acquiring a single-family home in this state. The bill provides that an ownership interest in a single-family home acquired or owned by a hedge fund in violation of the bill is forfeited to the state and that the attorney general is responsible for enforcement. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR60 Proclaiming June 6, 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Wisconsin. Relating to: proclaiming June 6, 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Wisconsin. In Committee
AJR61 Proclaiming June 6, 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Wisconsin. Relating to: proclaiming June 6, 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Wisconsin. In Committee
AB224 The form of referendum questions. Under current law, any referendum question submitted to the voters, including to approve or reject a constitutional amendment, must be concise and may not be worded in such a manner as to require a negative vote to approve a proposition or an affirmative vote to disapprove a proposition. This bill adds the requirement that the referendum question be in plain language. The bill additionally adds the requirement that for a proposed constitutional amendment, the question must clearly indicate whether any part of the constitutional amendment is contained in the statutes as of the date of final passage of the joint resolution directing that the question be submitted to a vote of the people. In Committee
SB212 The form of referendum questions. Under current law, any referendum question submitted to the voters, including to approve or reject a constitutional amendment, must be concise and may not be worded in such a manner as to require a negative vote to approve a proposition or an affirmative vote to disapprove a proposition. This bill adds the requirement that the referendum question be in plain language. The bill additionally adds the requirement that for a proposed constitutional amendment, the question must clearly indicate whether any part of the constitutional amendment is contained in the statutes as of the date of final passage of the joint resolution directing that the question be submitted to a vote of the people. In Committee
SJR30 Congratulating the University of Wisconsin–Madison women’s hockey team on winning the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Hockey National Championship. Relating to: congratulating the University of Wisconsin]Madison women[s hockey team on winning the 2025 NCAA Division I Women[s Hockey National Championship. Crossed Over
SJR36 Congratulating the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse women’s gymnastics team on winning the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship. Relating to: congratulating the University of Wisconsin]La Crosse women[s gymnastics team on winning the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship. Crossed Over
SB23 Extension of eligibility under the Medical Assistance program for postpartum women. (FE) This bill requires the Department of Health Services to seek approval from the federal Department of Health and Human Services to extend until the last day of the month in which the 365th day after the last day of the pregnancy falls Medical Assistance benefits to women who are eligible for those benefits when pregnant. Currently, postpartum women are eligible for Medical Assistance benefits until the last day of the month in which the 60th day after the last day of the pregnancy falls. 2021 Wisconsin Act 58 required DHS to seek approval from the federal Department of Health and Human Services to extend these postpartum Medical Assistance benefits until the last day of the month in which the 90th day after the last day of the pregnancy falls. On June 3, 2022, DHS filed a Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver application with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to extend postpartum coverage for eligible Medical Assistance recipients, as required by 2021 Wisconsin Act 58. The Medical Assistance program is a joint federal and state program that provides health services to individuals who have limited financial resources. LRB-0926/1 JPC:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 23 For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. Crossed Over
SB246 A special observance day in schools for Armenian Genocide Awareness Day. This bill adds April 24, Armenian Genocide Awareness Day, to the list of special observance days that apply to general school operations. Current law provides a list of 22 special observance days, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Susan B. Anthony[s birthday; Environmental Awareness Day; Bullying Awareness Day; and Veterans Day. Under current law, a special observance day must be appropriately observed when school is held on that day or, if the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, on the school day immediately preceding or following the special observance day. In Committee
AB256 A special observance day in schools for Armenian Genocide Awareness Day. This bill adds April 24, Armenian Genocide Awareness Day, to the list of special observance days that apply to general school operations. Current law provides a list of 22 special observance days, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Susan B. Anthony[s birthday; Environmental Awareness Day; Bullying Awareness Day; and Veterans Day. Under current law, a special observance day must be appropriately observed when school is held on that day or, if the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, on the school day immediately preceding or following the special observance day. In Committee
SB251 Cost-sharing caps on prescription drugs and medical supplies to treat asthma under health insurance policies and plans. (FE) This bill requires health insurance policies and plans that provide coverage of prescription drugs to cover prescription drugs and related medical supplies for the treatment of asthma. This bill provides that Xrelated medical suppliesY includes asthma inhalers and other medical supply items necessary to effectively and appropriately administer a prescription drug prescribed to treat asthma. This bill requires policies and plans to limit the amount of any enrollee cost-sharing for the coverage provided in the bill to no more than $25 per one-month supply for each prescription drug prescribed to treat asthma and to no more than $50 per month for all related medical supplies. Cost-sharing may not increase with the number of conditions for which an enrollee is treated. Further, the coverage provided in the bill may not be subject to any deductible. However, the bill provides that the limitations on cost-sharing and deductibles do not apply to the extent that the limitations would result in ineligibility for a health savings account under the federal Internal Revenue Code. This proposal may contain a health insurance mandate requiring a social and financial impact report under s. 601.423, stats. LRB-2917/1 JPC:cjs&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 251 For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB246 Cost-sharing caps on prescription drugs and medical supplies to treat asthma under health insurance policies and plans. (FE) This bill requires health insurance policies and plans that provide coverage of prescription drugs to cover prescription drugs and related medical supplies for the treatment of asthma. This bill provides that Xrelated medical suppliesY includes asthma inhalers and other medical supply items necessary to effectively and appropriately administer a prescription drug prescribed to treat asthma. This bill requires policies and plans to limit the amount of any enrollee cost-sharing for the coverage provided in the bill to no more than $25 per one-month supply for each prescription drug prescribed to treat asthma and to no more than $50 per month for all related medical supplies. Cost-sharing may not increase with the number of conditions for which an enrollee is treated. Further, the coverage provided in the bill may not be subject to any deductible. However, the bill provides that the limitations on cost-sharing and deductibles do not apply to the extent that the limitations would result in ineligibility for a health savings account under the federal Internal Revenue Code. This proposal may contain a health insurance mandate requiring a social and financial impact report under s. 601.423, stats. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AJR29 Celebrating May 7, 2025, as Skilled Trades Day in Wisconsin. Relating to: celebrating May 7, 2025, as Skilled Trades Day in Wisconsin. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
SB73 Prosecuting or adjudicating delinquent a person under the age of 18 for committing an act of prostitution. Under current law, a person who is under the age of 18 may be prosecuted or adjudicated delinquent for committing an act of prostitution, a Class A misdemeanor. Under this bill, a person who is under the age of 18 may not be prosecuted or adjudicated delinquent for committing an act of prostitution. This bill also eliminates the option under current law in cases where a person under the age of 18 has committed an act of prostitution for a court to enter a consent decree under the Juvenile Justice Code, or a deferred prosecution agreement under the Juvenile Justice Code or adult criminal statutes, if the court determines that a consent decree or deferred prosecution agreement will serve the best interests of the person being prosecuted and will not harm society. In Committee
AJR12 Honoring the life and public service of Assembly Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller. Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Assembly Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
AJR18 Honoring the life and public service of Representative Jonathan Brostoff. Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative Jonathan Brostoff. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
SJR54 Designating May 2025 and May 2026 as Food Allergy Awareness Months. Relating to: designating May 2025 and May 2026 as Food Allergy Awareness Months. In Committee
SJR56 Proclaiming April 20 to 26 as 2025 National Infertility Awareness Week in Wisconsin. Relating to: proclaiming April 20 to 26 as 2025 National Infertility Awareness Week in Wisconsin. In Committee
SB265 Waiver of fees for admission to state parks on Earth Day. (FE) Under current law, vehicles entering state parks are required to display an annual or daily admission receipt, for which the Department of Natural Resources charges a fee. Under current law, DNR may waive these admission fees under certain circumstances. This bill requires DNR to waive any daily fee for admission to a state park on April 22 of each year in commemoration of Earth Day and its founder, Gaylord Nelson. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB267 Waiver of fees for admission to state parks on Earth Day. (FE) Under current law, vehicles entering state parks are required to display an annual or daily admission receipt, for which the Department of Natural Resources charges a fee. Under current law, DNR may waive these admission fees under certain circumstances. This bill requires DNR to waive any daily fee for admission to a state park on April 22 of each year in commemoration of Earth Day and its founder, Gaylord Nelson. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AJR55 Designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. Relating to: designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
AJR46 Congratulating the Wauwatosa East Girls Basketball Team on their 2025 Division II State Basketball Championship. Relating to: congratulating the Wauwatosa East Girls Basketball Team on their 2025 Division II State Basketball Championship. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
AJR45 Congratulating the Wauwatosa West Boys Basketball Team on their 2025 Division II State Basketball Championship. Relating to: congratulating the Wauwatosa West Boys Basketball Team on their 2025 Division II State Basketball Championship. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
AJR35 Proclaiming May 16, 17, and 18, 2025, Syttende Mai Weekend. Relating to: proclaiming May 16, 17, and 18, 2025, Syttende Mai Weekend. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
SB24 Limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in, and the lifespan of, a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Middleton. (FE) Under current law, the equalized value of taxable property of a new or amended tax incremental district (TID) plus the value increment of all existing TIDs in a city or village may not exceed 12 percent of the total equalized value of taxable property in the city or village. Under this bill, the 12 percent rule does not apply to TID Number 6 created by the city of Middleton if the district is created before June 1, 2025. Also under current law, a city or village may extend the life of a TID for up to one year for housing stock improvement if all of the following occur: 1. The city or village pays off all of the TID[s project costs. 2. The city or village adopts a resolution stating that it intends to extend the life of the TID, the number of months it intends to do so, and how it intends to improve housing stock. 3. The city or village notifies DOR. LRB-1194/1 EVM:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 24 Under the bill, a housing stock improvement extension may not be exercised with regard to TID Number 6 in the city of Middleton. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
SJR43 Congratulating the Wauwatosa West Boys Basketball Team on their 2025 Division II State Basketball Championship. Relating to: congratulating the Wauwatosa West Boys Basketball Team on their 2025 Division II State Basketball Championship. In Committee
SJR44 Congratulating the Wauwatosa East Girls Basketball Team on their 2025 Division II State Basketball Championship. Relating to: congratulating the Wauwatosa East Girls Basketball Team on their 2025 Division II State Basketball Championship. In Committee
SJR35 Proclaiming May 16, 17, and 18, 2025, Syttende Mai Weekend. Relating to: proclaiming May 16, 17, and 18, 2025, Syttende Mai Weekend. In Committee
SJR26 Celebrating May 7, 2025, as Skilled Trades Day in Wisconsin. Relating to: celebrating May 7, 2025, as Skilled Trades Day in Wisconsin. In Committee
SJR32 Designating the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Relating to: designating the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
AJR40 Celebrating 50 years of strength and resilience of the Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese people. Relating to: celebrating 50 years of strength and resilience of the Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese people. Crossed Over
AJR49 Congratulating the Milwaukee Rufus King Cheer and Stunt Team on their double state championship win in 2025. Relating to: congratulating the Milwaukee Rufus King Cheer and Stunt Team on their double state championship win in 2025. Crossed Over
AJR39 Recognizing Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month as a time to honor the important contributions of Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. Relating to: recognizing Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month as a time to honor the important contributions of Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. Crossed Over
AJR41 Proclaiming May 2025 and May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Months. Relating to: proclaiming May 2025 and May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Months. Crossed Over
AJR51 Designating May 2025 and May 2026 as Food Allergy Awareness Months. Relating to: designating May 2025 and May 2026 as Food Allergy Awareness Months. Crossed Over
SJR53 Designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. Relating to: designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Wisconsin. In Committee
SB14 Pelvic exams on unconscious patients and creating an administrative rule related to hospital requirements for pelvic exams on unconscious patients. This bill requires hospitals to ensure written informed consent is obtained from a patient before a pelvic exam is performed solely for educational purposes on the patient while the patient is under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious. The bill also creates a Department of Health Services rule providing that hospitals must maintain written policies and procedures requiring written informed consent to be obtained from a patient before a pelvic exam is performed solely for educational purposes on the patient while the patient is under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious. Passed
AB11 Pelvic exams on unconscious patients and creating an administrative rule related to hospital requirements for pelvic exams on unconscious patients. This bill requires hospitals to ensure written informed consent is obtained from a patient before a pelvic exam is performed solely for educational purposes on the patient while the patient is under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious. The bill also creates a Department of Health Services rule providing that hospitals must maintain written policies and procedures requiring written informed consent to be obtained from a patient before a pelvic exam is performed solely for educational purposes on the patient while the patient is under general anesthesia or otherwise unconscious. In Committee
AB22 Limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in, and the lifespan of, a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Middleton. (FE) Under current law, the equalized value of taxable property of a new or amended tax incremental district (TID) plus the value increment of all existing TIDs in a city or village may not exceed 12 percent of the total equalized value of taxable property in the city or village. Under this bill, the 12 percent rule does not apply to TID Number 6 created by the city of Middleton if the district is created before June 1, 2025. Also under current law, a city or village may extend the life of a TID for up to one year for housing stock improvement if all of the following occur: 1. The city or village pays off all of the TID[s project costs. 2. The city or village adopts a resolution stating that it intends to extend the life of the TID, the number of months it intends to do so, and how it intends to improve housing stock. 3. The city or village notifies DOR. Under the bill, a housing stock improvement extension may not be exercised with regard to TID Number 6 in the city of Middleton. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR45 Proclaiming May 2025 and May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Months. Relating to: proclaiming May 2025 and May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Months. In Committee
SJR42 Proclaiming 2025 as the year of the snake. Relating to: proclaiming 2025 as the year of the snake. In Committee
AJR33 Declaration of the Economic Justice Bill of Rights. Relating to: declaration of the Economic Justice Bill of Rights. In Committee
AB220 Discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, insurance coverage, national guard, jury duty, and adoption and in the receipt of mental health or vocational rehabilitation services. This bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual[s gender identity or gender expression. The bill defines Xgender identityY as an individual[s internal, deeply held knowledge or sense of their own gender, regardless of the individual[s sex assigned at birth or gender identifiers on official governmental documents, and Xgender expressionY as an individual[s gender-related appearance or behavior, or the perception of that appearance or behavior, regardless of whether it is stereotypically associated with the individual[s sex assigned at birth. The bill also make changes to various discrimination laws, including all of the following: 1. Current law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and the equal enjoyment of a public place of accommodation or amusement on the basis of a person[s sex or sexual orientation. Current law also requires certain state agencies, authorities, and corporations to include provisions in contracts they execute obliging the contractor to similarly not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment. The bill adds gender identity and gender expression as prohibited bases for discrimination in these areas. 2. Current law prohibits the University of Wisconsin System, the Technical College System, public elementary and secondary schools, and charter schools from discriminating against a student on the basis of the student[s sex or sexual orientation. The bill prohibits the same educational institutions from discriminating against a student on the basis of the student[s gender identity or gender expression and from discriminating against a student based on the protected status of the student[s parent. The bill also prohibits the UW System Board of Regents from investing gifts, grants, and bequests in companies that practice discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 3. Current law prohibits the exclusion of an individual from jury duty on the basis of the individual[s sex or sexual orientation. The bill adds gender identity and gender expression as a prohibited bases for exclusion of an individual from jury duty. 4. Current law allows only either a single adult or a husband and wife jointly to adopt a child. The bill allows only either a single individual or two individuals married to each other jointly to adopt a child and also provides that no otherwise qualified person may be denied the benefits of the adoption and guardianship statute subchapter because of the person[s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 5. Current law requires heads of executive departments and agencies to determine whether there is arbitrary discrimination on the basis of sex or sexual orientation and to take remedial action if such discrimination is found. The bill requires these heads to also determine if there is discrimination on the basis of gender identity or gender expression and to take remedial action regarding such discrimination. 6. Current law prohibits discriminating against an employee, prospective employee, patient, or resident of an approved treatment facility providing treatment of alcoholic, drug dependent, mentally ill, or developmentally disabled persons on the basis of sex. The bill adds sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as prohibited bases of discrimination. 7. Current law prohibits agency rules from discriminating against a person by reason of sex or sexual orientation. The bill adds gender identity and gender expression as prohibited bases of discrimination. 8. Current law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the provision of vocational rehabilitation or mental health services. The bill adds sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as prohibited bases of discrimination. 9. Current law prohibits the national guard or state defense force from denying membership based on sex or sexual orientation. The bill adds gender identity and gender expression as prohibited bases of discrimination. The bill also provides that no member of the national guard or state defense force may be denied equal access to facilities most consistent with the person[s gender identity. 10. Current law provides that sex is a bona fide occupational qualification if all of the members of one sex are physically incapable of performing the essential duties required by a job or if the essence of the employer[s business operation would be undermined if employees were not hired exclusively from one sex. The bill adds to the sex as a bona fide occupational qualification law that an individual may not be treated or regarded inconsistent with the individual[s gender identity or discriminated against based on the individual[s gender identity or gender expression. 11. Current law allows public places of accommodation or amusement to provide separate facilities to persons of different sexes. The bill provides that public places of accommodation or amusement may provide separate facilities to persons of different sexes but prohibits those places from denying individuals equal access to the facilities most consistent with the individual[s gender identity. 12. The bill prohibits an insurer from discriminating against an individual on the basis of age, residence, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, occupation, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation, and also prohibits motor carriers, automobile insurers, transportation network companies, and real estate brokers and salespersons from discriminating against an individual on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 13. The bill expressly prohibits a school board from discriminating against a student-led organization because the organization[s mission is related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AJR32 Designating the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Relating to: designating the first full week in May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. In Committee
SJR33 Declaration of the Economic Justice Bill of Rights. Relating to: declaration of the Economic Justice Bill of Rights. In Committee
AB186 Study of guaranteed employment grant program and making an appropriation. (FE) This bill requires the Department of Workforce Development to study the creation of a job guarantee and full employment grant program. Under the program, DWD and municipalities provide grants to public and nonprofit employers in the care economy to provide certain job opportunities in positions covered by a collective bargaining unit to individuals with disabilities, heads of households with incomes that are 150 percent or less than the federal poverty line, individuals who have been unemployed for extended periods, individuals who were previously incarcerated, and individuals between 18 and 24 years old. The bill requires DWD to submit a report with the findings and recommendations. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB187 Study of guaranteed employment grant program and making an appropriation. (FE) This bill requires the Department of Workforce Development to study the creation of a job guarantee and full employment grant program. Under the program, DWD and municipalities provide grants to public and nonprofit employers in the care economy to provide certain job opportunities in positions covered by a collective bargaining unit to individuals with disabilities, heads of households with incomes that are 150 percent or less than the federal poverty line, individuals who have been unemployed for extended periods, individuals who were previously incarcerated, and individuals between 18 and 24 years old. The bill requires DWD to submit a report with the findings and recommendations. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB71 Ratification of the Dietitian Licensure Compact. (FE) This bill ratifies and enters Wisconsin into the Dietitian Licensure Compact, which provides for the ability of a dietitian to become eligible to practice in other compact states. Significant provisions of the compact include the following: LRB-1917/1 MED:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 71 1. The creation of a Dietitian Licensure Compact Commission, which includes the primary administrators of the licensure authorities of each member state. The commission has various powers and duties granted in the compact, including establishing bylaws, promulgating rules for the compact, appointing officers and hiring employees, and establishing and electing an executive committee. The commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state or impose fees on licensees to whom it grants a compact privilege to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the commission and its staff. 2. The ability for a dietitian to obtain a Xcompact privilege,Y which allows a dietitian to practice dietetics in another compact state (remote state) if the dietitian satisfies certain criteria. The compact specifies a number of requirements in order for a dietitian to exercise a compact privilege, including holding an unencumbered dietitian license in a home state and paying any fees and meeting any jurisprudence requirements that may be imposed by a remote state. A dietitian practicing in a remote state under a compact privilege must adhere to the laws and regulations of that state. A remote state may, in accordance with that state[s laws, take adverse action against a licensee[s compact privilege within that state. If a dietitian[s license is encumbered, the dietitian loses the compact privilege in all remote states until certain criteria are satisfied. If a dietitian[s compact privilege in any remote state is removed, the dietitian may lose the compact privilege in all other remote states until certain criteria are satisfied. 3. The ability of member states to issue subpoenas that are enforceable in other states. 4. The creation of a coordinated data system containing licensure and disciplinary action information on dietitians. The compact requires member states to report adverse actions against licensees and to monitor the data system to determine whether adverse actions have been taken against licensees. A member state must submit a uniform data set to the data system on all individuals to whom the compact is applicable as required by the rules of the commission. 5. Provisions regarding resolutions of disputes between member states and between member and nonmember states, including a process for termination of a state[s membership in the compact if the state defaults on its obligations under the compact. The compact becomes effective in this state upon its enactment in seven states. The compact provides that it may be amended upon enactment of an amendment by all member states. A state may withdraw from the compact by repealing the statute authorizing the compact, but the compact provides that a withdrawal does not take effect until 180 days after the effective date of that repeal. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR40 Recognizing Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month as a time to honor the important contributions of Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. Relating to: recognizing Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month as a time to honor the important contributions of Asians, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. In Committee
SJR47 Observing Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as Equal Pay Day in Wisconsin. Relating to: observing Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as Equal Pay Day in Wisconsin. In Committee
SJR50 Congratulating the Milwaukee Rufus King Cheer and Stunt Team on their double state championship win in 2025. Relating to: congratulating the Milwaukee Rufus King Cheer and Stunt Team on their double state championship win in 2025. In Committee
SJR46 Honoring the life and public service of Representative Frederick P. Kessler. Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative Frederick P. Kessler. In Committee
AJR52 Proclaiming April 20 to 26 as 2025 National Infertility Awareness Week in Wisconsin. Relating to: proclaiming April 20 to 26 as 2025 National Infertility Awareness Week in Wisconsin. In Committee
AJR54 Observing Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as Equal Pay Day in Wisconsin. Relating to: observing Tuesday, March 25, 2025, as Equal Pay Day in Wisconsin. In Committee
AJR44 Honoring the life and public service of Representative Frederick P. Kessler. Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative Frederick P. Kessler. In Committee
AJR36 The right of the people to a clean, safe, and healthy natural environment and to its preservation (first consideration). relating to: the right of the people to a clean, safe, and healthy natural environment and to its preservation (first consideration). In Committee
SJR41 Celebrating 50 years of strength and resilience of the Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese people. Relating to: celebrating 50 years of strength and resilience of the Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese people. In Committee
AJR42 An advisory referendum on an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Relating to: an advisory referendum on an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In Committee
AJR38 Proclaiming 2025 as the year of the snake. Relating to: proclaiming 2025 as the year of the snake. In Committee
AJR43 Congratulating the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse women’s gymnastics team on winning the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship. Relating to: congratulating the University of Wisconsin]La Crosse women[s gymnastics team on winning the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship. In Committee
AJR13 Designating the month of March as Endosalpingiosis Awareness Month. Relating to: designating the month of March as Endosalpingiosis Awareness Month. In Committee
SJR8 Proclaiming February 4, 2025, as Transit Equity Day. Relating to: proclaiming February 4, 2025, as Transit Equity Day. In Committee
AJR23 Designating April 2025 and April 2026 as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Months. Relating to: designating April 2025 and April 2026 as Parkinson[s Disease Awareness Months. In Committee
SJR21 Honoring the life and public service of Senator Timothy Francis Cullen. Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Senator Timothy Francis Cullen. In Committee
AJR26 Honoring the life and public service of Senator Timothy Francis Cullen. Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Senator Timothy Francis Cullen. In Committee
SJR38 An advisory referendum on an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Relating to: an advisory referendum on an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In Committee
SB233 Inducements to sign or refrain from signing nomination papers, recall petitions, and certain other petitions. Current law prohibits certain kinds of election bribery, including offering, giving, lending, or providing money or anything of value to an elector or other person to induce the elector to vote or refrain from voting. Under current law, Xanything of valueY includes an object having utility independent of a political message it contains, the value of which exceeds $1. Election bribery is a Class I felony, the penalty for which is a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed three years and six months, or both. This bill prohibits as election bribery such inducement of an elector to sign or refrain from signing a petition supporting or opposing a candidate, referendum, or proposition about political or social issues, state law, or proposed or potential legislation, if the petition is related to an election or referendum or is circulated during an election period, as defined in the bill. Additionally, the bill prohibits as election bribery such inducement of an elector to sign or refrain from signing nomination papers or a recall petition. Finally, the bill defines Xanything of valueY for purposes of a violation of the LRB-2797/1 MPG:emw&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 233 bill[s provisions to include an object having utility independent of a political message it contains, if the object[s value exceeds $5, rather than 1$. In Committee
SJR37 The right of the people to a clean, safe, and healthy natural environment and to its preservation (first consideration). relating to: the right of the people to a clean, safe, and healthy natural environment and to its preservation (first consideration). In Committee
SB223 Discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, insurance coverage, national guard, jury duty, and adoption and in the receipt of mental health or vocational rehabilitation services. This bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual[s gender identity or gender expression. The bill defines Xgender identityY as an individual[s internal, deeply held knowledge or sense of their own gender, regardless of the individual[s sex assigned at birth or gender identifiers on official governmental documents, and Xgender expressionY as an individual[s gender-related appearance or behavior, or the perception of that appearance or behavior, regardless of whether it is stereotypically associated with the individual[s sex assigned at birth. The bill also make changes to various discrimination laws, including all of the following: 1. Current law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and the equal enjoyment of a public place of accommodation or amusement on the basis of a person[s sex or sexual orientation. Current law also requires certain state agencies, authorities, and corporations to include provisions in contracts they execute obliging the contractor to similarly not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment. The bill adds gender identity and gender expression as prohibited bases for discrimination in these areas. 2. Current law prohibits the University of Wisconsin System, the Technical College System, public elementary and secondary schools, and charter schools from discriminating against a student on the basis of the student[s sex or sexual orientation. The bill prohibits the same educational institutions from discriminating against a student on the basis of the student[s gender identity or gender expression and from discriminating against a student based on the protected status of the student[s parent. The bill also prohibits the UW System Board of Regents from investing gifts, grants, and bequests in companies that practice discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 3. Current law prohibits the exclusion of an individual from jury duty on the basis of the individual[s sex or sexual orientation. The bill adds gender identity and gender expression as a prohibited bases for exclusion of an individual from jury duty. 4. Current law allows only either a single adult or a husband and wife jointly to adopt a child. The bill allows only either a single individual or two individuals married to each other jointly to adopt a child and also provides that no otherwise qualified person may be denied the benefits of the adoption and guardianship LRB-0820/1 MIM&FFK:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 223 statute subchapter because of the person[s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 5. Current law requires heads of executive departments and agencies to determine whether there is arbitrary discrimination on the basis of sex or sexual orientation and to take remedial action if such discrimination is found. The bill requires these heads to also determine if there is discrimination on the basis of gender identity or gender expression and to take remedial action regarding such discrimination. 6. Current law prohibits discriminating against an employee, prospective employee, patient, or resident of an approved treatment facility providing treatment of alcoholic, drug dependent, mentally ill, or developmentally disabled persons on the basis of sex. The bill adds sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as prohibited bases of discrimination. 7. Current law prohibits agency rules from discriminating against a person by reason of sex or sexual orientation. The bill adds gender identity and gender expression as prohibited bases of discrimination. 8. Current law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the provision of vocational rehabilitation or mental health services. The bill adds sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as prohibited bases of discrimination. 9. Current law prohibits the national guard or state defense force from denying membership based on sex or sexual orientation. The bill adds gender identity and gender expression as prohibited bases of discrimination. The bill also provides that no member of the national guard or state defense force may be denied equal access to facilities most consistent with the person[s gender identity. 10. Current law provides that sex is a bona fide occupational qualification if all of the members of one sex are physically incapable of performing the essential duties required by a job or if the essence of the employer[s business operation would be undermined if employees were not hired exclusively from one sex. The bill adds to the sex as a bona fide occupational qualification law that an individual may not be treated or regarded inconsistent with the individual[s gender identity or discriminated against based on the individual[s gender identity or gender expression. 11. Current law allows public places of accommodation or amusement to provide separate facilities to persons of different sexes. The bill provides that public places of accommodation or amusement may provide separate facilities to persons of different sexes but prohibits those places from denying individuals equal access to the facilities most consistent with the individual[s gender identity. 12. The bill prohibits an insurer from discriminating against an individual on the basis of age, residence, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, occupation, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation, and also prohibits motor carriers, automobile insurers, transportation network companies, and real estate brokers and salespersons from discriminating LRB-0820/1 MIM&FFK:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 223 against an individual on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 13. The bill expressly prohibits a school board from discriminating against a student-led organization because the organization[s mission is related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR29 Designating April 2025 and April 2026 as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Months. Relating to: designating April 2025 and April 2026 as Parkinson[s Disease Awareness Months. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
SJR22 Designating April 2025 and April 2026 as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in Wisconsin. Relating to: designating April 2025 and April 2026 as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in Wisconsin. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
SJR23 Proclaiming the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week. Relating to: proclaiming the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
SJR24 Proclaiming April 26, 2025, as Shared Parenting Day in Wisconsin. Relating to: proclaiming April 26, 2025, as Shared Parenting Day in Wisconsin. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
SJR12 Designating the month of March as Endosalpingiosis Awareness Month. Relating to: designating the month of March as Endosalpingiosis Awareness Month. Crossed Over
AJR19 Honoring April 22, 2025, as the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. Relating to: honoring April 22, 2025, as the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. Crossed Over
AJR20 Proclaiming the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week. Relating to: proclaiming the week of April 28 to May 2, 2025, as School Nutrition Professionals Appreciation Week. In Committee
AJR17 Proclaiming the week of April 14, 2025, as Two Lights for Tomorrow Week in the state of Wisconsin. Relating to: proclaiming the week of April 14, 2025, as Two Lights for Tomorrow Week in the state of Wisconsin. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
AB227 Inducements to sign or refrain from signing nomination papers, recall petitions, and certain other petitions. Current law prohibits certain kinds of election bribery, including offering, giving, lending, or providing money or anything of value to an elector or other person to induce the elector to vote or refrain from voting. Under current law, Xanything of valueY includes an object having utility independent of a political message it contains, the value of which exceeds $1. Election bribery is a Class I felony, the penalty for which is a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment not to exceed three years and six months, or both. This bill prohibits as election bribery such inducement of an elector to sign or refrain from signing a petition supporting or opposing a candidate, referendum, or proposition about political or social issues, state law, or proposed or potential legislation, if the petition is related to an election or referendum or is circulated during an election period, as defined in the bill. Additionally, the bill prohibits as election bribery such inducement of an elector to sign or refrain from signing nomination papers or a recall petition. Finally, the bill defines Xanything of valueY for purposes of a violation of the bill[s provisions to include an object having utility independent of a political message it contains, if the object[s value exceeds $5, rather than 1$. In Committee
AJR31 Proclaiming March 31, 2025, as Wisconsin’s Transgender Day of Visibility. Relating to: proclaiming March 31, 2025, as Wisconsin[s Transgender Day of Visibility. In Committee
AJR30 Congratulating the University of Wisconsin–Madison women’s hockey team on winning the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Hockey National Championship. Relating to: congratulating the University of Wisconsin]Madison women[s hockey team on winning the 2025 NCAA Division I Women[s Hockey National Championship. In Committee
AJR27 Condemning the pardons and sentence commutations of individuals involved in the violent attack on law enforcement officers at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Relating to: condemning the pardons and sentence commutations of individuals involved in the violent attack on law enforcement officers at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. In Committee
AB215 Eliminating the publication requirement for a name change petition seeking to conform an individual’s name with the individual’s gender identity. This bill provides an exception to the requirement that notices of name change petitions must be published for an individual who is seeking a name change to conform with the individual[s gender identity. Under current law, an individual who is a resident of this state generally is entitled to petition the court of the county in which the individual resides to have the individual[s name changed or established if no sufficient cause is shown to the contrary. Currently, the individual must, before petitioning the court, publish a notice stating the nature of the petition and when and where the petition will be heard. The individual must publish the notice in a local newspaper once a week for three consecutive weeks. Current law provides an exception to the publication requirement for an individual who 1) requests that the petition remain confidential, 2) shows that publication of the petition could endanger the individual, and 3) shows that the individual is not seeking a name change in order to avoid a debt or conceal a criminal record. Under current law, if the court determines that the individual is not required to publish notice, all records related to the individual[s name change are generally confidential and exempt from disclosure under the state public records law. This bill provides an additional exception to the publication requirement for an individual who shows that the individual is seeking a name change to conform with the individual[s gender identity. Under the bill, an individual who requests a confidential name change on that basis also must show that the individual is not seeking a name change in order to avoid a debt or conceal a criminal record, but the individual need not show that publication of the petition could endanger the individual. In Committee
AJR22 Proclaiming April 26, 2025, as Shared Parenting Day in Wisconsin. Relating to: proclaiming April 26, 2025, as Shared Parenting Day in Wisconsin. In Committee
AJR21 Designating April 2025 and April 2026 as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in Wisconsin. Relating to: designating April 2025 and April 2026 as Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in Wisconsin. In Committee
SB148 The right to repair agricultural equipment, and providing a penalty. (FE) This bill requires agricultural equipment manufacturers to upon request make available to agricultural equipment owners and independent service providers any documentation, data, embedded software, firmware, parts, or tools that are intended for use with agricultural equipment, at certain fair costs and fair terms as articulated in the bill. XEquipmentY is defined in the bill to include equipment or parts that are designed primarily for use in the operation of a farm or in farm-related activities, including any combine, tractor, sprayer, implement, or attachment used in planting, cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, or ranching, but not including vehicles or self-propelled machines designed primarily for the transportation of persons or property on a street or highway, aircraft, snowmobiles, personal watercraft or motorboats, or equipment or parts used for irrigation purposes. XDataY is defined in the bill to mean information that a manufacturer gathered, transmitted, or compiled that arose from the operation of an owner[s equipment and for which the associated owner has provided consent and authorization for the manufacturer to share. The bill generally does not require manufacturers to provide documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools that would require a manufacturer to divulge a trade secret. The bill exempts manufacturers and equipment dealers LRB-0923/2 JAM:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 148 from liability stemming from an owner[s or independent repair provider[s faulty or otherwise improper repair that causes damage or loss of use of equipment, and exempts manufacturers from liability for an action resulting from a person[s use or reliance upon data that the manufacturer provided to a person. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB147 The right to repair agricultural equipment, and providing a penalty. (FE) This bill requires agricultural equipment manufacturers to upon request make available to agricultural equipment owners and independent service providers any documentation, data, embedded software, firmware, parts, or tools that are intended for use with agricultural equipment, at certain fair costs and fair terms as articulated in the bill. XEquipmentY is defined in the bill to include equipment or parts that are designed primarily for use in the operation of a farm or in farm-related activities, including any combine, tractor, sprayer, implement, or attachment used in planting, cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, or ranching, but not including vehicles or self-propelled machines designed primarily for the transportation of persons or property on a street or highway, aircraft, snowmobiles, personal watercraft or motorboats, or equipment or parts used for irrigation purposes. XDataY is defined in the bill to mean information that a manufacturer gathered, transmitted, or compiled that arose from the operation of an owner[s equipment and for which the associated owner has provided consent and authorization for the manufacturer to share. The bill generally does not require manufacturers to provide documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools that would require a manufacturer to divulge a trade secret. The bill exempts manufacturers and equipment dealers from liability stemming from an owner[s or independent repair provider[s faulty or otherwise improper repair that causes damage or loss of use of equipment, and exempts manufacturers from liability for an action resulting from a person[s use or reliance upon data that the manufacturer provided to a person. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR18 Proclaiming the week of April 14, 2025, as Two Lights for Tomorrow Week in the state of Wisconsin. Relating to: proclaiming the week of April 14, 2025, as Two Lights for Tomorrow Week in the state of Wisconsin. In Committee
SB217 Eliminating the publication requirement for a name change petition seeking to conform an individual’s name with the individual’s gender identity. This bill provides an exception to the requirement that notices of name change petitions must be published for an individual who is seeking a name change to conform with the individual[s gender identity. Under current law, an individual who is a resident of this state generally is entitled to petition the court of the county in which the individual resides to have the individual[s name changed or established if no sufficient cause is shown to the contrary. Currently, the individual must, before petitioning the court, publish a notice stating the nature of the petition and when and where the petition will be heard. The individual must publish the notice in a local newspaper once a week for three consecutive weeks. Current law provides an exception to the publication requirement for an individual who 1) requests that the petition remain confidential, 2) shows that publication of the petition could endanger the individual, and 3) shows that the individual is not seeking a name change in order to avoid a debt or conceal a criminal record. Under current law, if the court determines that the LRB-0977/1 KRP:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 217 individual is not required to publish notice, all records related to the individual[s name change are generally confidential and exempt from disclosure under the state public records law. This bill provides an additional exception to the publication requirement for an individual who shows that the individual is seeking a name change to conform with the individual[s gender identity. Under the bill, an individual who requests a confidential name change on that basis also must show that the individual is not seeking a name change in order to avoid a debt or conceal a criminal record, but the individual need not show that publication of the petition could endanger the individual. In Committee
SJR31 Proclaiming March 31, 2025, as Wisconsin’s Transgender Day of Visibility. Relating to: proclaiming March 31, 2025, as Wisconsin[s Transgender Day of Visibility. In Committee
AB142 Algorithmic software for residential housing, and providing a penalty. This bill prohibits the use of algorithmic software in setting rental rates or occupancy levels for residential dwelling units and prohibits persons from selling, licensing, or providing algorithmic software to a residential landlord. XAlgorithmic softwareY is defined in the bill to mean software that uses an algorithm to perform calculations on nonpublic competitor data regarding rent or occupancy levels in this state for the purpose of informing a landlord[s decision regarding residential housing occupancy rates, whether to leave a residential unit vacant, or the amount of rent that a landlord may obtain for a residential unit. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the attorney general, or a district attorney may investigate violations of this bill, and the attorney general or a district attorney may commence an action seeking an injunction or to recover a civil forfeiture of up to $1,000 per violation. In addition, a tenant may file a civil action seeking actual damages incurred as a result of a violation of the bill or $1,000 per violation, whichever is greater, or for injunctive relief, or for a combination of injunctive relief and damages. Under the bill, if a landlord includes a provision in a lease that 1) waives the landlord[s obligation to comply with the prohibition on the use of algorithmic software or 2) discourages or impedes a tenant from filing an action seeking injunctive relief or damages stemming from the landlord[s violation of the bill[s prohibitions, then the rental agreement is void and unenforceable. In Committee
SB142 Algorithmic software for residential housing, and providing a penalty. This bill prohibits the use of algorithmic software in setting rental rates or occupancy levels for residential dwelling units and prohibits persons from selling, licensing, or providing algorithmic software to a residential landlord. XAlgorithmic softwareY is defined in the bill to mean software that uses an algorithm to perform calculations on nonpublic competitor data regarding rent or occupancy levels in this state for the purpose of informing a landlord[s decision regarding residential housing occupancy rates, whether to leave a residential unit vacant, or the amount of rent that a landlord may obtain for a residential unit. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the attorney general, or a district attorney may investigate violations of this bill, and the attorney general or a district attorney may commence an action seeking an injunction or to recover a civil forfeiture of up to $1,000 per violation. In addition, a tenant may file a civil action seeking actual damages incurred as a result of a violation of the bill or $1,000 per violation, whichever is greater, or for injunctive relief, or for a combination of injunctive relief and damages. Under the bill, if a landlord includes a provision in a lease that 1) waives the landlord[s obligation to comply with the prohibition on the use of algorithmic software or 2) discourages or impedes a tenant from filing an action seeking LRB-1569/1 JAM:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 142 injunctive relief or damages stemming from the landlord[s violation of the bill[s prohibitions, then the rental agreement is void and unenforceable. In Committee
AB97 Extension of eligibility under the Medical Assistance program for postpartum women. (FE) This bill requires the Department of Health Services to seek approval from the federal Department of Health and Human Services to extend until the last day of the month in which the 365th day after the last day of the pregnancy falls Medical Assistance benefits to women who are eligible for those benefits when pregnant. Currently, postpartum women are eligible for Medical Assistance benefits until the last day of the month in which the 60th day after the last day of the pregnancy falls. 2021 Wisconsin Act 58 required DHS to seek approval from the federal Department of Health and Human Services to extend these postpartum Medical Assistance benefits until the last day of the month in which the 90th day after the last day of the pregnancy falls. On June 3, 2022, DHS filed a Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver application with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to extend postpartum coverage for eligible Medical Assistance recipients, as required by 2021 Wisconsin Act 58. The Medical Assistance program is a joint federal and state program that provides health services to individuals who have limited financial resources. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB79 Prosecuting or adjudicating delinquent a person under the age of 18 for committing an act of prostitution. Under current law, a person who is under the age of 18 may be prosecuted or adjudicated delinquent for committing an act of prostitution, a Class A misdemeanor. Under this bill, a person who is under the age of 18 may not be prosecuted or adjudicated delinquent for committing an act of prostitution. This bill also eliminates the option under current law in cases where a person under the age of 18 has committed an act of prostitution for a court to enter a consent decree under the Juvenile Justice Code, or a deferred prosecution agreement under the Juvenile Justice Code or adult criminal statutes, if the court determines that a consent decree or deferred prosecution agreement will serve the best interests of the person being prosecuted and will not harm society. In Committee
SJR6 Honoring the life and enduring legacy of Robert George Uecker. Relating to: honoring the life and enduring legacy of Robert George Uecker. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
SR2 Proclaiming March 2025 and March 2026 as Women’s History Months. Relating to: proclaiming March 2025 and March 2026 as Women[s History Months. In Committee
AJR15 Proclaiming March 26, 2025, as Purple Day for epilepsy. Relating to: proclaiming March 26, 2025, as Purple Day for epilepsy. Crossed Over
AJR5 Proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month. Relating to: proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month. Signed/Enacted/Adopted
AJR9 Honoring the life and enduring legacy of Robert George Uecker. Relating to: honoring the life and enduring legacy of Robert George Uecker. In Committee
SJR19 Honoring the life and public service of Representative Jonathan Brostoff. Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative Jonathan Brostoff. In Committee
SB135 Special observance days in schools. This bill adds February 18, Vel R. Phillips[s birthday, to the list of special observance days that apply to general school operations. Current law provides a list of 22 special observance days, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Susan B. Anthony[s birthday; Environmental Awareness Day; Bullying Awareness Day; and Veterans Day. Under current law, a special observance day must be appropriately observed when school is held on that day or, if the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, on the school day immediately preceding or following the special observance day. In Committee
SJR17 Honoring April 22, 2025, as the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. Relating to: honoring April 22, 2025, as the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. In Committee
AB125 Special observance days in schools. This bill adds February 18, Vel R. Phillips[s birthday, to the list of special observance days that apply to general school operations. Current law provides a list of 22 special observance days, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Susan B. Anthony[s birthday; Environmental Awareness Day; Bullying Awareness Day; and Veterans Day. Under current law, a special observance day must be appropriately observed when school is held on that day or, if the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, on the school day immediately preceding or following the special observance day. In Committee
AB52 Expanding the homestead income tax credit. (FE) Under current law, the homestead tax credit is a refundable income tax credit that may be claimed by homeowners and renters. The credit is based on the claimant[s household income and the amount of property taxes or rent constituting property taxes on his or her Wisconsin homestead. Because the credit is refundable, if the credit exceeds the claimant[s income tax liability, he or she receives the excess as a refund check. Under current law, there are three key dollar amounts used when calculating the credit: 1. If household income is $8,060 or less, the credit is 80 percent of the property taxes or rent constituting property taxes. If household income exceeds $8,060, the property taxes or rent constituting property taxes are reduced by 8.785 percent of the household income exceeding $8,060, and the credit is 80 percent of the reduced property taxes or rent constituting property taxes. 2. The credit may not be claimed if household income exceeds $24,680. 3. The maximum property taxes or rent constituting property taxes used to calculate the credit is $1,460. Beginning with claims filed for the 2025 tax year, this bill reduces the percentage used for household income over $8,060 from 8.785 to 5.614 percent and increases the maximum income amount from $24,680 to $35,000. The bill also indexes the $8,060, $35,000, and $1,460 amounts for inflation during future tax years. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB60 Expanding the homestead income tax credit. (FE) Under current law, the homestead tax credit is a refundable income tax credit that may be claimed by homeowners and renters. The credit is based on the claimant[s household income and the amount of property taxes or rent constituting property taxes on his or her Wisconsin homestead. Because the credit is refundable, if the credit exceeds the claimant[s income tax liability, he or she receives the excess as a refund check. Under current law, there are three key dollar amounts used when calculating the credit: 1. If household income is $8,060 or less, the credit is 80 percent of the property taxes or rent constituting property taxes. If household income exceeds $8,060, the property taxes or rent constituting property taxes are reduced by 8.785 percent of the household income exceeding $8,060, and the credit is 80 percent of the reduced property taxes or rent constituting property taxes. 2. The credit may not be claimed if household income exceeds $24,680. LRB-2169/1 KP:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 60 3. The maximum property taxes or rent constituting property taxes used to calculate the credit is $1,460. Beginning with claims filed for the 2025 tax year, this bill reduces the percentage used for household income over $8,060 from 8.785 to 5.614 percent and increases the maximum income amount from $24,680 to $35,000. The bill also indexes the $8,060, $35,000, and $1,460 amounts for inflation during future tax years. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR15 Condemning the pardons and sentence commutations of individuals involved in the violent attack on law enforcement officers at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Relating to: condemning the pardons and sentence commutations of individuals involved in the violent attack on law enforcement officers at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. In Committee
SJR13 Honoring the life and public service of Assembly Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller. Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Assembly Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller. In Committee
AB48 Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE) This bill provides additional state aid to public and private schools in this state that provide free meals to all pupils. Under current law, the Department of Public Instruction makes payments to school districts, private schools, independent charter schools, tribal schools, the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired to partially match the federal contribution under the National School Lunch Program, under which schools provide free or reduced-price lunches to low-income children. Currently, the state share for school lunches is a variable percentage of the amount of the federal basic reimbursement, which is then allocated among eligible schools according to the number of lunches served during the prior school year. Also under current law, DPI provides a per meal reimbursement to school districts, private schools, and tribal schools that provide breakfast to pupils under the federal School Breakfast Program. Currently, the state provides a per meal reimbursement of $0.15 for each breakfast served under the program, but, if there is insufficient funding to pay the full amount, DPI prorates the payments. Under the bill, a school is eligible for additional state reimbursement for lunches and breakfasts served in a school year if the school 1) participates in both the National School Lunch Program and the federal School Breakfast Program for the school year; and 2) for each school day in which school is in session during the school year, provides to any pupil who requests one, at no cost to the pupil, one lunch and one breakfast that meet the federal food, nutritional, and other requirements for meals served under the federal programs. Under the bill, DPI must reimburse an eligible school a per meal amount that is equal to the federal reimbursement rate applicable to the eligible school under the applicable federal program for a meal served to a pupil who satisfies the income eligibility criteria for a free lunch, minus any amount the eligible school receives from the federal government to pay for those meals. In other words, the bill guarantees that an eligible school will receive a total amount in state and federal aid that will reimburse the eligible school an amount equal to the free meal reimbursement rate for each meal the eligible school serves. The additional state reimbursement under the bill is available to school districts, independent charter schools, private schools, tribal schools, residential care centers for children and youth, the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired that meet the eligibility requirements. Under the bill, if a school does not meet the eligibility requirements for the additional state reimbursement for a school year, all of the following apply: 1. If the school participates in the National School Lunch Program for the school year, DPI will reimburse the school an amount required to meet the state[s matching obligation under the federal program. 2. If the school participates in the federal School Breakfast Program for the school year, DPI will reimburse the school $0.15 for each breakfast served under the federal program, without proration. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB67 Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE) This bill provides additional state aid to public and private schools in this state that provide free meals to all pupils. Under current law, the Department of Public Instruction makes payments to school districts, private schools, independent charter schools, tribal schools, the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired to partially match the federal contribution under the National School Lunch Program, under which schools provide free or reduced-price lunches to low-income children. Currently, the state share for school lunches is a variable percentage of the amount of the federal basic LRB-2213/1 KMS:amn 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 67 reimbursement, which is then allocated among eligible schools according to the number of lunches served during the prior school year. Also under current law, DPI provides a per meal reimbursement to school districts, private schools, and tribal schools that provide breakfast to pupils under the federal School Breakfast Program. Currently, the state provides a per meal reimbursement of $0.15 for each breakfast served under the program, but, if there is insufficient funding to pay the full amount, DPI prorates the payments. Under the bill, a school is eligible for additional state reimbursement for lunches and breakfasts served in a school year if the school 1) participates in both the National School Lunch Program and the federal School Breakfast Program for the school year; and 2) for each school day in which school is in session during the school year, provides to any pupil who requests one, at no cost to the pupil, one lunch and one breakfast that meet the federal food, nutritional, and other requirements for meals served under the federal programs. Under the bill, DPI must reimburse an eligible school a per meal amount that is equal to the federal reimbursement rate applicable to the eligible school under the applicable federal program for a meal served to a pupil who satisfies the income eligibility criteria for a free lunch, minus any amount the eligible school receives from the federal government to pay for those meals. In other words, the bill guarantees that an eligible school will receive a total amount in state and federal aid that will reimburse the eligible school an amount equal to the free meal reimbursement rate for each meal the eligible school serves. The additional state reimbursement under the bill is available to school districts, independent charter schools, private schools, tribal schools, residential care centers for children and youth, the Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired that meet the eligibility requirements. Under the bill, if a school does not meet the eligibility requirements for the additional state reimbursement for a school year, all of the following apply: 1. If the school participates in the National School Lunch Program for the school year, DPI will reimburse the school an amount required to meet the state[s matching obligation under the federal program. 2. If the school participates in the federal School Breakfast Program for the school year, DPI will reimburse the school $0.15 for each breakfast served under the federal program, without proration. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
AB62 Health care costs omnibus, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE) Elimination of cost sharing for prescription drugs under the Medical Assistance program Under current law, certain persons who receive health services under the Medical Assistance program, also known in this state as BadgerCare, are required to contribute a cost-sharing payment to the cost of certain health services. This bill eliminates all cost-sharing payments for prescription drugs under the Medical Assistance program. The Medical Assistance program is a joint state and federal program that provides health services to individuals who have limited financial resources. Cost-sharing cap on insulin The bill prohibits every health insurance policy and governmental self-insured health plan that covers insulin and imposes cost sharing on prescription drugs from imposing cost sharing on insulin in an amount that exceeds $35 for a one-month supply. Current law requires every health insurance policy that provides coverage of expenses incurred for treatment of diabetes to provide coverage for specified expenses and items, including insulin. The required coverage under current law for certain diabetes treatments other than insulin infusion pumps is subject to the same exclusions, limitations, deductibles, and coinsurance provisions of the policy as other covered expenses. The bill[s cost-sharing limitation on insulin supersedes the specification that the exclusions, limitations, deductibles, and coinsurance are the same as for other coverage. Fiduciary and disclosure requirements for pharmacy benefit managers The bill imposes fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers. Pharmacy benefit managers contract with health plans that provide prescription drug benefits to administer those benefits for the plans. They also have contracts with pharmacies and pay the pharmacies for providing drugs to the plan beneficiaries. The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager owes a fiduciary duty to a health plan sponsor. The bill also requires that a pharmacy benefit manager annually disclose all of the following information to the plan sponsor: 1. The indirect profit received by the pharmacy benefit manager from owning a pharmacy or service provider. 2. Any payments made to a consultant or broker who works on behalf of the plan sponsor. 3. From the amounts received from drug manufacturers, the amounts retained by the pharmacy benefit manager that are related to the plan sponsor[s claims or bona fide service fees. 4. The amounts received from network pharmacies and the amount retained by the pharmacy benefit manager. Reimbursements for certain 340B program entities The bill prohibits any person from reimbursing certain entities that participate in the federal drug pricing program, known as the 340B program, for a drug subject to an agreement under the program at a rate lower than that paid for the same drug to pharmacies that have a similar prescription volume. The bill also prohibits a person from imposing any fee, charge back, or other adjustment on the basis of the entity[s participation in the 340B program. The entities covered by the prohibitions under the bill are federally qualified health centers, critical access hospitals, and grantees under the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, as well as these entities[ pharmacies and any pharmacy with which any of the entities have contracted to dispense drugs through the 340B program. Drug repository program Under current law, the Department of Health Services must maintain a drug repository program under which any person may donate certain drugs or supplies to be dispensed to and used by eligible individuals, prioritizing uninsured and indigent individuals. The bill allows DHS to partner with out-of-state drug repository programs. The bill also allows out-of-state persons to donate to the drug repository program in Wisconsin and persons in Wisconsin to donate to participating drug repository programs in other states. Further, the bill directs DHS to study and implement a centralized, physical drug repository program. Value-based diabetes medication pilot project The bill directs the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance to develop a pilot project under which a pharmacy benefit manager and pharmaceutical manufacturer are directed to create a value-based, sole-source arrangement to reduce the costs of prescription diabetes medication. The bill allows OCI to promulgate rules to implement the pilot project. Pharmacist continuing education credits for volunteering at free and charitable clinics Under current law, a licensed pharmacist must renew his or her license every two years. An applicant for renewal of a pharmacist license must submit proof that he or she has completed 30 hours of continuing education within the two-year period immediately preceding the date of his or her application. The bill allows pharmacists to meet up to 10 hours of the continuing education requirement for each two-year period by volunteering at a free and charitable clinic approved by the Pharmacy Examining Board. Prescription drug importation program The bill requires the commissioner of insurance, in consultation with persons interested in the sale and pricing of prescription drugs and federal officials and agencies, to design and implement a prescription drug importation program for the benefit of and that generates savings for Wisconsin residents. The bill establishes requirements for the program, including all of the following: 1. The commissioner must designate a state agency to become a licensed wholesale distributor or contract with a licensed wholesale distributor and to seek federal certification and approval to import prescription drugs. 2. The program must comply with certain federal regulations and import from Canadian suppliers only prescription drugs that are not brand-name drugs, have fewer than four competitor drugs in this country, and for which importation creates substantial savings. 3. The commissioner must ensure that prescription drugs imported under the program are not distributed, dispensed, or sold outside of Wisconsin. 4. The program must have an audit procedure to ensure the program complies with certain requirements specified in the bill. Before submitting the proposed program to the federal government for certification, the commissioner must submit the proposed program to the Joint Committee on Finance for its approval. Pharmacy benefits tool grants The bill directs OCI to award grants in an amount of up to $500,000 in each fiscal year to health care providers to develop and implement a patient pharmacy benefits tool that would allow prescribers to disclose the cost of prescription drugs for patients. The tool must be usable by physicians and other prescribers to determine the cost of prescription drugs for their patients. Any health care provider that receives a grant to develop and implement a patient pharmacy benefits tool is required to contribute matching funds equal to at least 50 percent of the total grant awarded. Prescription drug purchasing entity study The bill requires OCI to conduct a study on the viability of creating or implementing a state prescription drug purchasing entity. Licensure of pharmacy services administrative organizations The bill requires that a pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO) be licensed by OCI. Under the bill, a PSAO is an entity operating in Wisconsin that does all of the following: 1. Contracts with an independent pharmacy to conduct business on the pharmacy[s behalf with a third-party payer. 2. Provides at least one administrative service to an independent pharmacy and negotiates and enters into a contract with a third-party payer or pharmacy benefit manager on the pharmacy[s behalf. The bill defines Xindependent pharmacyY to mean a licensed pharmacy operating in Wisconsin that is under common ownership with no more than two other pharmacies. XAdministrative serviceY is defined to mean assisting with claims or audits, providing centralized payment, performing certification in a specialized care program, providing compliance support, setting flat fees for generic drugs, assisting with store layout, managing inventory, providing marketing support, providing management and analysis of payment and drug dispensing data, or providing resources for retail cash cards. The bill defines Xthird-party payerY to mean an entity operating in Wisconsin that pays or insures health, medical, or prescription drug expenses on behalf of beneficiaries. The bill uses the current law definition of Xpharmacy benefit manager,Y which is an entity doing business in Wisconsin that contracts to administer or manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of an insurer or other entity that provides prescription drug benefits to Wisconsin residents. To obtain the license required by the bill, a person must apply to OCI and provide the contact information for the applicant and a contact person, evidence of financial responsibility of at least $1,000,000, and any other information required by the commissioner by rule. Under the bill, the license fee is set by the commissioner, and the term of a license is two years. The bill also requires that a PSAO disclose to OCI the extent of any ownership or control by an entity that provides pharmacy services; provides prescription drug or device services; or manufactures, sells, or distributes prescription drugs, biologicals, or medical devices. The PSAO must notify OCI within five days of any material change in its ownership or control related to such an entity. Licensure of pharmaceutical representatives The bill requires a pharmaceutical representative to be licensed by OCI and to display the pharmaceutical representative[s license during each visit with a health care professional. The bill defines Xpharmaceutical representativeY to mean an individual who markets or promotes pharmaceuticals to health care professionals on behalf of a pharmaceutical manufacturer for compensation. The term of a license issued under the bill is one year, and the license is renewable. The application to obtain or renew a license must include the applicant[s contact information, a description of the type of work in which the applicant will engage, the license fee, an attestation that professional education requirements are met, proof that any penalties and other fees are paid, and any other information required by OCI by rule. Under the bill, the license fee is set by the commissioner. The bill requires the pharmaceutical representative to report, within four business days, any change to the information provided on the application or any material change to the pharmaceutical representative[s business operations or other information required to be reported under the bill. The bill requires that a pharmaceutical representative complete a professional education course prior to becoming licensed and to annually complete at least five hours of continuing professional education courses. The coursework must include, at a minimum, training in ethical standards, whistleblower protections, and the laws and rules applicable to pharmaceutical marketing. The bill directs the commissioner to regularly publish a list of courses that fulfill the education requirements. Under the bill, a course provider must disclose any conflict of interest to the commissioner, and the courses may not be provided by the employer of a pharmaceutical representative or be funded by the pharmaceutical industry or a third party funded by the industry. The bill requires that, no later than June 1 of each year, a pharmaceutical representative report to OCI the pharmaceutical representative[s total number of contacts with health care professionals in Wisconsin, the specialties of those health care professionals, the location and duration of each contact, the pharmaceuticals discussed, and the value of any item provided to a health care professional. The bill directs the commissioner to publish the information on OCI[s website without identifying individual health care professionals. The bill requires that a pharmaceutical representative, during each contact with a health care professional, disclose the wholesale acquisition cost of any pharmaceuticals discussed and the names of at least three generic prescription drugs from the same therapeutic class. The bill directs the commissioner to promulgate ethical standards for pharmaceutical representatives. Additionally, the bill prohibits a pharmaceutical representative from engaging in deceptive or misleading marketing of a pharmaceutical product; using a title or designation that could reasonably lead a licensed health care professional, or an employee or representative of such a professional, to believe that the pharmaceutical representative is licensed to practice in a health occupation unless the pharmaceutical representative holds a license to practice in that health occupation; or attending a patient examination without the patient[s consent. An individual who violates any of the requirements under the bill is subject to a forfeiture, and the individual[s license may be suspended or revoked. An individual whose license is revoked must wait at least two years before applying for a new license. Insulin safety net programs The bill requires insulin manufacturers to establish a program under which qualifying Wisconsin residents who are in urgent need of insulin and are uninsured or have limited insurance coverage can be dispensed insulin at a pharmacy. An individual is in urgent need of insulin if the individual needs insulin in order to avoid the likelihood of suffering a significant health consequence and possesses less than a seven-day supply of insulin readily available for use. Under the program, if a qualifying individual in urgent need of insulin provides a pharmacy with a form attesting that the individual meets the program[s eligibility requirements, specified proof of residency, and a valid insulin prescription, the pharmacy must dispense a 30-day supply of insulin to the individual and may charge the individual a copayment of no more than $35. The pharmacy may submit an electronic payment claim for the insulin[s acquisition cost to the manufacturer or agree to receive a replacement of the same insulin in the amount dispensed. The bill also requires that each insulin manufacturer establish a patient assistance program to make insulin available to any qualifying Wisconsin resident who, among other requirements, is uninsured or has limited insurance coverage and whose family income does not exceed 400 percent of the federal poverty line. Under the bill, an individual must apply to participate in a manufacturer[s program. If the manufacturer determines that the individual meets the program[s eligibility requirements, the manufacturer must issue the individual a statement of eligibility, which is valid for 12 months and may be renewed. Under the bill, if an individual with a statement of eligibility and valid insulin prescription requests insulin from a pharmacy, the pharmacy must submit an order to the manufacturer, who must then provide a 90-day supply of insulin at no charge to the individual or pharmacy. The pharmacy may charge the individual a copayment of no more than $50. Under the bill, a manufacturer is not required to issue a statement of eligibility if the individual has prescription drug coverage through an individual or group health plan and the manufacturer determines that the individual[s insulin needs are better addressed through the manufacturer[s copayment assistance program. In such case, the manufacturer must provide the individual with necessary drug coupons to submit to a pharmacy, and the individual may not be required to pay more than a $50 copayment for a 90-day supply of insulin. Under the bill, if the manufacturer determines that an individual is not eligible for the patient assistance program, the individual may file an appeal with OCI. The bill directs OCI to establish procedures for deciding appeals. Under the bill, OCI must issue a decision within 10 days, and that decision is final. The bill requires that insulin manufacturers annually report to OCI certain information, including the number of individuals served and the cost of insulin dispensed under the programs and that OCI annually report to the governor and the legislature on the programs. The bill also directs OCI to conduct public outreach and develop an information sheet about the programs, conduct satisfaction surveys of individuals and pharmacies that participate in the programs, and report to the governor and the legislature on the surveys by July 1, 2028. Additionally, the bill requires that OCI develop a training program for health care navigators to assist individuals in accessing appropriate long-term insulin options and maintain a list of trained navigators. The bill provides that a manufacturer that fails to comply with the bill[s provisions may be assessed a forfeiture of up to noncompliance, which increases to $400,000 per month if the manufacturer continues to be in noncompliance after six months and to $600,000 per month if the manufacturer continues to be in noncompliance after one year. The bill[s requirements do not apply to manufacturers with annual insulin sales revenue in Wisconsin of no more than $2,000,000 or to insulin that costs less than a specified dollar amount. Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board The bill creates a Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board, whose purpose is to protect Wisconsin residents and other stakeholders from the high costs of prescription drugs. The board consists of the commissioner of insurance and the following members, all of whom are appointed by the governor for four-year terms: 1. Two members who represent the pharmaceutical drug industry, at least one of whom is a licensed pharmacist. 2. Two members who represent the health insurance industry. 3. Two members who represent the health care industry, at least one of whom is a licensed practitioner. 4. Two members who represent the interests of the public. The bill requires the board to meet in open session at least four times per year to review prescription drug pricing information. The board must provide at least two weeks[ public notice of each meeting, make the meeting[s materials publicly available at least one week prior to the meeting, and provide the opportunity for public comment. The bill imposes conflict of interest requirements for the board relating to recusal and public disclosure of certain conflicts. The bill directs the board to access and assess drug pricing information, to the extent practicable, by accessing and assessing information from other states, by assessing spending for the drug in Wisconsin, and by accessing other available pricing information. Under the bill, the board must conduct drug cost affordability reviews. The board must identify prescription drugs whose launch wholesale acquisition cost exceeds specified thresholds, prescription drugs whose increase in wholesale acquisition cost exceeds specified thresholds, and other prescription drugs that may create affordability challenges for the health care system in Wisconsin. For each identified prescription drug, the board must determine whether to conduct an affordability review by seeking stakeholder input and considering the average patient cost share for the drug. During an affordability review, the board must determine whether use of the prescription drug that is fully consistent with the labeling approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration or standard medical practice has led or will lead to an affordability challenge for the health care system in Wisconsin. In making this determination, the bill requires the board to consider a variety of factors, which include the following: 1. The drug[s wholesale acquisition cost. 2. The average monetary price concession, discount, or rebate the manufacturer provides, or is expected to provide, for the drug to health plans. 3. The total amount of price concessions, discounts, and rebates the manufacturer provides to each pharmacy benefit manager for the drug. 4. The price at which therapeutic alternatives have been sold and the average monetary concession, discount, or rebate the manufacturer provides, or is expected to provide, to health plan payors and pharmacy benefit managers for therapeutic alternatives. 5. The costs to health plans based on patient access consistent with federal labeled indications and recognized standard medical practice. 6. The impact on patient access resulting from the drug[s cost relative to insurance benefit design. 7. The current or expected dollar value of drug-specific patient access programs that are supported by the manufacturer. 8. The relative financial impacts to health, medical, or social services costs that can be quantified and compared to baseline effects of existing therapeutic alternatives. 9. The average patient copay or other cost sharing for the drug. If the board determines that a prescription drug will lead to an affordability challenge, the bill directs the board to establish an upper payment limit for that drug that applies to all purchases and payor reimbursements of the drug dispensed or administered to individuals in Wisconsin. In establishing the upper payment limit, the board must consider the cost of administering the drug, the cost of delivering it to consumers, and other relevant administrative costs. For certain drugs, the board must solicit information from the manufacturer regarding the price increase and, if the board determines that the price increase is not a result of the need for increased manufacturing capacity or other effort to improve patient access during a public health emergency, the board must establish an upper payment limit equal to the drug[s cost prior to the price increase. Further, this bill provides $500,000 in program revenue in fiscal year 2026]27 for onetime implementation costs associated with establishing an Office of Prescription Drug Affordability in OCI. The bill provides that the Office of Prescription Drug Affordability is responsible for prescription drug affordability programming within OCI and for overseeing the operations of the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board. Additionally, the bill authorizes and funds for fiscal year 2026]27 16.0 positions for the Office of Prescription Drug Affordability. Finally, the bill credits to the appropriation account for OCI[s general program operations all moneys received from the regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy benefit management brokers, pharmacy benefit management consultants, pharmacy services administrative organizations, and pharmaceutical sales representatives. This proposal may contain a health insurance mandate requiring a social and financial impact report under s. 601.423, stats. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SB50 Health care costs omnibus, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE) Elimination of cost sharing for prescription drugs under the Medical Assistance program Under current law, certain persons who receive health services under the Medical Assistance program, also known in this state as BadgerCare, are required to contribute a cost-sharing payment to the cost of certain health services. This bill eliminates all cost-sharing payments for prescription drugs under the Medical LRB-1423/1 JPC:all 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 50 Assistance program. The Medical Assistance program is a joint state and federal program that provides health services to individuals who have limited financial resources. Cost-sharing cap on insulin The bill prohibits every health insurance policy and governmental self-insured health plan that covers insulin and imposes cost sharing on prescription drugs from imposing cost sharing on insulin in an amount that exceeds $35 for a one-month supply. Current law requires every health insurance policy that provides coverage of expenses incurred for treatment of diabetes to provide coverage for specified expenses and items, including insulin. The required coverage under current law for certain diabetes treatments other than insulin infusion pumps is subject to the same exclusions, limitations, deductibles, and coinsurance provisions of the policy as other covered expenses. The bill[s cost-sharing limitation on insulin supersedes the specification that the exclusions, limitations, deductibles, and coinsurance are the same as for other coverage. Fiduciary and disclosure requirements for pharmacy benefit managers The bill imposes fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers. Pharmacy benefit managers contract with health plans that provide prescription drug benefits to administer those benefits for the plans. They also have contracts with pharmacies and pay the pharmacies for providing drugs to the plan beneficiaries. The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager owes a fiduciary duty to a health plan sponsor. The bill also requires that a pharmacy benefit manager annually disclose all of the following information to the plan sponsor: 1. The indirect profit received by the pharmacy benefit manager from owning a pharmacy or service provider. 2. Any payments made to a consultant or broker who works on behalf of the plan sponsor. 3. From the amounts received from drug manufacturers, the amounts retained by the pharmacy benefit manager that are related to the plan sponsor[s claims or bona fide service fees. 4. The amounts received from network pharmacies and the amount retained by the pharmacy benefit manager. Reimbursements for certain 340B program entities The bill prohibits any person from reimbursing certain entities that participate in the federal drug pricing program, known as the 340B program, for a drug subject to an agreement under the program at a rate lower than that paid for the same drug to pharmacies that have a similar prescription volume. The bill also prohibits a person from imposing any fee, charge back, or other adjustment on the basis of the entity[s participation in the 340B program. The entities covered by the prohibitions under the bill are federally qualified health centers, critical access hospitals, and grantees under the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, as well LRB-1423/1 JPC:all 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 50 as these entities[ pharmacies and any pharmacy with which any of the entities have contracted to dispense drugs through the 340B program. Drug repository program Under current law, the Department of Health Services must maintain a drug repository program under which any person may donate certain drugs or supplies to be dispensed to and used by eligible individuals, prioritizing uninsured and indigent individuals. The bill allows DHS to partner with out-of-state drug repository programs. The bill also allows out-of-state persons to donate to the drug repository program in Wisconsin and persons in Wisconsin to donate to participating drug repository programs in other states. Further, the bill directs DHS to study and implement a centralized, physical drug repository program. Value-based diabetes medication pilot project The bill directs the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance to develop a pilot project under which a pharmacy benefit manager and pharmaceutical manufacturer are directed to create a value-based, sole-source arrangement to reduce the costs of prescription diabetes medication. The bill allows OCI to promulgate rules to implement the pilot project. Pharmacist continuing education credits for volunteering at free and charitable clinics Under current law, a licensed pharmacist must renew his or her license every two years. An applicant for renewal of a pharmacist license must submit proof that he or she has completed 30 hours of continuing education within the two-year period immediately preceding the date of his or her application. The bill allows pharmacists to meet up to 10 hours of the continuing education requirement for each two-year period by volunteering at a free and charitable clinic approved by the Pharmacy Examining Board. Prescription drug importation program The bill requires the commissioner of insurance, in consultation with persons interested in the sale and pricing of prescription drugs and federal officials and agencies, to design and implement a prescription drug importation program for the benefit of and that generates savings for Wisconsin residents. The bill establishes requirements for the program, including all of the following: 1. The commissioner must designate a state agency to become a licensed wholesale distributor or contract with a licensed wholesale distributor and to seek federal certification and approval to import prescription drugs. 2. The program must comply with certain federal regulations and import from Canadian suppliers only prescription drugs that are not brand-name drugs, have fewer than four competitor drugs in this country, and for which importation creates substantial savings. 3. The commissioner must ensure that prescription drugs imported under the program are not distributed, dispensed, or sold outside of Wisconsin. LRB-1423/1 JPC:all 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 50 4. The program must have an audit procedure to ensure the program complies with certain requirements specified in the bill. Before submitting the proposed program to the federal government for certification, the commissioner must submit the proposed program to the Joint Committee on Finance for its approval. Pharmacy benefits tool grants The bill directs OCI to award grants in an amount of up to $500,000 in each fiscal year to health care providers to develop and implement a patient pharmacy benefits tool that would allow prescribers to disclose the cost of prescription drugs for patients. The tool must be usable by physicians and other prescribers to determine the cost of prescription drugs for their patients. Any health care provider that receives a grant to develop and implement a patient pharmacy benefits tool is required to contribute matching funds equal to at least 50 percent of the total grant awarded. Prescription drug purchasing entity study The bill requires OCI to conduct a study on the viability of creating or implementing a state prescription drug purchasing entity. Licensure of pharmacy services administrative organizations The bill requires that a pharmacy services administrative organization (PSAO) be licensed by OCI. Under the bill, a PSAO is an entity operating in Wisconsin that does all of the following: 1. Contracts with an independent pharmacy to conduct business on the pharmacy[s behalf with a third-party payer. 2. Provides at least one administrative service to an independent pharmacy and negotiates and enters into a contract with a third-party payer or pharmacy benefit manager on the pharmacy[s behalf. The bill defines Xindependent pharmacyY to mean a licensed pharmacy operating in Wisconsin that is under common ownership with no more than two other pharmacies. XAdministrative serviceY is defined to mean assisting with claims or audits, providing centralized payment, performing certification in a specialized care program, providing compliance support, setting flat fees for generic drugs, assisting with store layout, managing inventory, providing marketing support, providing management and analysis of payment and drug dispensing data, or providing resources for retail cash cards. The bill defines Xthird-party payerY to mean an entity operating in Wisconsin that pays or insures health, medical, or prescription drug expenses on behalf of beneficiaries. The bill uses the current law definition of Xpharmacy benefit manager,Y which is an entity doing business in Wisconsin that contracts to administer or manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of an insurer or other entity that provides prescription drug benefits to Wisconsin residents. To obtain the license required by the bill, a person must apply to OCI and provide the contact information for the applicant and a contact person, evidence of LRB-1423/1 JPC:all 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 50 financial responsibility of at least $1,000,000, and any other information required by the commissioner by rule. Under the bill, the license fee is set by the commissioner, and the term of a license is two years. The bill also requires that a PSAO disclose to OCI the extent of any ownership or control by an entity that provides pharmacy services; provides prescription drug or device services; or manufactures, sells, or distributes prescription drugs, biologicals, or medical devices. The PSAO must notify OCI within five days of any material change in its ownership or control related to such an entity. Licensure of pharmaceutical representatives The bill requires a pharmaceutical representative to be licensed by OCI and to display the pharmaceutical representative[s license during each visit with a health care professional. The bill defines Xpharmaceutical representativeY to mean an individual who markets or promotes pharmaceuticals to health care professionals on behalf of a pharmaceutical manufacturer for compensation. The term of a license issued under the bill is one year, and the license is renewable. The application to obtain or renew a license must include the applicant[s contact information, a description of the type of work in which the applicant will engage, the license fee, an attestation that professional education requirements are met, proof that any penalties and other fees are paid, and any other information required by OCI by rule. Under the bill, the license fee is set by the commissioner. The bill requires the pharmaceutical representative to report, within four business days, any change to the information provided on the application or any material change to the pharmaceutical representative[s business operations or other information required to be reported under the bill. The bill requires that a pharmaceutical representative complete a professional education course prior to becoming licensed and to annually complete at least five hours of continuing professional education courses. The coursework must include, at a minimum, training in ethical standards, whistleblower protections, and the laws and rules applicable to pharmaceutical marketing. The bill directs the commissioner to regularly publish a list of courses that fulfill the education requirements. Under the bill, a course provider must disclose any conflict of interest to the commissioner, and the courses may not be provided by the employer of a pharmaceutical representative or be funded by the pharmaceutical industry or a third party funded by the industry. The bill requires that, no later than June 1 of each year, a pharmaceutical representative report to OCI the pharmaceutical representative[s total number of contacts with health care professionals in Wisconsin, the specialties of those health care professionals, the location and duration of each contact, the pharmaceuticals discussed, and the value of any item provided to a health care professional. The bill directs the commissioner to publish the information on OCI[s website without identifying individual health care professionals. The bill requires that a pharmaceutical representative, during each contact with a health care professional, disclose the wholesale acquisition cost of any LRB-1423/1 JPC:all 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 50 pharmaceuticals discussed and the names of at least three generic prescription drugs from the same therapeutic class. The bill directs the commissioner to promulgate ethical standards for pharmaceutical representatives. Additionally, the bill prohibits a pharmaceutical representative from engaging in deceptive or misleading marketing of a pharmaceutical product; using a title or designation that could reasonably lead a licensed health care professional, or an employee or representative of such a professional, to believe that the pharmaceutical representative is licensed to practice in a health occupation unless the pharmaceutical representative holds a license to practice in that health occupation; or attending a patient examination without the patient[s consent. An individual who violates any of the requirements under the bill is subject to a forfeiture, and the individual[s license may be suspended or revoked. An individual whose license is revoked must wait at least two years before applying for a new license. Insulin safety net programs The bill requires insulin manufacturers to establish a program under which qualifying Wisconsin residents who are in urgent need of insulin and are uninsured or have limited insurance coverage can be dispensed insulin at a pharmacy. An individual is in urgent need of insulin if the individual needs insulin in order to avoid the likelihood of suffering a significant health consequence and possesses less than a seven-day supply of insulin readily available for use. Under the program, if a qualifying individual in urgent need of insulin provides a pharmacy with a form attesting that the individual meets the program[s eligibility requirements, specified proof of residency, and a valid insulin prescription, the pharmacy must dispense a 30-day supply of insulin to the individual and may charge the individual a copayment of no more than $35. The pharmacy may submit an electronic payment claim for the insulin[s acquisition cost to the manufacturer or agree to receive a replacement of the same insulin in the amount dispensed. The bill also requires that each insulin manufacturer establish a patient assistance program to make insulin available to any qualifying Wisconsin resident who, among other requirements, is uninsured or has limited insurance coverage and whose family income does not exceed 400 percent of the federal poverty line. Under the bill, an individual must apply to participate in a manufacturer[s program. If the manufacturer determines that the individual meets the program[s eligibility requirements, the manufacturer must issue the individual a statement of eligibility, which is valid for 12 months and may be renewed. Under the bill, if an individual with a statement of eligibility and valid insulin prescription requests insulin from a pharmacy, the pharmacy must submit an order to the manufacturer, who must then provide a 90-day supply of insulin at no charge to the individual or pharmacy. The pharmacy may charge the individual a copayment of no more than $50. Under the bill, a manufacturer is not required to issue a statement of eligibility if the individual has prescription drug coverage through an individual or LRB-1423/1 JPC:all 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 50 group health plan and the manufacturer determines that the individual[s insulin needs are better addressed through the manufacturer[s copayment assistance program. In such case, the manufacturer must provide the individual with necessary drug coupons to submit to a pharmacy, and the individual may not be required to pay more than a $50 copayment for a 90-day supply of insulin. Under the bill, if the manufacturer determines that an individual is not eligible for the patient assistance program, the individual may file an appeal with OCI. The bill directs OCI to establish procedures for deciding appeals. Under the bill, OCI must issue a decision within 10 days, and that decision is final. The bill requires that insulin manufacturers annually report to OCI certain information, including the number of individuals served and the cost of insulin dispensed under the programs and that OCI annually report to the governor and the legislature on the programs. The bill also directs OCI to conduct public outreach and develop an information sheet about the programs, conduct satisfaction surveys of individuals and pharmacies that participate in the programs, and report to the governor and the legislature on the surveys by July 1, 2028. Additionally, the bill requires that OCI develop a training program for health care navigators to assist individuals in accessing appropriate long-term insulin options and maintain a list of trained navigators. The bill provides that a manufacturer that fails to comply with the bill[s provisions may be assessed a forfeiture of up to noncompliance, which increases to $400,000 per month if the manufacturer continues to be in noncompliance after six months and to $600,000 per month if the manufacturer continues to be in noncompliance after one year. The bill[s requirements do not apply to manufacturers with annual insulin sales revenue in Wisconsin of no more than $2,000,000 or to insulin that costs less than a specified dollar amount. Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board The bill creates a Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board, whose purpose is to protect Wisconsin residents and other stakeholders from the high costs of prescription drugs. The board consists of the commissioner of insurance and the following members, all of whom are appointed by the governor for four-year terms: 1. Two members who represent the pharmaceutical drug industry, at least one of whom is a licensed pharmacist. 2. Two members who represent the health insurance industry. 3. Two members who represent the health care industry, at least one of whom is a licensed practitioner. 4. Two members who represent the interests of the public. The bill requires the board to meet in open session at least four times per year to review prescription drug pricing information. The board must provide at least two weeks[ public notice of each meeting, make the meeting[s materials publicly available at least one week prior to the meeting, and provide the opportunity for LRB-1423/1 JPC:all $200,000 per month of 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 50 public comment. The bill imposes conflict of interest requirements for the board relating to recusal and public disclosure of certain conflicts. The bill directs the board to access and assess drug pricing information, to the extent practicable, by accessing and assessing information from other states, by assessing spending for the drug in Wisconsin, and by accessing other available pricing information. Under the bill, the board must conduct drug cost affordability reviews. The board must identify prescription drugs whose launch wholesale acquisition cost exceeds specified thresholds, prescription drugs whose increase in wholesale acquisition cost exceeds specified thresholds, and other prescription drugs that may create affordability challenges for the health care system in Wisconsin. For each identified prescription drug, the board must determine whether to conduct an affordability review by seeking stakeholder input and considering the average patient cost share for the drug. During an affordability review, the board must determine whether use of the prescription drug that is fully consistent with the labeling approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration or standard medical practice has led or will lead to an affordability challenge for the health care system in Wisconsin. In making this determination, the bill requires the board to consider a variety of factors, which include the following: 1. The drug[s wholesale acquisition cost. 2. The average monetary price concession, discount, or rebate the manufacturer provides, or is expected to provide, for the drug to health plans. 3. The total amount of price concessions, discounts, and rebates the manufacturer provides to each pharmacy benefit manager for the drug. 4. The price at which therapeutic alternatives have been sold and the average monetary concession, discount, or rebate the manufacturer provides, or is expected to provide, to health plan payors and pharmacy benefit managers for therapeutic alternatives. 5. The costs to health plans based on patient access consistent with federal labeled indications and recognized standard medical practice. 6. The impact on patient access resulting from the drug[s cost relative to insurance benefit design. 7. The current or expected dollar value of drug-specific patient access programs that are supported by the manufacturer. 8. The relative financial impacts to health, medical, or social services costs that can be quantified and compared to baseline effects of existing therapeutic alternatives. 9. The average patient copay or other cost sharing for the drug. If the board determines that a prescription drug will lead to an affordability challenge, the bill directs the board to establish an upper payment limit for that drug that applies to all purchases and payor reimbursements of the drug dispensed or administered to individuals in Wisconsin. In establishing the upper payment limit, the board must consider the cost of administering the drug, the cost of delivering it to consumers, and other relevant administrative costs. For certain LRB-1423/1 JPC:all 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 50 drugs, the board must solicit information from the manufacturer regarding the price increase and, if the board determines that the price increase is not a result of the need for increased manufacturing capacity or other effort to improve patient access during a public health emergency, the board must establish an upper payment limit equal to the drug[s cost prior to the price increase. Further, this bill provides $500,000 in program revenue in fiscal year 2026]27 for onetime implementation costs associated with establishing an Office of Prescription Drug Affordability in OCI. The bill provides that the Office of Prescription Drug Affordability is responsible for prescription drug affordability programming within OCI and for overseeing the operations of the Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board. Additionally, the bill authorizes and funds for fiscal year 2026]27 16.0 positions for the Office of Prescription Drug Affordability. Finally, the bill credits to the appropriation account for OCI[s general program operations all moneys received from the regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, pharmacy benefit management brokers, pharmacy benefit management consultants, pharmacy services administrative organizations, and pharmaceutical sales representatives. This proposal may contain a health insurance mandate requiring a social and financial impact report under s. 601.423, stats. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. In Committee
SJR10 Proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month. Relating to: proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month. In Committee
AJR3 Proclaiming January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in the state of Wisconsin. Relating to: proclaiming January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in the state of Wisconsin. In Committee
SJR3 Proclaiming January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in the state of Wisconsin. Relating to: proclaiming January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in the state of Wisconsin. In Committee
Bill Bill Name Motion Vote Date Vote
SB10 Access to public high schools for military recruiters. Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB10 Access to public high schools for military recruiters. Senate: Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SB41 School safety grants and making an appropriation. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB41 School safety grants and making an appropriation. (FE) Senate: Senate Amendment 2 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SB41 School safety grants and making an appropriation. (FE) Senate: Senate Amendment 1 adopted 06/18/2025 Nay
SB41 School safety grants and making an appropriation. (FE) Senate: Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
AB85 Recommendation to revoke extended supervision, parole, or probation if a person is charged with a crime. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and concurred in 06/18/2025 Nay
AB87 Restitution orders following a conviction for human trafficking and restoration of the right to vote to a person barred from voting as a result of a felony conviction. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and concurred in 06/18/2025 Nay
SB108 Sharing minors’ safety plans. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB108 Sharing minors’ safety plans. (FE) Senate: Senate Amendment 1 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SB108 Sharing minors’ safety plans. (FE) Senate: Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SB94 Civil action for injury or damages resulting from riot or vandalism, participation in a riot, prohibiting certain limitations or restrictions on law enforcement responses to riot or vandalism activity, and providing a penalty. Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB111 Transportation of minors for emergency detention. Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB111 Transportation of minors for emergency detention. Senate: Senate Amendment 2 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SB111 Transportation of minors for emergency detention. Senate: Senate Amendment 1 adopted 06/18/2025 Nay
SB111 Transportation of minors for emergency detention. Senate: Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SB106 Psychiatric residential treatment facilities, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB106 Psychiatric residential treatment facilities, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. Senate: Senate Amendment 2 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SB106 Psychiatric residential treatment facilities, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. Senate: Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
AB140 Limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Port Washington. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and concurred in 06/18/2025 Yea
SB179 Applying the motor vehicle fuel tax supplier’s administrative allowance to diesel fuel, a motor vehicle fuel tax refund for evaporation losses, and making an appropriation. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB184 Governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device. Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB182 Emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB182 Emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE) Senate: Senate Amendment 2 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SB182 Emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE) Senate: Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SB232 Grants to child advocacy centers. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Yea
AB269 Delivery network couriers and transportation network drivers, Department of Financial Institutions’ approval to offer portable benefit accounts, providing for insurance coverage, modifying administrative rules related to accident and sickness insurance, and granting rule-making authority. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and concurred in 06/18/2025 Nay
SB278 Sunset of the community-oriented policing-house grant program. Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Yea
SB279 Grants to law enforcement agencies for data-sharing platforms. Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB283 Public protective services hearing protection assistance. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 06/18/2025 Nay
SB283 Public protective services hearing protection assistance. (FE) Senate: Senate Amendment 2 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SB283 Public protective services hearing protection assistance. (FE) Senate: Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected 06/18/2025 Nay
SR5 Notifying the assembly and the governor that Timothy La Sage is elected senate sergeant at arms of the 2025-2026 senate. Senate: Adopted 06/18/2025 Nay
SR5 Notifying the assembly and the governor that Timothy La Sage is elected senate sergeant at arms of the 2025-2026 senate. Senate: Refused to refer to committee on Senate Organization 06/18/2025 Yea
SB33 Representations depicting nudity and providing a penalty. Senate: Read a third time and passed 05/15/2025 Yea
SB56 The use of federal capitalization grant funds for lead service line replacement. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 05/15/2025 Nay
SB56 The use of federal capitalization grant funds for lead service line replacement. (FE) Senate: Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate 05/15/2025 Nay
SB56 The use of federal capitalization grant funds for lead service line replacement. (FE) Senate: Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected 05/15/2025 Nay
AB73 Statutory recognition of specialized treatment court and commercial court dockets. Senate: Read a third time and concurred in 05/15/2025 Nay
AB73 Statutory recognition of specialized treatment court and commercial court dockets. Senate: Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate 05/15/2025 Nay
SB96 Exempting certain electric vehicle charging stations located at a residence from the electric vehicle charging tax. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 05/15/2025 Yea
SB125 A nuclear power siting study and time limits for taking final action on certain certificate of public convenience and necessity applications. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 05/15/2025 Yea
SB125 A nuclear power siting study and time limits for taking final action on certain certificate of public convenience and necessity applications. (FE) Senate: Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate 05/15/2025 Nay
SB146 Prohibiting persons who have been convicted of a violent crime from changing their name and providing a penalty. Senate: Read a third time and passed 05/15/2025 Nay
SJR48 Congratulating Knights of Columbus Council 499 for achieving a century of compassionate commitment to service of the Church, their community, and their fellow man. Senate: Adopted 05/15/2025 Yea
SB23 Extension of eligibility under the Medical Assistance program for postpartum women. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 04/22/2025 Yea
SB24 Limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in, and the lifespan of, a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Middleton. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and passed 04/22/2025 Yea
SB66 Registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty. Senate: Read a third time and passed 04/22/2025 Yea
SB66 Registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty. Senate: Senate Amendment 1 rejected 04/22/2025 Nay
SB76 Dismissing or amending certain criminal charges and deferred prosecution agreements for certain crimes. Senate: Read a third time and passed 04/22/2025 Nay
SR3 Notifying the assembly and the governor that Cyrus Anderson is elected senate chief clerk of the 2025-2026 senate. Senate: Adopted 04/22/2025 Yea
SB5 Battery or threat to jurors and providing a penalty. Senate: Read a third time and passed 03/18/2025 Yea
SB4 Agreements for direct primary care. Senate: Read a third time and passed 03/18/2025 Nay
SB4 Agreements for direct primary care. Senate: Senate Amendment 1 rejected 03/18/2025 Nay
AB1 Changes to the educational assessment program and the school and school district accountability report. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and concurred in 03/18/2025 Nay
SB25 Court-issued criminal complaints in officer-involved deaths. Senate: Read a third time and passed 03/18/2025 Nay
SJR7 Recognizing that the Wisconsin State Legislature supports nuclear power and fusion energy as clean energy sources that are critical to safely meeting Wisconsin’s growing energy demands and declaring the legislature’s commitment to the continuation and expansion of nuclear power and nuclear technologies, the development of nuclear technologies and fusion energy, and employing the leadership and resources necessary to support the development of and investment in nuclear power, fusion energy, and r Senate: Adopted 03/18/2025 Yea
AB96 Ratification of the agreement negotiated between the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee, for the 2024-25 fiscal year, covering employees in the building trades crafts collective bargaining unit, and authorizing an expenditure of funds. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and concurred in 03/18/2025 Yea
AB94 Ratification of the agreement negotiated between the State of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee, for the 2024-25 fiscal year, covering employees in the building trades crafts collective bargaining unit, and authorizing an expenditure of funds. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and concurred in 03/18/2025 Yea
AB95 Ratification of the agreement negotiated between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee, for the 2024-25 fiscal year, covering employees in the building trades crafts collective bargaining unit, and authorizing an expenditure of funds. (FE) Senate: Read a third time and concurred in 03/18/2025 Yea
SJR2 Requiring photographic identification to vote in any election (second consideration). Senate: Read a third time and adopted 01/08/2025 Nay
SR1 Notifying the assembly and the governor that the 2025-2026 senate is organized. Senate: Adopted 01/06/2025 Nay
SJR1 The session schedule for the 2025-2026 biennial session period. Senate: Adopted 01/06/2025 Nay
  Committee Position Rank
Detail Wisconsin Joint Employment Relations Committee 4
Detail Wisconsin Joint Legislative Council 8
Detail Wisconsin Joint Legislative Organization Committee 4
Detail Wisconsin Senate Organization Committee 1
State District Chamber Party Status Start Date End Date
WI Wisconsin Senate District 27 Senate Democrat In Office 01/03/2023
WI Wisconsin Assembly District 79 Assembly Democrat Out of Office 01/07/2013 01/16/2024