Legislator
Legislator > Dan Knodl
State Representative
Dan Knodl
(R) - Wisconsin
Wisconsin Assembly District 24
In Office - Started: 01/06/2025
contact info
Capitol Office
P.O. Box 8952
State Capitol, 2 E. Main St.
Madison, WI 53707
State Capitol, 2 E. Main St.
Madison, WI 53707
Phone: 608-237-9124
Phone 2: 888-529-0024
| Bill | Bill Name | Summary | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| AB253 | Independence accounts. (FE) | This bill requires the Department of Health Services to allow an individual to deposit up to $15,000 of the individual[s gross earnings in an independence account over a 12-month period. Further, the bill prohibits DHS from including assets acquired by an individual by inheritance when determining the individual[s financial eligibility for Medical Assistance benefits under the Medical Assistance purchase plan. Under current law, an independence account is an account approved by DHS that consists solely of savings, dividends, other gains derived from those savings, and income earned from paid employment after the date on which the individual began receiving Medical Assistance benefits under the Medical Assistance purchase plan. The Medical Assistance purchase plan is a subprogram of the Medical Assistance program that allows individuals who have a qualifying disability and who are working or who want to work to remain eligible for Medical Assistance benefits. To be eligible for benefits under the Medical Assistance purchase plan, among other things, an individual[s assets must not exceed $15,000, but assets accumulated in an independence account are excluded from the calculation. The Medical Assistance program is a joint state and federal 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 |
| SB252 | Independence accounts. (FE) | This bill requires the Department of Health Services to allow an individual to deposit up to $15,000 of the individual[s gross earnings in an independence account over a 12-month period. Further, the bill prohibits DHS from including assets acquired by an individual by inheritance when determining the individual[s financial eligibility for Medical Assistance benefits under the Medical Assistance purchase plan. Under current law, an independence account is an account approved by DHS that consists solely of savings, dividends, other gains derived from those savings, and income earned from paid employment after the date on which the individual began receiving Medical Assistance benefits under the Medical Assistance purchase plan. The Medical Assistance purchase plan is a subprogram of the Medical Assistance program that allows individuals who have a qualifying disability and who are working or who want to work to remain eligible for Medical Assistance benefits. To be eligible for benefits under the Medical Assistance purchase plan, among other things, an individual[s assets must not exceed $15,000, but assets accumulated in an independence account are excluded from the calculation. The Medical Assistance program is a joint state and federal program that provides health services to individuals who have limited financial resources. LRB-0174/1 JPC:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 252 For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB81 | Excluding expenditures funded by referenda from shared costs for the purpose of determining equalization aid for school districts. (FE) | Under current law, a school district[s shared cost is one of the factors used to calculate a school district[s equalization aid. Generally, under current law, a school district[s shared cost is the sum of the school district[s expenditures from its general fund and its debt service fund. Under this bill, expenditures from either a school district[s general fund or debt service fund that are authorized by 1) an operating referendum held after the date on which this bill becomes law to exceed the school district[s revenue limit by more than $50,000,000 or 2) a capital referendum held after the date on which this bill becomes law to borrow more than $50,000,000 are excluded from the school district[s shared cost, unless the school district was a negative tertiary school district in the previous school year. A school district is a negative tertiary school district if its equalized valuation exceeds the tertiary guaranteed valuation per member. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB291 | Making certain child care expenditures eligible for the business development tax credit. (FE) | Under current law, a business may receive a refundable business development tax credit for an amount equal to up to 15 percent of the business[s investment in establishing an employee child care program for employees. Such investments may include only capital expenditures made by the person. Because the credit is refundable, if the credit exceeds the claimant[s tax liability, the claimant will receive the difference as a refund check. Under this bill, a business may receive a credit for an amount of up to 15 percent of the business[s costs incurred to provide child care services for employees. XCosts incurred to provide child care services for employeesY includes capital expenditures made to establish a child care program for employees, expenditures for the operation of a child care program for employees, expenditures to reimburse employees for child care expenses, expenditures to purchase or reserve child care slots on behalf of employees, contributions made by an employer to an employee[s LRB-2366/1 MDE&KP:skw&cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 291 dependent care flexible spending account, and any other cost or expense incurred due to a benefit provided by an employer to facilitate the provision or utilization by employees of child care services. The bill also provides that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation may certify a nonprofit entity described under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code for the business development tax credit for expenditures on providing child care services to employees. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB283 | Making certain child care expenditures eligible for the business development tax credit. (FE) | Under current law, a business may receive a refundable business development tax credit for an amount equal to up to 15 percent of the business[s investment in establishing an employee child care program for employees. Such investments may include only capital expenditures made by the person. Because the credit is refundable, if the credit exceeds the claimant[s tax liability, the claimant will receive the difference as a refund check. Under this bill, a business may receive a credit for an amount of up to 15 percent of the business[s costs incurred to provide child care services for employees. XCosts incurred to provide child care services for employeesY includes capital expenditures made to establish a child care program for employees, expenditures for the operation of a child care program for employees, expenditures to reimburse employees for child care expenses, expenditures to purchase or reserve child care slots on behalf of employees, contributions made by an employer to an employee[s dependent care flexible spending account, and any other cost or expense incurred due to a benefit provided by an employer to facilitate the provision or utilization by employees of child care services. The bill also provides that the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation may certify a nonprofit entity described under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code for the business development tax credit for expenditures on providing child care services to employees. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB313 | Providing permanency plan and comments to out-of-home care providers in advance of a permanency plan review or hearing. (FE) | Under current law, when a child is the subject of a child or juvenile in need of protection or services (CHIPS or JIPS) proceeding, the county social or human services department, a child welfare agency, or, if the child or juvenile is located in Milwaukee County, the Department of Children and Families is required to prepare a permanency plan for the child. The permanency plan is reviewed every six months either by a review panel or at a court hearing. Before the review or hearing, the agency is required to provide a copy of the plan, and any written comments that the agency receives about the plan, to the following people: the members of the review panel; the child[s parent, guardian, or legal custodian; the person representing the interests of the public; the child[s counsel, guardian ad litem, or court-appointed special advocate; and, if the child is an Indian child who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian, the child[s Indian custodian and tribe. This bill allows an agency to provide a copy of a child[s permanency plan and LRB-3305/1 MDE:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 313 comments on the plan to a child[s out-of-home care provider in the context of a permanency review and a permanency hearing. An out-of-home care provider includes a foster parent, guardian, relative other than a parent, nonrelative in whose home a child or juvenile is placed, and operator of a group home, residential care center for children and youth, or shelter care facility in which a child or juvenile is placed. Under this bill, any information that is required to remain confidential under federal or state law must be redacted from the permanency plan before it is provided to the out-of-home care provider. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB365 | Fleet registration of certain motor vehicles. (FE) | Under current law, an owner of a fleet of 10 or more automobiles or motor trucks with a gross weight of not more than 8,000 pounds may register the vehicles as a fleet. This bill allows 10 or more of any combination of the following, with some exceptions, to be registered as a fleet: 1. Motor trucks with a gross weight of between 8,001 and 54,000 pounds. 2. Truck tractors or road tractors with a gross weight of between 4,500 and 54,000 pounds. 3. Trailers with a gross weight of not more than 80,000 pounds. Vehicles registered as a fleet are subject to the same annual registration fee as regularly applies to the type of vehicle, plus a onetime initial issuance fee of $8.50 for each vehicle. The Department of Transportation must provide, to the extent feasible, all vehicles registered as part of a particular fleet with the same registration expiration date. Under current law, for fleet vehicles DOT must issue registration plates of a LRB-3534/1 EVM:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 365 distinctive design with the word XFleetY embossed on the plate. The bill eliminates the requirement that the word be embossed. The bill also eliminates a provision in current law allowing for fleet registration of a fleet of 100 or more trailers. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB348 | The minimum age of assistant child care teachers. | Under current law, the Department of Children and Families regulates child care providers and is required to promulgate rules to carry out that function. Under rules promulgated by DCF, a person hired by a licensed child care center to be an assistant child care teacher must be at least 18 or 17 years old, depending on the qualifications the person meets. An assistant child care teacher or school-age group leader who is at least 18 years old and has completed the training required for the position may provide sole supervision to a group of school-age children for up to 45 minutes if there is a qualified school-age program leader or child care teacher on the premises, and an assistant child care teacher may provide sole supervision to a group of children in full-day centers for up to two hours during opening and closing hours and during the center[s designated naptime. This bill provides in the statutes that a licensed child care center may hire an individual to be an assistant child care teacher if the individual is at least 16 years old and has completed early childhood education training. The bill maintains the current law requirements for assistant child care teachers providing sole supervision to a group of children and adds that an assistant child care teacher may only provide sole supervision to a group of children in a full-day center if there is a child care teacher on the premises. | In Committee |
| AB323 | Ratification of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. (FE) | This bill ratifies and enters Wisconsin into the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, which provides for the ability of a cosmetologist to become eligible to practice in other compact states. Significant provisions of the compact include the following: 1. The creation of a Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission, which includes one administrator of the cosmetology licensure authority of each member state. The commission has various powers and duties granted in the compact, including adopting bylaws, promulgating binding 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 who receive multistate licenses to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the commission and its staff. 2. The ability for a cosmetologist to obtain a Xmultistate license,Y which allows a cosmetologist who satisfies certain criteria to practice cosmetology in other member states (remote states) under the remote state[s scope of practice laws and rules of the remote state[s licensing authority. The compact specifies a number of requirements in order for a cosmetologist to obtain a multistate license, including holding an unencumbered cosmetology license in his or her primary state of residence (home state) and paying any required fees. A remote state may, in accordance with that state[s laws, take adverse action against a cosmetologist[s authorization to practice cosmetology in the remote state. If a cosmetologist[s home state takes adverse action against the cosmetologist[s license, the cosmetologist[s authorization to practice in all other member states is deactivated until all encumbrances have been removed from the home state license. 3. The ability of member states to issue subpoenas that are enforceable in other states. 4. The creation of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and the reporting of the existence of investigative information on a) cosmetologists and b) applicants denied a cosmetologist license. The compact requires information related to adverse actions to be shared with the commission and other member states, through the data system and otherwise. 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 among 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 upon enactment by 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 enactment of that repeal. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB349 | Allowing certified child care operators to provide care to up to six children. (FE) | Under current law, a person must obtain a license from the Department of Children and Families in order to, for compensation including payments under Wisconsin Shares, provide care and supervision for four or more children under the age of seven for less than 24 hours a day. A person who provides care for fewer than four children under the age of seven for less than 24 hours a day may receive Wisconsin Shares payments if the person is certified by DCF. Under current DCF rules, a person certified by DCF, called a certified child care operator, may care for up to three children who are unrelated to the operator and up to six children in total. Under this bill, certified child care operators may care for up to six children under the age of seven in total, regardless of whether the children are related to the operator. | In Committee |
| AB353 | Price transparency in hospitals, restricting certain debt collection actions against patients, and providing a penalty. (FE) | This bill creates several requirements for a hospital to provide cost information for certain items and services provided by the hospital and restricts certain legal actions against a patient that seek judgment for debts owed on hospital items and services provided to the patient if the hospital that provided the item or service is not in compliance with applicable price transparency requirements. The bill provides that the Department of Health Services must enforce federal hospital price transparency requirements for hospitals. If the secretary of health services determines that the federal hospital price transparency requirements are no longer substantially enforceable in this state, the bill directs the secretary of health services to submit a notice to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register that the federal hospital price transparency requirements are no longer substantially enforceable in this state. If the secretary of health services submits such a notice, the bill provides that DHS must instead enforce the other hospital price transparency requirements established in the bill, beginning on the first day of the fourth month beginning after the notice is published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register. The hospital price transparency requirements established in the bill would require each hospital to make publicly available a digital file in a machine-readable format that contains a list of standard charges for certain items and services provided by the hospital and a consumer-friendly list of standard charges for certain shoppable services. XStandard chargeY is defined to mean the regular rate established by the hospital for an item or service provided to a specific group of paying patients and includes certain price information, including the gross charge, the payer-specific negotiated charge, and the discounted cash price. XShoppable serviceY is defined to mean a service that may be scheduled by a health care consumer in advance. Every time a hospital updates the list of standard charges or the consumer-friendly list of standard charges for shoppable services, the hospital must submit the updated list to DHS. The list of standard charges must be available at all times to the public in a machine-readable format, must be displayed in a prominent location on the home page of the hospital[s website, and must include certain information, including a description of each hospital item or service provided and any code used by the hospital for purposes of accounting or billing. Further, the list of standard charges must meet certain criteria, including that the list must be available free of charge and without having to establish a user account or password, that the list is available without having to submit personal identifying information, that the list is digitally searchable, and that the list is accessible to a commercial operator of an Internet search engine as necessary for the search engine to index the list and display the list as a result in response to a search query of a user of the search engine. The list of standard charges must be updated at least once each year. The consumer-friendly list of standard charges for shoppable services must be publicly available and must contain standard charge information for each of at least 300 shoppable services provided by the hospital. The bill allows a hospital to select the shoppable services to be included in the list, except that the list must include either the 70 services specified as shoppable services by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or, if the hospital does not provide all of the shoppable services specified by CMS, as many of the 70 services specified as shoppable services by CMS as the hospital provides. If a hospital does not provide at least 300 shoppable services, the bill requires the hospital to maintain a list of all shoppable services that the hospital provides. The consumer-friendly list of standard charges for shoppable services must include certain information, including certain price information and a plain-language description of each shoppable service included on the list, whether each hospital location provides the shoppable service and whether the standard charges included in the list apply at that location, and whether one or more of the shoppable services specified by CMS is not provided by the hospital. The consumer-friendly list of standard charges for shoppable services must meet certain criteria, including that the list is available free of charge without having to establish a user account or password, that the list is searchable by service description, billing code, and payer, and that the list is accessible to a common commercial operator of an Internet search engine as necessary for the search engine to index the list and display the list as a result in response to a search query of a user of the search engine. The consumer-friendly list of standard charges for shoppable services must be updated at least once each year. Under the bill, regardless of whether the federal hospital price transparency requirements or the requirements established in the bill apply, DHS must monitor each hospital[s compliance with the applicable price transparency requirements specified in the bill by evaluating complaints, reviewing any analysis prepared regarding noncompliance, auditing the websites of hospitals, or confirming that each hospital submitted the required lists. If DHS determines that a hospital is not in compliance with any of the price transparency requirements specified in the bill, the bill requires DHS to take certain actions, including providing a written notice to the hospital, requesting a corrective action plan from the hospital, or imposing a penalty. The bill requires DHS to maintain a publicly available list of any hospital that has been found to have violated any of the price transparency requirements specified in the bill, including the dates that the hospital was not in compliance. Finally, the bill provides that any party seeking judgment against a patient for a debt owed for hospital items or services that are purchased for or provided to the patient by a hospital shall file a certification under oath to the court stating that the hospital that provided the hospital items or services to the patient is not, according to the publicly available list maintained by DHS, out of compliance with the applicable price transparency requirements as of the date of the certification before judgment may be entered in favor of the party seeking judgment. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB329 | Operation of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles and revision of the Department of Transportation highway maintenance manual. | This bill makes numerous changes to laws relating to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), and snowmobiles. Careless operation of an ATV or UTV Current law prohibits a person from operating an ATV or UTV in any careless way that endangers the person or property of another. The bill prohibits a person from operating an ATV or UTV in any careless, reckless, or negligent manner so as to impair the life, person, or property of another. Under the bill, for a violation of this prohibition that results in impairment of the property of another, the court may hold the defendant liable for treble damages, to be recovered by the person responsible for maintenance of the property, and may order the defendant to restore, rebuild, repair, or replace the property. ATV and UTV operation on a bridge, culvert, or railroad right-of-way Under current law generally, a person may not operate an ATV or UTV on a highway. However, a person may operate an ATV or UTV on the shoulder or roadway of a highway to cross a bridge that is no more than 1,000 feet long if the operation complies with a local ordinance that applies to the bridge. Current law requires that such an ordinance require a person to stop his or her ATV or UTV before crossing the bridge. The bill eliminates the 1,000-foot limitation and expands this authorization to include culverts and railroad rights-of-way. Equipment required on ATVs and UTVs Current law requires ATVs and UTVs to be equipped with a headlamp and a tail lamp. The bill requires ATVs and UTVs to be equipped also with a brake light. The bill also requires all required lights to be in working condition and prohibits operation of an ATV or UTV unless required headlamps and tail lamps are lighted. Current law also requires ATVs and UTVs to be equipped with a brake operated either by hand or by foot. The bill specifies that the brake must be functioning. Duty to render aid The bill provides that the operator of an ATV or UTV involved in an accident must render aid to other persons involved in the accident and provide their name, address, and ATV or UTV information to any person injured in the accident and to any owner of property damaged in the accident. Emergency operation of ATVs and UTVs The bill provides that ATVs and UTVs may be operated on any roadway if the operation is for emergency purposes during a period of emergency declared by the governmental agency having jurisdiction over the roadway. Authorized emergency vehicles Under current law, Xauthorized emergency vehicleY is defined to include vehicles operated by various entities, such as law enforcement officers, fire departments, conservation wardens, and ambulance services. The bill expands the definition of Xauthorized emergency vehicleY to include ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles operated by these same entities and to include OHMs operated by law enforcement officers and conservation wardens. Patrol vehicles The bill creates definitions for Xpatrol all-terrain vehicle,Y Xpatrol utility terrain vehicle,Y Xpatrol off-highway motorcycle,Y and Xpatrol snowmobile,Y which are ATVs, UTVs, OHMs, and snowmobiles that are owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with required sirens and lights. The bill exempts patrol ATVs, UTVs, OHMs, and snowmobiles from certain operation limitations, such as speed and proximity to highways while responding to emergencies or violations of the law, subject to specified use of sirens and lights. Revision to highway maintenance manual Under current law, no state trunk highway or connecting highway may be designated as an ATV route without Department of Transportation approval. DOT standards for ATV route approval are detailed in DOT[s Highway Maintenance Manual (HMM), which includes policies, technical information, administrative direction, and operational information for administration of DOT[s highway maintenance program. The HMM currently provides that requests for ATV routes or trails to use short segments of state trunk highways for the purpose of connecting to businesses may not be approved. The bill requires DOT to revise the HMM to remove these provisions. | In Committee |
| AB327 | The weight limit for utility terrain vehicles. | This bill raises from 3,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds the maximum weight allowable for a motor driven device to be classified as a utility terrain vehicle (UTV). Under current law, a UTV is defined as a commercially designed and manufactured motor driven device, other than a golf cart, low-speed vehicle, dune buggy, mini-truck, or tracked vehicle, that is designed to be used primarily off of a highway and that was manufactured to meet certain size and equipment specifications. Current law specifications limit UTVs to a weight, without fluids, of not more than 3,000 pounds. | In Committee |
| AB346 | Fleet registration of certain motor vehicles. (FE) | Under current law, an owner of a fleet of 10 or more automobiles or motor trucks with a gross weight of not more than 8,000 pounds may register the vehicles as a fleet. This bill allows 10 or more of any combination of the following, with some exceptions, to be registered as a fleet: 1. Motor trucks with a gross weight of between 8,001 and 54,000 pounds. 2. Truck tractors or road tractors with a gross weight of between 4,500 and 54,000 pounds. 3. Trailers with a gross weight of not more than 80,000 pounds. Vehicles registered as a fleet are subject to the same annual registration fee as regularly applies to the type of vehicle, plus a onetime initial issuance fee of $8.50 for each vehicle. The Department of Transportation must provide, to the extent feasible, all vehicles registered as part of a particular fleet with the same registration expiration date. Under current law, for fleet vehicles DOT must issue registration plates of a distinctive design with the word XFleetY embossed on the plate. The bill eliminates the requirement that the word be embossed. The bill also eliminates a provision in current law allowing for fleet registration of a fleet of 100 or more trailers. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB350 | The regulation of family and group child care centers. (FE) | Under current law, a person must obtain a license from the Department of Children and Families in order to provide, for compensation, care and supervision for four or more children under the age of seven for less than 24 hours a day. Under current DCF rules, DCF regulates a child care center that provides care and supervision for four to eight children as a Xfamily child care centerY and one that provides care and supervision for nine or more children as a Xgroup child care center.Y The rules specify, among other things, the required ratio of providers to children in each type of child care center. This bill requires DCF to authorize licensed child care centers that have sufficient staff and space to provide care and supervision for four to 12 children or for 13 or more children. The bill requires DCF to update its rules so that a family child care center provides care and supervision for four to 12 children and a group child care center provides care and supervision for 13 or more children. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB328 | Providing permanency plan and comments to out-of-home care providers in advance of a permanency plan review or hearing. (FE) | Under current law, when a child is the subject of a child or juvenile in need of protection or services (CHIPS or JIPS) proceeding, the county social or human services department, a child welfare agency, or, if the child or juvenile is located in Milwaukee County, the Department of Children and Families is required to prepare a permanency plan for the child. The permanency plan is reviewed every six months either by a review panel or at a court hearing. Before the review or hearing, the agency is required to provide a copy of the plan, and any written comments that the agency receives about the plan, to the following people: the members of the review panel; the child[s parent, guardian, or legal custodian; the person representing the interests of the public; the child[s counsel, guardian ad litem, or court-appointed special advocate; and, if the child is an Indian child who is placed outside the home of his or her parent or Indian custodian, the child[s Indian custodian and tribe. This bill allows an agency to provide a copy of a child[s permanency plan and comments on the plan to a child[s out-of-home care provider in the context of a permanency review and a permanency hearing. An out-of-home care provider includes a foster parent, guardian, relative other than a parent, nonrelative in whose home a child or juvenile is placed, and operator of a group home, residential care center for children and youth, or shelter care facility in which a child or juvenile is placed. Under this bill, any information that is required to remain confidential under federal or state law must be redacted from the permanency plan before it is provided to the out-of-home care provider. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB211 | Exempting tobacco bars from the public smoking ban. | This bill exempts tobacco bars from the general prohibition under current law against smoking in indoor locations if the tobacco bar satisfies all of the following: 1) the tobacco bar came into existence on or after June 4, 2009; 2) only the smoking of cigars and pipes is allowed in the tobacco bar; and 3) the tobacco bar is not a retail food establishment. Current law defines a Xtobacco barY as a tavern that generates 15 percent or more of its annual gross income from the sale on the tavern premises, other than from a vending machine, of cigars and pipe tobacco. Also, under current law, tobacco bars that existed on June 3, 2009, are exempt from the general prohibition against smoking in indoor locations. | In Committee |
| AB190 | Obtaining attorney fees and costs under the state’s public records law when an authority voluntarily or unilaterally releases a contested record after an action has been filed in court. | Currently, if a person requests access to a public record and the agency or officer in state or local government having custody of the record, known as an XauthorityY under the public records law, withholds or delays granting access to the record or a part of the record, the requester may bring a mandamus action asking a court to order release of the record or part of the record. Current law requires the court to award reasonable attorney fees, damages of not less than $100, and other actual costs to the requester if the requester prevails in whole or in substantial part in any such action. The Wisconsin Supreme Court decided in 2022 that a requester prevails in whole or in substantial part only if the requester obtains a judicially sanctioned change in the parties[ legal relationship, for example, a court order requiring disclosure of a record. See, Friends of Frame Park, U.A. v. City of Waukesha, 2022 WI 57. Under the supreme court[s decision, a requester generally is not entitled to attorney fees and costs if the authority voluntarily or unilaterally without a court order provides contested records after the requester files an action in court. This bill supersedes the supreme court[s decision in Friends of Frame Park. Under the bill, a requester has prevailed in whole or in substantial part if the requester has obtained relief through any of the following means: 1. A judicial order or an enforceable written agreement or consent decree. 2. The authority[s voluntary or unilateral release of a record if the court determines that the filing of the mandamus action was a substantial factor contributing to that voluntary or unilateral release. This standard is substantially the same as the standard that applies for a requester to obtain attorney fees and costs under the federal Freedom of Information Act. | In Committee |
| SB242 | Required ratio of journeyworkers to apprentices in apprenticeship programs and contracts. | Under current law, the Department of Workforce Development may not prescribe, enforce, or authorize a ratio of apprentices to journeyworkers for apprenticeship programs or apprentice contracts that requires more than one journeyworker for each apprentice. This bill increases the allowable ratio to one journeyworker to two apprentices. | In Committee |
| SB124 | Creating a board to organize, promote, and host a Wisconsin nuclear power summit. (FE) | This bill creates a State of Wisconsin Nuclear Power Summit Board to organize, promote, and host a Wisconsin nuclear power summit in the city of Madison to advance nuclear power and fusion energy technology and development and to showcase Wisconsin[s leadership and innovation in the nuclear industry. The bill specifies that the board must hold the summit no later than one month after instruction commences at the new college of engineering building at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and shall ensure that summit participants have access to the new building. The bill creates an appropriation for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and requires WEDC to expend any moneys appropriated at the direction of and in support of the board[s efforts. Under the bill, the board is exempt from state requirements for public notice of proposed contracts, competitive bidding, and contractual service procurement procedures. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-2181/1 KRP:skw&cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 124 | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SB125 | A nuclear power siting study and time limits for taking final action on certain certificate of public convenience and necessity applications. (FE) | This bill requires the Public Service Commission to conduct a nuclear power siting study and to submit a report to the legislature containing the results of the study no later than 12 months after the bill takes effect. The study must satisfy certain requirements specified in the bill. The bill also requires PSC to take final action on an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for a large electric generating facility that contains an advanced nuclear reactor within 150 days after the application is complete, unless the chairperson of PSC extends the time period for no more than an additional 150 days for good cause. Under current law, a person seeking to construct a large electric generating facility must obtain a CPCN from PSC. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-2180/1 KP:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 125 | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SB128 | Programs and requirements to address PFAS. | This bill creates several new programs and requirements relating to PFAS, which is defined in the bill to mean any perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance. Municipal PFAS grant program The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to create a municipal PFAS grant program, which applies only to types of PFAS for which there is a state or federal standard, a public health recommendation from the Department of Health Services, or a health advisory issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Under the bill, the municipal PFAS grant program provides all of the following grants: 1. Grants to municipalities (defined under current law as a city, town, village, county, county utility district, town sanitary district, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation district, or metropolitan sewage district) for PFAS testing at municipal water systems and municipal wastewater treatment facilities, or for reimbursement for such testing if performed at properties owned, leased, managed, LRB-2168/1 MCP:skw/wlj/emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 128 or contracted for by municipalities and if there are promulgated standards for those types of PFAS. 2. Grants to nonmunicipal entities regulated as public or community water systems, distributed in equal shares up to $1,800, to test their drinking water supply for PFAS, if required to do so by DNR, or for reimbursement for such testing. 3. Grants to privately owned landfills, in equal shares up to $15,000, to test for the presence of PFAS in leachate. 4. Grants to municipalities to test for PFAS levels at municipally owned, leased, managed, or contracted locations where PFAS may be present, including testing for PFAS levels in leachate at landfills. If the property to be tested is not owned by the municipality, DNR may not issue a grant unless the property owner gives the municipality written consent to enter the property and conduct testing. These grants are not available to municipalities that receive a grant under this program to test for PFAS at municipal water systems and municipal wastewater treatment facilities. For these grants, DNR may require matching funds of up to 20 percent from the applicant. 5. Grants to municipalities and privately owned landfills to dispose of PFAS- containing biosolids or leachate at facilities that accept such biosolids or leachate or to purchase and install on-site treatment systems to address PFAS contained in biosolids or leachate. For these grants, DNR may require matching funds of up to 20 percent from the applicant and the grants may not be used for costs associated with landspreading. 6. Grants for capital costs or debt service, including for facility upgrades or new infrastructure, to municipalities that are small or disadvantaged or in which rates for water or wastewater utilities will increase by more than 20 percent as a direct result of steps taken to address PFAS contamination. When issuing these grants, DNR must give priority to projects that are necessary to address an exceedence of an applicable state or federal standard. 7. Grants to municipalities for capital costs or other costs related to PFAS that are not otherwise paid from the segregated environmental improvement fund, including costs for addressing landfills or other contaminated lands owned, leased, managed, or contracted for by municipalities or costs incurred by fire departments; grants to municipalities for the preparation and implementation of pollutant minimization plans; and grants to municipalities for costs incurred by public utilities or metropolitan sewerage districts for pretreatment or other PFAS reduction measures in certain circumstances. For these grants, DNR may require matching funds of up to 20 percent from the applicant. For all of the grants provided under the municipal PFAS grant program, DNR may not require a grant recipient to take any action to address PFAS unless PFAS levels exceed any applicable standard under state or federal law. The bill also prohibits DNR from publicly disclosing the results of any PFAS testing conducted under this grant program unless DNR notifies the grant recipient at least 72 hours before publicly disclosing any test result, with certain exceptions. LRB-2168/1 MCP:skw/wlj/emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 128 Current law provides that whenever a state agency is authorized to provide state funds to any county, city, village, or town for any purpose, funds may also be granted by that agency to any federally recognized tribal governing body for the same purpose. Innocent landowner grant program The bill also requires DNR to create an innocent landowner grant program, which applies only to types of PFAS for which there is a state or federal standard, a public health recommendation from the Department of Health Services, or a health advisory issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Under the program, DNR may provide grants to an eligible person or to a person who is applying on behalf of multiple eligible persons that are located in the same geographic region, if the applicant will be the entity performing any authorized activities. Under the program, an Xeligible personY is 1) a person that spread biosolids or wastewater residuals contaminated by PFAS in compliance with any applicable license or permit, 2) a person that owns land upon which biosolids or wastewater residuals contaminated by PFAS were spread in compliance with any applicable license or permit, 3) a fire department, public-use airport, or municipality that responded to emergencies that required the use of PFAS or that conducted training for such emergencies in compliance with applicable federal regulations, 4) a solid waste disposal facility that accepted PFAS, and 5) a person that owns, leases, manages, or contracts for property on which the PFAS contamination did not originate, unless the person also owns, leases, manages, or contracts for the property on which the PFAS discharge originated. The total amount of grants awarded to each eligible person may not exceed $250,000 and DNR may require grant recipients to provide matching funds of not more than 5 percent of the grant amount. Under current law provisions known as the Xspills law,Y a person that possesses or controls a hazardous substance or that causes the discharge of a hazardous substance must notify DNR immediately, restore the environment to the extent practicable, and minimize the harmful effects from the discharge. If action is not being adequately taken, or the identity of the person responsible for the discharge is unknown, DNR may take emergency action to contain or remove the hazardous substance; the person that possessed or controlled the hazardous substance that was discharged or that caused the discharge of the hazardous substance must then reimburse DNR for expenses DNR incurred in taking such emergency actions. The spills law allows DNR to enter property to take emergency action if entry is necessary to prevent increased environmental damages, and to inspect any record relating to a hazardous substance for the purpose of determining compliance with the spills law. DNR may also require that preventive measures be taken by any person possessing or having control over a hazardous substance if existing control measures are inadequate to prevent discharges. Spills law exemptions Under the bill, if a person is eligible for a grant under the innocent landowner LRB-2168/1 MCP:skw/wlj/emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 128 grant program, the person is exempt from all of the provisions under the spills law described above with respect to PFAS contamination, if the person grants DNR permission to remediate the land at DNR[s expense. If a person is not eligible for a grant under the innocent landowner grant program, the person is exempt from all of the provisions under the spills law described above, based on the results of any PFAS testing conducted on samples taken from lands not owned by the state, unless PFAS levels violate any applicable state or federal law, including any standard promulgated under state or federal law. Limitations on DNR actions relating to PFAS Under the bill, DNR may not prevent, delay, or otherwise impede any construction project or project of public works based on a presence of PFAS contamination unless DNR determines that 1) the project poses a substantial risk to public health or welfare, 2) there is a substantial risk that the project will create worsening environmental conditions, 3) the entity proposing to complete the project is responsible for the original contamination, as a result of conduct that was reckless or was done with the intent to discharge PFAS into the environment, or 4) DNR is specifically required under the federal Clean Water Act to prevent, delay, or otherwise impede the project. XPublic worksY is defined to mean the physical structures and facilities developed or acquired by a local unit of government or a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state to provide services and functions for the benefit and use of the public, including water, sewerage, waste disposal, utilities, and transportation, and privately owned landfills that accept residential waste. In addition, under the bill, if DNR seeks to collect samples from lands not owned by the state based on permission from the landowner, such permission must be in writing, and DNR must notify the landowner that such permission includes the authority to collect samples, to test those samples, and to publicly disclose the results of that testing. The landowner may revoke such permission at any time prior to the collection of samples. Under the bill, DNR also may not publicly disclose such PFAS testing results unless it notifies the landowner of the test results at least 72 hours before publicly disclosing them. The bill also requires DNR, or a third-party contract by DNR, to respond in a timely manner to requests from any person to conduct PFAS testing on samples taken from the person[s property if practicable and if funds are available to do so, if there is a reasonable belief that PFAS contamination may be present on the property, and if existing information such as public water supply testing data is not available. The bill also requires DNR, in the 2025-27 fiscal biennium, to increase its voluntary PFAS testing activities. Firefighting foam The bill requires DNR to survey or resurvey local fire departments about their use and possession of PFAS-containing firefighting foam, send communications and LRB-2168/1 MCP:skw/wlj/emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 128 information regarding PFAS-containing firefighting foam, and contract with a third party to voluntarily collect PFAS-containing firefighting foam. Well compensation grant program Under current law, an individual owner or renter of a contaminated private well, subject to eligibility requirements, may apply for a grant from DNR to cover a portion of the costs to treat the water, reconstruct the well, construct a new well, connect to a public water supply, or fill and seal the well. The bill provides that a grant for costs to treat the water may be used to cover the cost of a filtration device and up to two replacement filters. In addition, under the bill, if DNR determines that a claimant who is applying for a grant under the well compensation grant program on the basis of PFAS contamination would be eligible for a grant under the innocent landowner grant program created under the bill, and funding under that program is available, DNR must refer the claimant[s application to that program instead of processing it under the well compensation grant program. If the claimant is denied under the innocent landowner grant program, DNR must refer the claim back to the well compensation grant program. Portable water treatment system pilot project The bill requires DNR to contract with an entity to conduct a pilot project in which PFAS-contaminated surface water is partially or fully diverted to a portable treatment system and treated water is returned to the surface water. DNR and the entity must conduct tests to evaluate the success of the pilot project. Remedial action at sites contaminated by PFAS The bill allows DNR, or a contracted third party, to begin response and remedial actions, including site investigations, at any PFAS-contaminated site where a responsible party has not been identified or where the responsible party qualifies for a grant under the innocent landowner grant program. The bill directs DNR to prioritize response and remedial actions at sites that have the highest levels of PFAS contamination and sites with the greatest threats to public health or the environment because of PFAS. Assistance for testing laboratories The bill requires DNR and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System to enter into a memorandum of understanding to ensure that the state laboratory of hygiene provides guidance and other materials, conducts training, and provides assistance to laboratories in this state that are certified to test for contaminants other than PFAS in order for them to become certified to test for PFAS, and to assist laboratories certified to test for PFAS in this state to reduce their testing costs and shorten the timeline for receiving test results. Under the bill, the Board of Regents, in coordination with DNR, may provide grants to laboratories in this state that are certified to test for PFAS, or that are seeking such certification, to assist with up to 40 percent of the costs of purchasing equipment necessary for testing for PFAS. LRB-2168/1 MCP:skw/wlj/emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 128 The bill requires the state laboratory of hygiene to prepare a report on these efforts and provide the report to the legislature. PFAS studies and reporting The bill requires DNR and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System to enter into a memorandum of understanding to 1) study and analyze the cost, feasibility, and effectiveness of different methods of treating PFAS before they are released into a water system or water body; 2) conduct a cost-benefit analysis of different options for disposing of biosolids or sludge that contains or may contain PFAS; 3) study and analyze the cost, feasibility, and effectiveness of different destruction and disposal methods for PFAS; 4) study and analyze the cost, feasibility, and effectiveness of different methods for remediating PFAS that leave the contaminated medium in place and methods that remove the contaminated medium; 5) study and analyze the migration of PFAS into the bay of Green Bay; 6) study and analyze the migration of PFAS into the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers and their tributaries; 7) conduct any additional studies related to PFAS, as approved by the Joint Committee on Finance; and 8) create a comprehensive, interactive map showing all available PFAS testing data and, for each data point, whether it exceeds any applicable state or federal standard for PFAS. Such data may not contain any personally identifiable information unless the entity to which the data applies is a municipal entity that is required to test and disclose its results under state law. DNR reporting requirements The bill requires DNR to report to the legislature once every six months for a period of three years to provide a detailed description of DNR[s expenditures under the bill and a detailed description of DNR[s progress in implementing the provisions of the bill. Clean Water Fund Program and Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Under current law, the Department of Administration and DNR administer the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP), which provides financial assistance to municipalities, and to the private owners of community water systems that serve municipalities, for projects that will help the municipalities comply with federal drinking water standards. DNR establishes a funding priority list for SDWLP projects, and DOA allocates funding for those projects. Also under current law, DNR administers the Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP), which provides financial assistance to municipalities for projects to control water pollution, such as sewage treatment plants. Under the bill, if DNR, when ranking SDWLP or CWFP projects or determining an applicant[s eligibility for assistance under those programs, considers whether an applicant that intends to extend service outside municipal boundaries because of water contamination is XsmallY or Xdisadvantaged,Y DNR must determine the applicant to be small or disadvantaged if the area receiving the extended service would normally be determined to be small or disadvantaged, LRB-2168/1 MCP:skw/wlj/emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 128 regardless of whether the existing service area would normally be determined to be small or disadvantaged. Public water utility projects Under current law, a public utility may not engage in certain construction, expansion, or other projects unless the Public Service Commission grants a certificate of authority (CA) for the proposed project. Under the bill, if a water public utility or a combined water and sewer public utility (water utility) fails to obtain a CA before commencing a project for which one is required, PSC may not investigate, impose a penalty against, or bring an action to enjoin the water utility if 1) the water utility undertook the project in response to a public health concern caused by PFAS, the presence of which was unknown to the water utility until shortly before it commenced the project, and the water utility provides evidence showing that the utility has exceeded or is likely to exceed the applicable state or federal standard for that type of PFAS; 2) the water utility promptly notifies PSC of the work and, within 30 days after commencing the work, submits the appropriate application and supporting documentation to PSC; and 3) the total cost of the project is not greater than $2,000,000. In the PSC administrative code, the bill adds an emergency resulting from water supply contamination to the circumstances under which PSC authorization is not necessary prior to a utility beginning necessary repair work. The current administrative code limits this to an emergency resulting from the failure of power supply or from fire, storm, or similar events. Use of revenue for PFAS source reduction measures The bill authorizes a municipal public utility or metropolitan sewerage district to use revenues from its water or sewerage services for up to half of the cost of pretreatment or other PFAS source reduction measures for an interconnected customer or other regular customer if the costs incurred are less than the costs of the upgrades otherwise required at the endpoint treatment facility and if the costs are approved by the governing body of the municipality or the metropolitan sewerage district. Test wells for community water systems Under rules promulgated by DNR relating to community water systems (a system for providing piped water for human consumption to the public and that serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents), DNR must preapprove any test wells that will be converted into permanent wells and any test wells that will pump at least 70 gallons per minute for more than 72 hours. DNR rules require test wells to be drilled for permanent wells for community water systems to determine geologic formation information and water quality and quantity data. DNR rules also allow DNR to designate special well casing depth areas within which wells must be drilled to a greater depth and meet other requirements to avoid contamination. This bill provides that test wells for community water systems must also be LRB-2168/1 MCP:skw/wlj/emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 128 approved by DNR if they are located in special well casing depth areas that have been designated based in whole or in part on the presence of PFAS. | In Committee |
| SB127 | Exempting certain persons from PFAS enforcement actions under the spills law. (FE) | Under current law provisions known as the Xspills law,Y a person that possesses or controls a hazardous substance or that causes the discharge of a hazardous substance must notify the Department of Natural Resources immediately, restore the environment to the extent practicable, and minimize the harmful effects from the discharge. If action is not being adequately taken, or the identity of the person responsible for the discharge is unknown, DNR may take emergency action to contain or remove the hazardous substance; the person that possessed or controlled the hazardous substance that was discharged or that caused the discharge of the hazardous substance must then reimburse DNR for expenses DNR incurred in taking such emergency actions. The spills law allows DNR to enter property to take emergency action if entry is necessary to prevent increased environmental damages, and to inspect any record relating to a hazardous substance for the purpose of determining compliance with the spills law. DNR may also require that preventive measures be taken by any person possessing or having control over a hazardous substance if existing control measures are inadequate to prevent discharges. The bill exempts the following persons from all of these provisions under the spills law, if the person grants DNR permission to remediate the land at DNR[s expense: LRB-2170/1 MCP:skw/wlj/emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 127 1. A person that spread biosolids or wastewater residuals contaminated by PFAS in compliance with any applicable license or permit. 2. A person that owns land upon which biosolids or wastewater residuals contaminated by PFAS were spread in compliance with any applicable license or permit. 3. A fire department, public-use airport, or municipality that responded to emergencies that required the use of PFAS or that conducted training for such emergencies in compliance with applicable federal regulations. 4. A solid waste disposal facility that accepted PFAS. 5. A person that owns, leases, manages, or contracts for property on which the PFAS contamination did not originate, unless the person also owns, leases, manages, or contracts for the property on which the PFAS discharge originated. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB207 | Creating a hazard mitigation revolving loan program, creating a Great Lakes erosion control revolving loan program, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE) | This bill authorizes the creation of a hazard mitigation revolving loan program to be administered by the Department of Military Affairs and requires the creation of a Great Lakes erosion control revolving loan program to be administered by the Department of Natural Resources. Hazard mitigation revolving loan program The bill authorizes the Division of Emergency Management within DMA to enter into an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive federal grant funding for the purpose of establishing a hazard mitigation revolving loan program. The bill creates a separate, nonlapsible trust fund, designated as the Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund, to accept money from FEMA under the federal Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act, P.L. 116-284. Under the bill, if DMA enters into such an agreement LRB-1624/1 MJW&ZDW:wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 207 with FEMA, the secretary of administration must transfer from the general fund to the Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund an amount equal to 10 percent of any money received from the federal government, and DMA must provide loans to local units of government for hazard mitigation projects in accordance with the requirements of the STORM Act. Great Lakes erosion control revolving loan program The bill requires DNR to administer a revolving loan program to assist municipalities and owners of homes located on the shore of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior where the structural integrity of municipal buildings or homes is threatened by erosion of the shoreline. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 to DNR for this purpose and increases DNR[s position authorization by 0.5 FTE to administer the program. The bill requires DNR to promulgate rules to administer the program, including eligibility requirements and income limitations, and authorizes DNR to promulgate emergency rules for the period before permanent rules take effect. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB304 | Hours for voting by absentee ballot in person at the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site. (FE) | Under current law, a voter may vote by absentee ballot in person at the office of the municipal clerk or at an alternate site as near as practicable to the clerk[s office, as designated by the municipality. The period for voting absentee in person begins 14 days preceding the election and ends on the Sunday preceding the election, and the municipality must state the hours in the type E election notice, which, with one exception, is required to be published on the fourth Tuesday preceding each primary or election. Under this bill, the office of the municipal clerk or alternate site must be open for at least 20 hours during the period for voting absentee in person, and the type E notice must state the specific office hours during which a voter may cast an in- person absentee ballot without prior appointment. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-2018/1 MPG:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 304 | In Committee |
| AB312 | Hours for voting by absentee ballot in person at the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site. (FE) | Under current law, a voter may vote by absentee ballot in person at the office of the municipal clerk or at an alternate site as near as practicable to the clerk[s office, as designated by the municipality. The period for voting absentee in person begins 14 days preceding the election and ends on the Sunday preceding the election, and the municipality must state the hours in the type E election notice, which, with one exception, is required to be published on the fourth Tuesday preceding each primary or election. Under this bill, the office of the municipal clerk or alternate site must be open for at least 20 hours during the period for voting absentee in person, and the type E notice must state the specific office hours during which a voter may cast an in- person absentee ballot without prior appointment. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB275 | Challenges to the validity of administrative rules and making an appropriation. (FE) | Under current law, the validity of an administrative rule may be challenged in an action for declaratory judgment or in certain other judicial proceedings when material therein. This bill requires a court, if the court declares a rule invalid, to award the party asserting the invalidity of the rule reasonable attorney fees and costs. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB274 | The expiration of administrative rules. (FE) | This bill provides for the expiration of each chapter of the Wisconsin Administrative Code after seven years, unless the chapter is readopted by the agency through the readoption process established under the bill. Under current law, an agency may promulgate administrative rules when it is granted rule-making authority under the statutes. administrative rules remain in effect indefinitely unless repealed or amended by the agency or suspended by the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules. This bill provides that each chapter of the code expires seven years after a rule that creates, or repeals and recreates, the chapter takes effect or after the chapter is readopted. The bill requires JCRAR to establish a schedule for the expiration of all existing code chapters that are in effect on the effective date of the bill. Under the bill, in the year before a code chapter is set to expire, an agency may send to JCRAR and the appropriate standing committees a notice of its intention to readopt the chapter. If no member of JCRAR or the standing committees objects to the readoption notice, the chapter is considered readopted without further action. If any member of JCRAR or either standing committee objects to readoption of the chapter, the chapter expires on its expiration date unless the agency promulgates a rule to readopt the chapter using the standard rule-making process. Under the bill, JCRAR may extend the effective date of the chapter that is set to expire for up to one year to accommodate readoption of the chapter through the standard rule- making process. The bill also requires agencies to avoid in rules the use of words and phrases that are outdated or that are now understood to be derogatory or offensive. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB273 | Camera monitor systems as an alternative to mirrors for commercial motor vehicles. | Current law prohibits any person from operating a motor vehicle on a highway unless the vehicle is equipped with a mirror to provide a view of the roadway to the rear of the vehicle. Current regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) require commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to be equipped with mirrors on each side of vehicle positioned to provide a view of the highway to the rear and along both sides of the CMV. FMCSA has created an exemption to this requirement for CMVs equipped with a specified camera monitor system. This bill provides that a CMV may be equipped with a camera monitor system approved by FMCSA as an alternative to mirrors that would otherwise be required. | In Committee |
| SB277 | The expiration of administrative rules. (FE) | This bill provides for the expiration of each chapter of the Wisconsin Administrative Code after seven years, unless the chapter is readopted by the agency through the readoption process established under the bill. Under current law, an agency may promulgate administrative rules when it is granted rule-making authority under the statutes. administrative rules remain in effect indefinitely unless repealed or amended by the agency or suspended by the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules. This bill provides that each chapter of the code expires seven years after a rule that creates, or repeals and recreates, the chapter takes effect or after the chapter is readopted. The bill requires JCRAR to establish a schedule for the expiration of all existing code chapters that are in effect on the effective date of the bill. Under the LRB-2513/1 MED:cdc Once promulgated, 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 277 bill, in the year before a code chapter is set to expire, an agency may send to JCRAR and the appropriate standing committees a notice of its intention to readopt the chapter. If no member of JCRAR or the standing committees objects to the readoption notice, the chapter is considered readopted without further action. If any member of JCRAR or either standing committee objects to readoption of the chapter, the chapter expires on its expiration date unless the agency promulgates a rule to readopt the chapter using the standard rule-making process. Under the bill, JCRAR may extend the effective date of the chapter that is set to expire for up to one year to accommodate readoption of the chapter through the standard rule- making process. The bill also requires agencies to avoid in rules the use of words and phrases that are outdated or that are now understood to be derogatory or offensive. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB276 | Challenges to the validity of administrative rules and making an appropriation. (FE) | Under current law, the validity of an administrative rule may be challenged in an action for declaratory judgment or in certain other judicial proceedings when material therein. This bill requires a court, if the court declares a rule invalid, to award the party asserting the invalidity of the rule reasonable attorney fees and costs. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB196 | Rehired annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System. (FE) | Under current law, certain people who receive a retirement or disability annuity from the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and who are hired by an employer that participates in the WRS must suspend that annuity and may not receive a WRS annuity payment until they are no longer in a WRS-covered position. This suspension applies to an annuitant who 1) has reached his or her normal retirement date; 2) is appointed to a position with a WRS-participating employer; and 3) is expected to work at least two-thirds of what is considered full-time employment by the Department of Employee Trust Funds. This bill allows such an annuitant who is hired by a WRS-participating employer as an employee or to provide employee services to not suspend his or her annuity for up to 60 months. The bill also requires WRS-participating employers that hire such annuitants to make payments to ETF equal to what they would have paid as required contributions for each rehired annuitant if the rehired annuitant had suspended his or her annuity. Under the bill, these payments are deposited into the employer reserve account. If the annuitant does not suspend the annuity and does not become an active WRS-participating employee, in the case of state employment, the annuitant is not eligible for group insurance benefits provided to active WRS-participating employees and may not use any of his or her service in the new position for any WRS purposes. If the annuitant opts to again become an active WRS-participating employee, the annuitant is eligible for all group insurance benefits provided to other participating employees and may accumulate additional years of creditable service under the WRS for the new period of WRS-covered employment. The bill also repeals two obsolete provisions related to WRS annuitants returning to WRS-covered employment during the public health emergency declared on March 12, 2020, by executive order 72, which ended on May 13, 2020. 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 and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB187 | Training completion awards for volunteer firefighters. (FE) | Under current law, the Department of Administration administers a service award program to provide length-of-service awards to volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical responders, and volunteer emergency medical services practitioners. This bill expands the program to provide grants to volunteer fire departments and volunteer fire companies to make training completion awards to volunteer firefighters. Under the bill, in order to receive a grant, the municipality in which a department or company is organized must have a municipal ordinance that provides a 100 percent match. The completion award for a volunteer firefighter who completes 60 hours of training is $500. The bill also requires that any money a volunteer fire department or fire company receives beyond what it expends on awards each calendar year must be returned to DOA for deposit in the general fund. Finally, under the bill, DOA is required to provide a report to the legislature in the sixth, seventh, and eighth years after the start of the program that includes the number of people who received the grant through the preceding year and the number of those people who are still firefighters in Wisconsin. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| AB153 | Income change notifications for child support or maintenance orders. | This bill makes changes to the requirements for notice of a change of employer, address, and ability to pay for parties in child support and maintenance agreements. Under current law, the requirements for a notice of a change of employer, address, or ability to pay in child support and maintenance agreements apply only to payers of child support or maintenance. The bill extends these requirements to payees. The bill also specifies that the type of income for which a party must notify the other party of a change is defined by rule by the Department of Children and Families. DCF currently defines Xgross incomeY for child support purposes to include a number of income sources, including wages and salaries, investment income, and certain benefits. The bill establishes that in an order for child support, but not maintenance, neither party is required to disclose income that is not considered gross income under DCF rules and the payee is not required to disclose a change in employer or income if the payer is not a Xshared-placement parent,Y as defined by DCF. The bill also removes references to Xfamily support,Y an alternative form of support that combined child support and maintenance into a single obligation. Orders for family support in this state were eliminated by 2021 Wisconsin Act 35. Finally, the bill allows a party to redact certain personally identifying information from an income change notice to another party, establishes the confidentiality of any information disclosed as part of an income change notice, and establishes that an individual who fails to provide an income change notice required under law may be proceeded against for contempt of court and may be required to provide damages, including reasonable attorney fees. | Crossed Over |
| AB206 | The procedure for adding federal newborn screening recommendations to the state-required newborn screenings, granting rule-making authority, and providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures. (FE) | In general, under current law, newborns must be tested for certain congenital and metabolic disorders as specified in rules promulgated by the Department of Health Services. The federal Department of Health and Human Services maintains a list of disorders for which it recommends testing in newborns, known as the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). Under this bill, DHS must evaluate each disorder that is included in the RUSP as of January 1, 2025, to determine whether newborns in this state should be tested for that disorder. This requirement does not apply to any disorder in the RUSP if, as of January 1, 2025, the disorder is already included in the list of disorders for which newborns must be tested in this state. In addition, the bill requires DHS to evaluate any disorder added to the RUSP after January 1, 2025, to determine whether newborns in this state should be tested for that newly added disorder. If DHS determines newborns should not be tested for the disorder, DHS must annually review medical literature and the department[s capacity and resources to test for the disorder in order to determine whether to reevaluate the inclusion of the disorder in newborn testing in this state. If, in any of these evaluations or reevaluations, DHS determines that a disorder in the RUSP should be added to the list of disorders for which newborns must be tested in this state, the bill requires DHS to promulgate rules to add that disorder. The requirements for evaluations, reviews, and reevaluations under the bill do not apply to a disorder in the RUSP if DHS is in the process of adding, by rule, the disorder to the list of disorders for which newborns must be tested in this state. However, if the rule-making procedure for that disorder does not result in promulgation of a rule, then DHS must consider the disorder under the review and reevaluation procedures under the bill. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB123 | Calculation of miles for purposes of relocation of a child 100 miles or more from the other parent in an action affecting the family. | Under current law, a parent granted periods of physical placement with a child in an action affecting the family must obtain a court order if the parent intends to relocate and reside with the child 100 miles or more from the other parent if the other parent also has court-ordered periods of physical placement with the child. Also under current law, during the pendency of an action affecting the family, parties are generally prohibited from relocating and establishing a residence with a minor child of the parties that is more than 100 miles from the residence of the other party, if the party does not have consent of the other party or an order of the court. The requirement to obtain a court order allowing relocation does not apply if the parents already live more than 100 miles apart when a parent proposes to relocate and reside with the child, but in that situation, the parent who intends to relocate with the child must serve written notice of the intent to relocate on the other parent at least 60 days before relocation. This bill adds an express requirement that the 100-mile distance for purposes of these provisions must be calculated as Xdriving miles,Y defined in the bill to mean the actual distance traveling by road required to get from one location to another rather than the straight-line distance between those locations. | Crossed Over |
| AB80 | Ratification of the Social Work Licensure Compact. (FE) | This bill ratifies and enters Wisconsin into the Social Work Licensure Compact, which provides for the ability of a social worker to become eligible to practice in other compact states. Significant provisions of the compact include the following: 1. The creation of a Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, which includes one member or administrator of the licensure authorities of each member state. The commission has various powers and duties granted in the compact, including establishing bylaws, promulgating binding rules for the compact, hiring officers, electing or appointing 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 of member states to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the commission and its staff. 2. The ability for a social worker who is licensed in a home state and satisfies certain other criteria to obtain a multistate license, which allows a social worker to practice social work in all other compact states (remote states) under a multistate authorization to practice. The compact specifies a number of requirements in order for an individual to obtain a social worker multistate license, including holding or being eligible for a social worker license in a home state, paying any required fees, and satisfying a number of criteria that are specific to the category of social work license the individual is seeking—bachelor[s, master[s, or clinical. A regulated social worker[s services in a remote state are subject to that member state[s regulatory authority. A remote state may take actions against a social worker[s multistate authorization to practice within that remote state, and if any adverse action is taken by a home state against a licensee[s multistate license, the social worker[s multistate authorization to practice in all other member states is deactivated until all encumbrances have been removed from the multistate license. 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 social workers. The compact requires all home state disciplinary orders that impose adverse actions against the license of a regulated social worker to include a statement that the regulated social worker[s multistate authorization to practice is deactivated in all member states until all conditions of the decision, order, or agreement are satisfied. 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 among 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. Since the compact has already been enacted by the minimum number of states required for it to become active, the compact becomes effective in this state upon enactment of the bill. 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. | Crossed Over |
| AB35 | Withdrawal of candidacy for certain offices filled at the general election and providing a penalty. (FE) | Current law provides that any person seeking an elective office who files nomination papers and qualifies to appear on the ballot may not decline nomination. The person[s name must appear on the ballot except in the case of death. Under this bill, a person who files nomination papers with the Elections Commission for an office to be filled at the general election nevertheless does not qualify to appear on the ballot at the partisan primary or general election, and the person[s name is prohibited from appearing on the ballot, if before the last day provided in current law for the Elections Commission to certify candidates[ names to the counties for the partisan primary or general election, the person files a sworn statement with the commission attesting that the person withdraws his or her candidacy. Under current law, independent candidates for president and vice president and candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the state senate and assembly, governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, and district attorney file such nomination papers with the commission. The bill includes all of those offices except district attorney. The bill also requires the Elections Commission to establish and implement a process by which the commission verifies the authenticity of such sworn statements filed with the commission. The bill additionally requires that a person withdrawing his or her candidacy for for national or statewide office pay a fee of $1,000 to the Elections Commission. A person withdrawing his or her candidacy for an office that is not elected statewide must pay a fee of $250 to the commission. Under the bill, a person who intentionally makes or files a false statement withdrawing a person[s candidacy is guilty of a Class G felony, the penalty for which is a fine not to exceed $25,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 10 years, or both. 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. | Crossed Over |
| AB63 | Financing the operating costs and certain out-of-state projects of nonprofit institutions and compensation of employees of the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority. (FE) | This bill makes the following changes to laws governing the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority, which is a public body corporate and politic created outside of official state government: 1. Under current law, WHEFA may issue bonds to finance certain projects of health, educational, research, and other nonprofit institutions. The bill authorizes WHEFA to issue bonds for the purpose of financing working capital of such institutions to cover operating costs. 2. Current law authorizes WHEFA to help finance the costs of projects located outside of Wisconsin provided that the project includes a substantial component located within the state. The bill instead authorizes the financing of a project outside the state if the owner or operator of the project, or an affiliate of the owner or operator, has a presence within the state. 3. Under current law, WHEFA appoints an executive director to administer the authority. The executive director[s compensation may not exceed the maximum of the salary range established for state government positions assigned to executive salary group six. This bill increases that maximum assignment to executive salary group eight. 4. Similarly, current law provides that all other WHEFA employees may not receive compensation that exceeds the maximum of the salary range established for state government positions assigned to executive salary group three. This bill increases that maximum assignment to executive salary group five. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| SB364 | The regulation of family and group child care centers. (FE) | Under current law, a person must obtain a license from the Department of Children and Families in order to provide, for compensation, care and supervision for four or more children under the age of seven for less than 24 hours a day. Under current DCF rules, DCF regulates a child care center that provides care and supervision for four to eight children as a Xfamily child care centerY and one that provides care and supervision for nine or more children as a Xgroup child care center.Y The rules specify, among other things, the required ratio of providers to children in each type of child care center. This bill requires DCF to authorize licensed child care centers that have sufficient staff and space to provide care and supervision for four to 12 children or for 13 or more children. The bill requires DCF to update its rules so that a family child care center provides care and supervision for four to 12 children and a group child care center provides care and supervision for 13 or more children. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-3780/1 MDE&EHS:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 364 | In Committee |
| SB363 | Allowing certified child care operators to provide care to up to six children. (FE) | Under current law, a person must obtain a license from the Department of Children and Families in order to, for compensation including payments under Wisconsin Shares, provide care and supervision for four or more children under the age of seven for less than 24 hours a day. A person who provides care for fewer than four children under the age of seven for less than 24 hours a day may receive Wisconsin Shares payments if the person is certified by DCF. Under current DCF rules, a person certified by DCF, called a certified child care operator, may care for up to three children who are unrelated to the operator and up to six children in total. Under this bill, certified child care operators may care for up to six children under the age of seven in total, regardless of whether the children are related to the operator. | In Committee |
| SB359 | The minimum age of assistant child care teachers. | Under current law, the Department of Children and Families regulates child care providers and is required to promulgate rules to carry out that function. Under rules promulgated by DCF, a person hired by a licensed child care center to be an assistant child care teacher must be at least 18 or 17 years old, depending on the qualifications the person meets. An assistant child care teacher or school-age group leader who is at least 18 years old and has completed the training required for the position may provide sole supervision to a group of school-age children for up to 45 minutes if there is a qualified school-age program leader or child care teacher on the premises, and an assistant child care teacher may provide sole supervision to a group of children in full-day centers for up to two hours during opening and closing hours and during the center[s designated naptime. This bill provides in the statutes that a licensed child care center may hire an individual to be an assistant child care teacher if the individual is at least 16 years old and has completed early childhood education training. The bill maintains the current law requirements for assistant child care teachers providing sole supervision to a group of children and adds that an assistant child care teacher may LRB-3778/1 MDE:skw&cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 359 only provide sole supervision to a group of children in a full-day center if there is a child care teacher on the premises. | In Committee |
| SB98 | Conversion of cooperative associations organized to establish and operate nonprofit plans or programs for health care into service insurance corporations. | This bill allows a health care cooperative to convert into a service insurance corporation. Under current law, a cooperative may be formed by filing articles of incorporation with the Department of Financial Institutions. A cooperative is organized and owned by its members and managed by a board of directors. Under current law, a cooperative may be organized primarily to establish and operate nonprofit plans or programs for health care for their members and their members[ dependents. Also under current law, a service insurance corporation, sometimes referred to as a Xnonprofit service plan,Y may be formed by following many of the same procedures that apply to nonstock corporations, like filing articles of incorporation and bylaws, except that service insurance corporations are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance instead of DFI. A service insurance corporation is a corporation incorporated in this state to provide insured service benefits, like health care, to consumers within a flexible legal framework. Under this bill, a health care cooperative may convert into a service insurance corporation. To convert into a service insurance corporation, a health care LRB-0784/4 JPC&ARG:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 98 cooperative seeking conversion must adopt a plan of conversion, obtain the commissioner[s approval of the plan of conversion, have the members of the health care cooperative agree to the conversion as provided under current law, and submit evidence to the commissioner that the members of the cooperative association approve of the plan of conversion. The bill requires the commissioner to approve any submitted plan of conversion unless the commissioner concludes, after a hearing, that the plan is contrary to law, the surplus of the resulting service insurance corporation or the contracts that the resulting service insurance corporation possesses with providers are inadequate to support the plan, or the plan is contrary to the interests of members of the health care cooperative seeking conversion or to the interests of the public. If all requirements for conversion are met, the bill provides that the commissioner must issue a certificate of authority to the new service insurance corporation and that, immediately after issuing the certificate of authority, the legal existence of the health care cooperative ceases. The bill provides that the new service insurance corporation has all the assets and is liable for all of the obligations of the converted health care cooperative. | Passed |
| SB172 | Prohibiting filing or recording contracts for services or materials that do not improve real estate and providing a penalty. (FE) | This bill provides that, with certain, specified exceptions, no person may file or record with, or present for filing or recording to, a register of deeds a non- improvement contract or a notice, memorandum, or other instrument related to a non-improvement contract (document) and authorizes the register of deeds to reject such a document and return it unrecorded. The bill defines Xnon-improvement contractY as a contract 1) under which a person agrees to perform, furnish, or procure any work, labor, service, materials, plans, or specifications that are not used or consumed for the improvement of real estate, and 2) that purports to create a lien, encumbrance, or other security interest on real estate. A person that violates the recording or filing prohibition in the bill may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than nine months, or both. In addition, under the bill, an owner of real estate affected by such a filing or recording may bring a civil action against the person that files or records the document. If the owner prevails in the action, the court must order the real estate LRB-2472/1 KRP:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 172 released from the effect of the document and may award actual damages, costs, and reasonable attorney fees. 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 local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Passed |
| SB152 | Financial eligibility for the Alzheimer’s family and caregiver support program. (FE) | Under current law, the Department of Health Services allocates funds to local agencies to assist eligible families with obtaining goods and services related to the care of a person with Alzheimer[s disease or another irreversible dementia. Currently, a person is financially eligible for the program if the joint income of the person with irreversible dementia and that person[s spouse, if any, is $48,000 per year or less. This bill repeals the financial eligibility requirement. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Passed |
| SB275 | Statements of scope for administrative rules. (FE) | Under current law, in order to promulgate a rule, an agency must submit a statement of scope for the proposed rule for review by the Department of Administration and approval by the governor. Once the governor approves the statement, the agency must send the approved statement of scope to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register before continuing with the rule promulgation process. A statement of scope expires after 30 months, after which the agency may not promulgate any rule based on that statement of scope that has not been submitted for legislative review by the expiration date. This bill does the following: 1. Limits an agency to promulgating either a permanent or an emergency rule for a given statement of scope and requires the agency to specify in a statement of scope whether it is for a proposed emergency rule or for a proposed permanent rule. 2. Limits an agency to promulgating one permanent rule or one emergency rule per statement of scope. 3. Provides that a statement of scope for an emergency rule expires after six months and provides that when a statement of scope for an emergency rule expires, LRB-2515/1 MED:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 275 an agency may not promulgate an emergency rule based upon that statement of scope. The bill retains the 30-month expiration under current law with respect to statements of scope for proposed permanent rules. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB288 | Authorized lights for funeral procession vehicles. | Under current law, the lead vehicle, or all vehicles, in a funeral procession may be equipped with a flashing amber light to be used during the procession. This bill authorizes the use of a flashing purple light during a funeral procession. | In Committee |
| AB271 | Camera monitor systems as an alternative to mirrors for commercial motor vehicles. | Current law prohibits any person from operating a motor vehicle on a highway unless the vehicle is equipped with a mirror to provide a view of the roadway to the rear of the vehicle. Current regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) require commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to be equipped with mirrors on each side of vehicle positioned to provide a view of the highway to the rear and along both sides of the CMV. FMCSA has created an exemption to this requirement for CMVs equipped with a specified camera monitor system. This bill provides that a CMV may be equipped with a camera monitor system approved by FMCSA as an alternative to mirrors that would otherwise be required. | In Committee |
| SB136 | School bus back-up lamps. | This bill provides that a school bus may be equipped with one back-up lamp mounted to each side of the vehicle and directed to project a white or amber light illuminating the rear wheels of the vehicle when backing. Under current law, a motor vehicle may not be equipped with more than two back-up lamps, which must be directed to project white or amber light illuminating the roadway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance of up 75 feet. | In Committee |
| AB77 | Registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty. | Under current law, any motor vehicle for which the Department of Transportation has issued registration plates must display those plates, along with any decals issued for the plates. This bill prohibits the possession, sale, purchase, installation, and use of a registration plate concealment device, which is a manual, electronic, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle to 1) switch between two or more registration plates; 2) move, obstruct, or conceal a registration plate; or 3) alter the appearance of a registration plate so that the registration number cannot be seen and read. The bill also prohibits the equipment of any motor vehicle with a registration plate concealment device. A person who violates these prohibitions may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both. Any vehicle equipped in violation of these prohibitions may be impounded, and reasonable costs for towing and impounding the vehicle may be assessed against the owner. 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. | In Committee |
| AB37 | Personalized registration plate fees for gold star family special registration plates. (FE) | This bill exempts special group plates for gold star families from personalized registration plate fees. Current law enumerates special groups whose members may obtain from the Department of Transportation special motor vehicle registration plates. Among the special groups is a group for persons who qualify under federal law for a gold star lapel button (commonly known as gold star family), which signifies that the recipient is the immediate family member of a member of the U.S. armed forces who died while serving during a time of conflict. Special group plates may be personalized by the person to whom the plates are issued. Under current law, DOT collects a registration fee for initial and renewal registrations of most motor vehicles. In addition to the regular registration fee, DOT charges an annual fee of $15 for the issuance or reissuance of most special registration plates and an additional annual fee of maintenance, or reissuance of most personalized plates. Under current law, gold star special registration plate holders must pay the general registration fee, but are not assessed the special registration fee. If the plate holder personalizes the plate, he or she is assessed the $15 personalization fee. The bill exempts special group plates for gold star families from the personalization fee. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| 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 | Relating to: 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 related technologies in the state. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AB276 | Statements of scope for administrative rules. (FE) | Under current law, in order to promulgate a rule, an agency must submit a statement of scope for the proposed rule for review by the Department of Administration and approval by the governor. Once the governor approves the statement, the agency must send the approved statement of scope to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register before continuing with the rule promulgation process. A statement of scope expires after 30 months, after which the agency may not promulgate any rule based on that statement of scope that has not been submitted for legislative review by the expiration date. This bill does the following: 1. Limits an agency to promulgating either a permanent or an emergency rule for a given statement of scope and requires the agency to specify in a statement of scope whether it is for a proposed emergency rule or for a proposed permanent rule. 2. Limits an agency to promulgating one permanent rule or one emergency rule per statement of scope. 3. Provides that a statement of scope for an emergency rule expires after six months and provides that when a statement of scope for an emergency rule expires, an agency may not promulgate an emergency rule based upon that statement of scope. The bill retains the 30-month expiration under current law with respect to statements of scope for proposed permanent rules. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB310 | Time limits on local unit of government chief executive officer emergency power proclamations. | Under current law, a local unit of government[s chief executive officer may exercise by proclamation the emergency power conferred to the local unit of government if the local unit of government[s governing body is unable to meet promptly. This bill limits the length of such proclamation to 60 days, unless extended by the local unit of government[s governing body. The bill also defines Xchief executive officerY as any of the following: 1) the county executive of a county, the county administrator of a county, or, in a county with an administrative coordinator, the county board chair of a county; 2) the mayor or city manager of a city; 3) the village president of a village; 4) the town board chairperson of a town; or 5) a person acting as one of the above stated persons. | In Committee |
| SB38 | Personalized registration plate fees for gold star family special registration plates. (FE) | This bill exempts special group plates for gold star families from personalized registration plate fees. Current law enumerates special groups whose members may obtain from the Department of Transportation special motor vehicle registration plates. Among the special groups is a group for persons who qualify under federal law for a gold star lapel button (commonly known as gold star family), which signifies that the recipient is the immediate family member of a member of the U.S. armed forces who died while serving during a time of conflict. Special group plates may be personalized by the person to whom the plates are issued. Under current law, DOT collects a registration fee for initial and renewal registrations of most motor vehicles. In addition to the regular registration fee, DOT charges an annual fee of $15 for the issuance or reissuance of most special registration plates and an additional annual fee of maintenance, or reissuance of most personalized plates. Under current law, gold star special registration plate holders must pay the general registration fee, but are not assessed the special registration fee. If the plate holder personalizes the plate, he or she is assessed the $15 personalization LRB-1446/1 ZDW:cdc $15 for the issuance, 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 38 fee. The bill exempts special group plates for gold star families from the personalization fee. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| SB62 | Financing the operating costs and certain out-of-state projects of nonprofit institutions and compensation of employees of the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority. (FE) | This bill makes the following changes to laws governing the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority, which is a public body corporate and politic created outside of official state government: 1. Under current law, WHEFA may issue bonds to finance certain projects of health, educational, research, and other nonprofit institutions. The bill authorizes WHEFA to issue bonds for the purpose of financing working capital of such institutions to cover operating costs. 2. Current law authorizes WHEFA to help finance the costs of projects located outside of Wisconsin provided that the project includes a substantial component located within the state. The bill instead authorizes the financing of a project outside the state if the owner or operator of the project, or an affiliate of the owner or operator, has a presence within the state. 3. Under current law, WHEFA appoints an executive director to administer the authority. The executive director[s compensation may not exceed the maximum LRB-1943/1 MDE:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 62 of the salary range established for state government positions assigned to executive salary group six. This bill increases that maximum assignment to executive salary group eight. 4. Similarly, current law provides that all other WHEFA employees may not receive compensation that exceeds the maximum of the salary range established for state government positions assigned to executive salary group three. This bill increases that maximum assignment to executive salary group five. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AJR6 | 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 | Relating to: 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 related technologies in the state. | In Committee |
| SB74 | Ratification of the Social Work Licensure Compact. (FE) | This bill ratifies and enters Wisconsin into the Social Work Licensure Compact, which provides for the ability of a social worker to become eligible to LRB-1310/1 MED:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 74 practice in other compact states. Significant provisions of the compact include the following: 1. The creation of a Social Work Licensure Compact Commission, which includes one member or administrator of the licensure authorities of each member state. The commission has various powers and duties granted in the compact, including establishing bylaws, promulgating binding rules for the compact, hiring officers, electing or appointing 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 of member states to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the commission and its staff. 2. The ability for a social worker who is licensed in a home state and satisfies certain other criteria to obtain a multistate license, which allows a social worker to practice social work in all other compact states (remote states) under a multistate authorization to practice. The compact specifies a number of requirements in order for an individual to obtain a social worker multistate license, including holding or being eligible for a social worker license in a home state, paying any required fees, and satisfying a number of criteria that are specific to the category of social work license the individual is seeking—bachelor[s, master[s, or clinical. A regulated social worker[s services in a remote state are subject to that member state[s regulatory authority. A remote state may take actions against a social worker[s multistate authorization to practice within that remote state, and if any adverse action is taken by a home state against a licensee[s multistate license, the social worker[s multistate authorization to practice in all other member states is deactivated until all encumbrances have been removed from the multistate license. 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 social workers. The compact requires all home state disciplinary orders that impose adverse actions against the license of a regulated social worker to include a statement that the regulated social worker[s multistate authorization to practice is deactivated in all member states until all conditions of the decision, order, or agreement are satisfied. 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 among 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. Since the compact has already been enacted by the minimum number of states required for it to become active, the compact becomes effective in this state upon enactment of the bill. 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 LRB-1310/1 MED:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 74 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 |
| SB131 | Calculation of miles for purposes of relocation of a child 100 miles or more from the other parent in an action affecting the family. | Under current law, a parent granted periods of physical placement with a child in an action affecting the family must obtain a court order if the parent intends to relocate and reside with the child 100 miles or more from the other parent if the other parent also has court-ordered periods of physical placement with the child. Also under current law, during the pendency of an action affecting the family, parties are generally prohibited from relocating and establishing a residence with a minor child of the parties that is more than 100 miles from the residence of the other party, if the party does not have consent of the other party or an order of the court. The requirement to obtain a court order allowing relocation does not apply if the parents already live more than 100 miles apart when a parent proposes to relocate and reside with the child, but in that situation, the parent who intends to relocate with the child must serve written notice of the intent to relocate on the other parent at least 60 days before relocation. This bill adds an express requirement that the 100-mile distance for purposes of these provisions must be calculated as Xdriving miles,Y defined in the bill to mean LRB-0421/1 SWB:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 131 the actual distance traveling by road required to get from one location to another rather than the straight-line distance between those locations. | In Committee |
| AB132 | Creating a board to organize, promote, and host a Wisconsin nuclear power summit. (FE) | This bill creates a State of Wisconsin Nuclear Power Summit Board to organize, promote, and host a Wisconsin nuclear power summit in the city of Madison to advance nuclear power and fusion energy technology and development and to showcase Wisconsin[s leadership and innovation in the nuclear industry. The bill specifies that the board must hold the summit no later than one month after instruction commences at the new college of engineering building at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and shall ensure that summit participants have access to the new building. The bill creates an appropriation for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and requires WEDC to expend any moneys appropriated at the direction of and in support of the board[s efforts. Under the bill, the board is exempt from state requirements for public notice of proposed contracts, competitive bidding, and contractual service procurement procedures. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB107 | Conversion of cooperative associations organized to establish and operate nonprofit plans or programs for health care into service insurance corporations. | This bill allows a health care cooperative to convert into a service insurance corporation. Under current law, a cooperative may be formed by filing articles of incorporation with the Department of Financial Institutions. A cooperative is organized and owned by its members and managed by a board of directors. Under current law, a cooperative may be organized primarily to establish and operate nonprofit plans or programs for health care for their members and their members[ dependents. Also under current law, a service insurance corporation, sometimes referred to as a Xnonprofit service plan,Y may be formed by following many of the same procedures that apply to nonstock corporations, like filing articles of incorporation and bylaws, except that service insurance corporations are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance instead of DFI. A service insurance corporation is a corporation incorporated in this state to provide insured service benefits, like health care, to consumers within a flexible legal framework. Under this bill, a health care cooperative may convert into a service insurance corporation. To convert into a service insurance corporation, a health care cooperative seeking conversion must adopt a plan of conversion, obtain the commissioner[s approval of the plan of conversion, have the members of the health care cooperative agree to the conversion as provided under current law, and submit evidence to the commissioner that the members of the cooperative association approve of the plan of conversion. The bill requires the commissioner to approve any submitted plan of conversion unless the commissioner concludes, after a hearing, that the plan is contrary to law, the surplus of the resulting service insurance corporation or the contracts that the resulting service insurance corporation possesses with providers are inadequate to support the plan, or the plan is contrary to the interests of members of the health care cooperative seeking conversion or to the interests of the public. If all requirements for conversion are met, the bill provides that the commissioner must issue a certificate of authority to the new service insurance corporation and that, immediately after issuing the certificate of authority, the legal existence of the health care cooperative ceases. The bill provides that the new service insurance corporation has all the assets and is liable for all of the obligations of the converted health care cooperative. | In Committee |
| AB108 | A nuclear power siting study and time limits for taking final action on certain certificate of public convenience and necessity applications. (FE) | This bill requires the Public Service Commission to conduct a nuclear power siting study and to submit a report to the legislature containing the results of the study no later than 12 months after the bill takes effect. The study must satisfy certain requirements specified in the bill. The bill also requires PSC to take final action on an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for a large electric generating facility that contains an advanced nuclear reactor within 150 days after the application is complete, unless the chairperson of PSC extends the time period for no more than an additional 150 days for good cause. Under current law, a person seeking to construct a large electric generating facility must obtain a CPCN from PSC. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB166 | Consumer data protection and providing a penalty. (FE) | This bill establishes requirements for controllers and processors of the personal data of consumers. The bill defines a XcontrollerY as a person that, alone or jointly with others, determines the purpose and means of processing personal data, and the bill applies to controllers that control or process the personal data of at least 100,000 consumers or that control or process the personal data of at least 25,000 consumers and derive over 50 percent of their gross revenue from the sale of personal data. Under the bill, Xpersonal dataY means any information that is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual except for publicly available information. The bill provides consumers with the following rights regarding their personal data: 1) to confirm whether a controller is processing the consumer[s personal data and to access the personal data; 2) to correct inaccuracies in the consumer[s personal data; 3) to require a controller to delete personal data provided by or about the consumer; 4) to obtain a copy of the personal data that the consumer previously provided to the controller; and 5) to opt out of the processing of the consumer[s personal data for targeted advertising; the sale of the consumer[s personal data; and certain forms of automated processing of the consumer[s personal data. These LRB-2468/1 MDE:cdc&emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 166 rights are subject to certain exceptions specified in the bill. Controllers may not discriminate against a consumer for exercising rights under the bill, including by charging different prices for goods or providing a different level of quality of goods or services. A controller must establish one or more secure and reliable means for consumers to submit a request to exercise their consumer rights under the bill. Such means must include a clear and conspicuous link on the controller[s website to a webpage that enables a consumer or an agent of a consumer to opt out of the targeted advertising or sale of the consumer[s personal data and, on or after July 1, 2028, an opt-out preference signal sent, with a consumer[s intent, by a platform, technology, or mechanism to the controller indicating the consumer[s intent to opt out of any processing of the consumer[s personal data for the purpose of targeted advertising or sale of the consumer[s personal data. The bill requires controllers to respond to consumers[ requests to invoke rights under the bill without undue delay. If a controller declines to take action regarding a consumer[s request, the controller must inform the consumer of its justification without undue delay. The bill also requires that information provided in response to a consumer[s request be provided free of charge once annually per consumer. Controllers must also establish processes for consumers to appeal a refusal to take action on a consumer[s request. Within 60 days of receiving an appeal, a controller must inform the consumer in writing of any action taken or not taken in response to the appeal, including a written explanation of the reasons for its decisions. If the appeal is denied, the controller must provide the consumer with a method through which the consumer can contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to submit a complaint. Under the bill, a controller must provide consumers with a privacy notice that discloses the categories of personal data processed by the controller; the purpose of processing the personal data; the categories of third parties, if any, with whom the controller shares personal data; the categories of personal data that the controller shares with third parties; and information about how consumers may exercise their rights under the bill. Controllers may not collect or process personal data for purposes that are not relevant to or reasonably necessary for the purposes disclosed in the privacy notice. The bill[s requirements do not restrict a controller[s ability to collect, use, or retain data for conducting internal research, effectuating a product recall, identifying and repairing technical errors, or performing internal operations that are reasonably aligned with consumer expectations or reasonably anticipated on the basis of a consumer[s relationship with the controller. Persons that process personal data on behalf of a controller must adhere to a contract between the controller and the processor, and such contracts must satisfy certain requirements specified in the bill. The bill also requires controllers to conduct data protection assessments related to certain activities, including processing personal data for targeted advertising, selling personal data, processing personal data for profiling purposes, and processing sensitive data, as defined in LRB-2468/1 MDE:cdc&emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 166 the bill. DATCP may request that a controller disclose a data protection assessment that is relevant to an investigation being conducted by DATCP. DATCP and the Department of Justice have exclusive authority to enforce violations of the bill[s requirements. A controller or processor that violates the bill[s requirements is subject to a forfeiture of up to $10,000 per violation, and DATCP or DOJ may recover reasonable investigation and litigation expenses incurred. During the time between the bill[s effective date and July 1, 2031, before bringing an action to enforce the bill[s requirements, DATCP or DOJ must first provide a controller or processor with a written notice identifying the violations. If within 30 days of receiving the notice the controller or processor cures the violation and provides DATCP or DOJ with an express written statement that the violation is cured and that no such further violations will occur, then DATCP or DOJ may not bring an action against the controller or processor. The bill also prohibits cities, villages, towns, and counties from enacting or enforcing ordinances that regulate the collection, processing, or sale of personal data. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB157 | Prohibiting filing or recording contracts for services or materials that do not improve real estate and providing a penalty. (FE) | This bill provides that, with certain, specified exceptions, no person may file or record with, or present for filing or recording to, a register of deeds a non- improvement contract or a notice, memorandum, or other instrument related to a non-improvement contract (document) and authorizes the register of deeds to reject such a document and return it unrecorded. The bill defines Xnon-improvement contractY as a contract 1) under which a person agrees to perform, furnish, or procure any work, labor, service, materials, plans, or specifications that are not used or consumed for the improvement of real estate, and 2) that purports to create a lien, encumbrance, or other security interest on real estate. A person that violates the recording or filing prohibition in the bill may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than nine months, or both. In addition, under the bill, an owner of real estate affected by such a filing or recording may bring a civil action against the person that files or records the document. If the owner prevails in the action, the court must order the real estate released from the effect of the document and may award actual damages, costs, and reasonable attorney fees. 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 local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB161 | Governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device. | Under this bill, no state agency and no local governmental unit may restrict 1) the use or sale of a motor vehicle on the basis of the energy source used to power the motor vehicle, including use for propulsion or use for powering other functions of the motor vehicle, or 2) the use or sale of any other device on the basis of the energy source that is used to power the device or that is consumed by the device. | In Committee |
| SB184 | Governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device. | Under this bill, no state agency and no local governmental unit may restrict 1) the use or sale of a motor vehicle on the basis of the energy source used to power the motor vehicle, including use for propulsion or use for powering other functions of the motor vehicle, or 2) the use or sale of any other device on the basis of the energy source that is used to power the device or that is consumed by the device. | Crossed Over |
| AB176 | Financial eligibility for the Alzheimer’s family and caregiver support program. (FE) | Under current law, the Department of Health Services allocates funds to local agencies to assist eligible families with obtaining goods and services related to the care of a person with Alzheimer[s disease or another irreversible dementia. Currently, a person is financially eligible for the program if the joint income of the person with irreversible dementia and that person[s spouse, if any, is $48,000 per year or less. This bill repeals the financial eligibility requirement. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB172 | Consumer data protection and providing a penalty. (FE) | This bill establishes requirements for controllers and processors of the personal data of consumers. The bill defines a XcontrollerY as a person that, alone or jointly with others, determines the purpose and means of processing personal data, and the bill applies to controllers that control or process the personal data of at least 100,000 consumers or that control or process the personal data of at least 25,000 consumers and derive over 50 percent of their gross revenue from the sale of personal data. Under the bill, Xpersonal dataY means any information that is linked or reasonably linkable to an individual except for publicly available information. The bill provides consumers with the following rights regarding their personal data: 1) to confirm whether a controller is processing the consumer[s personal data and to access the personal data; 2) to correct inaccuracies in the consumer[s personal data; 3) to require a controller to delete personal data provided by or about the consumer; 4) to obtain a copy of the personal data that the consumer previously provided to the controller; and 5) to opt out of the processing of the consumer[s personal data for targeted advertising; the sale of the consumer[s personal data; and certain forms of automated processing of the consumer[s personal data. These rights are subject to certain exceptions specified in the bill. Controllers may not discriminate against a consumer for exercising rights under the bill, including by charging different prices for goods or providing a different level of quality of goods or services. A controller must establish one or more secure and reliable means for consumers to submit a request to exercise their consumer rights under the bill. Such means must include a clear and conspicuous link on the controller[s website to a webpage that enables a consumer or an agent of a consumer to opt out of the targeted advertising or sale of the consumer[s personal data and, on or after July 1, 2028, an opt-out preference signal sent, with a consumer[s intent, by a platform, technology, or mechanism to the controller indicating the consumer[s intent to opt out of any processing of the consumer[s personal data for the purpose of targeted advertising or sale of the consumer[s personal data. The bill requires controllers to respond to consumers[ requests to invoke rights under the bill without undue delay. If a controller declines to take action regarding a consumer[s request, the controller must inform the consumer of its justification without undue delay. The bill also requires that information provided in response to a consumer[s request be provided free of charge once annually per consumer. Controllers must also establish processes for consumers to appeal a refusal to take action on a consumer[s request. Within 60 days of receiving an appeal, a controller must inform the consumer in writing of any action taken or not taken in response to the appeal, including a written explanation of the reasons for its decisions. If the appeal is denied, the controller must provide the consumer with a method through which the consumer can contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to submit a complaint. Under the bill, a controller must provide consumers with a privacy notice that discloses the categories of personal data processed by the controller; the purpose of processing the personal data; the categories of third parties, if any, with whom the controller shares personal data; the categories of personal data that the controller shares with third parties; and information about how consumers may exercise their rights under the bill. Controllers may not collect or process personal data for purposes that are not relevant to or reasonably necessary for the purposes disclosed in the privacy notice. The bill[s requirements do not restrict a controller[s ability to collect, use, or retain data for conducting internal research, effectuating a product recall, identifying and repairing technical errors, or performing internal operations that are reasonably aligned with consumer expectations or reasonably anticipated on the basis of a consumer[s relationship with the controller. Persons that process personal data on behalf of a controller must adhere to a contract between the controller and the processor, and such contracts must satisfy certain requirements specified in the bill. The bill also requires controllers to conduct data protection assessments related to certain activities, including processing personal data for targeted advertising, selling personal data, processing personal data for profiling purposes, and processing sensitive data, as defined in the bill. DATCP may request that a controller disclose a data protection assessment that is relevant to an investigation being conducted by DATCP. DATCP and the Department of Justice have exclusive authority to enforce violations of the bill[s requirements. A controller or processor that violates the bill[s requirements is subject to a forfeiture of up to $10,000 per violation, and DATCP or DOJ may recover reasonable investigation and litigation expenses incurred. During the time between the bill[s effective date and July 1, 2031, before bringing an action to enforce the bill[s requirements, DATCP or DOJ must first provide a controller or processor with a written notice identifying the violations. If within 30 days of receiving the notice the controller or processor cures the violation and provides DATCP or DOJ with an express written statement that the violation is cured and that no such further violations will occur, then DATCP or DOJ may not bring an action against the controller or processor. The bill also prohibits cities, villages, towns, and counties from enacting or enforcing ordinances that regulate the collection, processing, or sale of personal data. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB186 | Training completion awards for volunteer firefighters. (FE) | Under current law, the Department of Administration administers a service award program to provide length-of-service awards to volunteer firefighters, volunteer emergency medical responders, and volunteer emergency medical services practitioners. This bill expands the program to provide grants to volunteer fire departments and volunteer fire companies to make training completion awards to volunteer firefighters. Under the bill, in order to receive a grant, the municipality in which a department or company is organized must have a municipal ordinance that provides a 100 percent match. The completion award for a volunteer firefighter who completes 60 hours of training is $500. The bill also requires that any money a volunteer fire department or fire company receives beyond what it expends on awards each calendar year must be returned to DOA for deposit in the general fund. Finally, under the bill, DOA is required to provide a report to the legislature in the sixth, seventh, and eighth years after the start of the program that includes the LRB-2625/1 MIM:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 186 number of people who received the grant through the preceding year and the number of those people who are still firefighters in Wisconsin. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AJR59 | Proclaiming June as Dairy Month in Wisconsin. | Relating to: proclaiming June as Dairy Month in Wisconsin. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AB278 | Grants to law enforcement agencies for data-sharing platforms. | Under current law, the Department of Justice awards grants to cities and law enforcement agencies for various purposes, including to pay for uniformed beat patrol officers and to enable agencies to purchase body cameras. This bill requires DOJ to award grants to law enforcement agencies to acquire data-sharing platforms. The bill sets forth criteria that data-sharing platforms must meet to be covered by the grant. The criteria include that the platform must be able to integrate data from common law enforcement systems on a real-time basis; eliminate redundant records; restrict access to information by data type, roles, and other parameters; allow for controlled data integration and sharing among law enforcement agencies; be accessed on devices commonly used by law enforcement agencies; and ensure that law enforcement agencies retain rights to agency data. The bill also provides that the Joint Committee on Finance, upon request by DOJ, may provide up to $2,000,000 in each fiscal year of the 2025-27 biennium to implement the grant program. | In Committee |
| 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) | DELIVERY AND TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES General This bill provides that under specific circumstances, delivery network couriers and drivers for transportation network companies (application-based drivers) are not employees of the delivery network companies and transportation network companies (network companies) for the purposes of worker[s compensation insurance, minimum wage laws, and unemployment insurance. In the bill, Xapplication-based driverY is defined as a delivery network courier or participating driver who provides services through the online-enabled application, software, website, or system of a network company. Under the bill, if a network company does not engage in all of the following practices, an application-based driver is not an employee or agent of the company: 1) prescribe specific dates, times of day, or a minimum number of hours during which the driver must be logged into the network company[s online-enabled application, software, or system; 2) terminate the contract of the driver for not accepting a specific request for transportation or delivery service request; 3) restrict the driver from performing services through other network companies except while performing services through that network company; and 4) restrict the driver from working in any other lawful occupation or business. The bill provides that if this provision is held invalid by a court, the provisions regarding portable benefits accounts and group or blanket accident and sickness insurance coverage for application based drivers are invalid. Portable benefit accounts Under the bill, if certain conditions are satisfied, a financial services provider or other person may obtain approval from the Department of Financial Institutions to offer portable benefit accounts. A Xportable benefit accountY is an account administered by such an approved financial services provider or other person (portable benefit account provider) from which an individual may receive distributions for the purposes described below. Under the bill, a network company may offer portable benefit accounts. If an application-based driver meets certain eligibility requirements (eligible driver), a network company may contribute an amount equal to 4 percent of that driver[s quarterly earnings to a portable benefit account, and the driver may also contribute to the portable benefit account. Contributions to a portable benefit account by the account owner may be subtracted from the owner[s income for state income tax purposes. Under the bill, an eligible driver may receive a distribution from a portable benefit account for the following purposes: income due to an illness or accident or loss of work due to the birth or adoption of the driver[s child; 2) to transfer the money to an individual retirement account (IRA); 3) to pay vision, dental, or health insurance premiums; and 4) to compensate for lost income through no fault of the driver from work for a network company. A network company must ensure that the portable benefit account provider it selects offers at least three options for IRA providers and an eligible driver may not transfer money from a portable benefit account to an IRA in an amount exceeding the contribution limits under federal law. A portable benefit account provider may include an income replacement benefit to be made available to eligible drivers. A financial services provider may not commingle assets in a portable benefit account with other property, except in a common trust fund or common investment fund. Insurance coverage The bill provides that a network company may carry, provide, or otherwise make available group or blanket accident and sickness insurance for its application- based drivers. The bill requires a network company to make available, upon reasonable request, a copy of its group or blanket accident and sickness insurance policy. The bill specifies that the state[s worker[s compensation laws do not apply to such a policy. The bill also provides that a network company may carry, provide, or otherwise make available group or blanket occupational accident insurance to cover the medical expenses and lost income resulting from an injury suffered by an application-based driver while engaged on the network company[s online-enabled application, software, or system. The bill requires a network company to make available, upon reasonable request, a copy of its blanket occupational accident insurance policy. The bill requires that the policy provide, in aggregate, at least $1,000,000 of coverage for the medical expenses, short-term disability, long-term disability, and survivor benefits. The coverage must include at least $250,000 for medical expenses; weekly disability payments equal to two-thirds of an application- based driver[s average weekly income, subject to certain restrictions, for up to 104 weeks following an injury; and survivor benefits in an amount equal to an application-based driver[s average weekly income, subject to certain restrictions, multiplied by 104. The bill provides that if a claim is covered by occupational accident insurance maintained by more than one network company, the insurer of the network company against whom a claim is filed is entitled to a contribution for the pro rata share of coverage attributable to one or more other network companies. Under the bill, any benefit provided to an application-based driver under an occupational accident insurance policy is treated as amounts payable under a worker[s compensation law or disability benefit for the purpose of determining amounts payable under uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. 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 fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Passed |
| SB279 | Grants to law enforcement agencies for data-sharing platforms. | Under current law, the Department of Justice awards grants to cities and law enforcement agencies for various purposes, including to pay for uniformed beat patrol officers and to enable agencies to purchase body cameras. This bill requires DOJ to award grants to law enforcement agencies to acquire data-sharing platforms. The bill sets forth criteria that data-sharing platforms must meet to be covered by the grant. The criteria include that the platform must be able to integrate data from common law enforcement systems on a real-time basis; eliminate redundant records; restrict access to information by data type, roles, and other parameters; allow for controlled data integration and sharing among law enforcement agencies; be accessed on devices commonly used by law enforcement agencies; and ensure that law enforcement agencies retain rights to agency data. The bill also provides that the Joint Committee on Finance, upon request by DOJ, may provide up to $2,000,000 in each fiscal year of the 2025-27 biennium to implement the grant program. | Crossed Over |
| AB250 | Funding for the War Memorial Center and making an appropriation. (FE) | Under current law, by agreement between the county board and any nonprofit private corporation, a county having a population of 750,000 or more may establish and maintain a memorial to commemorate the lives and deeds of persons who served the state or nation in war or other national service. Milwaukee County is the only county in the state with a population of 750,000 or more, and the county established and maintains a memorial called the War Memorial Center. This bill creates a continuing appropriation account for the Department of Veterans Affairs from which the War Memorial Center[s memorial board may request DVA to provide funds to it for support of the memorial. In making a request for the funds, the memorial board is required to describe its intended use of the funds, and to aver that it has secured equal matching funds that it will contribute to its intended project supporting the War Memorial Center. In addition, in each fiscal year in which the War Memorial Center[s memorial board receives funds from DVA as described under the bill, the War Memorial Center[s memorial board is required to submit a report to the Joint Committee on Finance that describes how the funds were used and that indicates how much money remains in the appropriation account. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AJR50 | Recognizing the United States Army’s 250th birthday. | Relating to: recognizing the United States Army[s 250th birthday. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AB241 | Required ratio of journeyworkers to apprentices in apprenticeship programs and contracts. | Under current law, the Department of Workforce Development may not prescribe, enforce, or authorize a ratio of apprentices to journeyworkers for apprenticeship programs or apprentice contracts that requires more than one journeyworker for each apprentice. This bill increases the allowable ratio to one journeyworker to two apprentices. | In Committee |
| AB85 | Recommendation to revoke extended supervision, parole, or probation if a person is charged with a crime. (FE) | Under current law, a person who is released on extended supervision, parole, or probation is subject to conditions or rules of the release. If the person violates a condition or rule, the person is subject to sanctions for the violation, which may include revocation of release. This bill requires the Department of Corrections to recommend revoking a person[s extended supervision, parole, or probation if the person is charged with a crime while on release. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Passed |
| 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 |
| SB41 | School safety grants and making an appropriation. (FE) | This bill requires the Office of School Safety in the Department of Justice to establish a competitive grant program that is open to public and private schools for grants to improve the safety of school buildings and to provide security training to school personnel. In administering the program, the Office of School Safety must give preference to applicants that have not yet received a school safety grant from DOJ. The bill provides $30,000,000 for these grants and specifies that the maximum amount DOJ may award to an applicant is $20,000. The bill also requires the Office of School Safety to submit an annual report related to these grants to the Joint Committee on Finance. Finally, the grant program sunsets on July 1, 2027. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| SB10 | Access to public high schools for military recruiters. | In general, federal law requires local educational agencies, such as school boards and charter schools, that receive federal assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide military recruiters the same access to secondary school students that the local educational agencies provide to postsecondary educational institutions or to prospective employers. This bill requires school boards and governing boards of charter schools to, in addition to complying with federal law, specifically allow military recruiters access to common areas in high schools and to allow access during a school day and to school- sanctioned events. Nothing in the bill requires a school board or governing board of a charter school to provide a military recruiter access to a high school classroom during instructional time. | Crossed Over |
| 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) | Under current law, when a defendant is sentenced or placed on probation for a crime, the court must order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim of the crime to pay for costs incurred by the victim or the victim[s estate as a result of the crime. The court may require that restitution be paid immediately, within a specified time, or in specified installments. The court may not set the time limit to be later than the end of the defendant[s term of probation, parole, or extended supervision. When the defendant has completed the term, any outstanding restitution is enforceable in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action. The victim may use civil court actions to collect the restitution, including seeking a wage garnishment or an execution against the defendant[s property (a court order to the sheriff to seize property, sell it, and use the money toward the outstanding restitution). Under this bill, if the defendant is sentenced or placed on probation for human trafficking, the court must require restitution be paid immediately and, if the defendant fails to pay immediately, the court must issue an execution against the defendant[s property. Under current law, a person convicted of treason, felony, or bribery may not vote unless the person[s right to vote is restored through a pardon or through completion of the term of imprisonment, including parole or extended supervision, or probation for the crime that led to the disqualification. Under the bill, in addition to completing his or her term of imprisonment or probation for the crime, a person must have paid all fines, costs, fees, surcharges, and restitution, and have completed any court-ordered community service, imposed in connection with the crime. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Passed |
| 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. | This bill makes it a Class I felony to urge, promote, organize, encourage, or instigate others to commit a riot and a Class H felony to intentionally commit an act of violence while participating in a riot. The bill defines a XriotY as a public disturbance that involves an act of violence, as part of an assembly of at least three persons, that constitutes a clear and present danger of property damage or personal injury or a threat of an act of violence, as part of an assembly of at least three persons having the ability of immediate execution of the threat, if the threatened action constitutes a clear and present danger of property damage or personal injury. The bill establishes a civil cause of action for any person who suffers injury or loss to person or property as a result of conduct that violates the criminal prohibitions on vandalism or participation in a riot. The bill allows a person to bring a civil action against a person who committed the violation and against any person or organization that provided material support or resources with the intent LRB-2144/1 SWB:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 94 that such support or resources would be used to perpetrate the offense. The person bringing the action may obtain an order requiring the offender to fix or repair the damage caused to the person[s property if certain requirements set forth in the bill are met. The bill also prohibits any government official with authority over any law enforcement agency or law enforcement officers from limiting or restricting the authority of the agency to have its officers, or certain officers, arrest or detain individuals involved in a riot or vandalism activity or take action to quell a riot or vandalism activity. The bill also prohibits any government official with authority over any law enforcement agency from limiting or restricting the authority of law enforcement officers, or certain designated law enforcement officers, to arrest or detain individuals involved in a riot or vandalism activity or to take action to quell a riot or vandalism activity. Finally, the bill provides that no government official, law enforcement agency, or law enforcement officer may discharge, demote, reassign, or take any punitive action against any employee because the employee made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in any investigation, proceeding, or hearing regarding a violation of the prohibitions on government officials set forth in the bill. 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. | Crossed Over |
| AB201 | Extortion, sexual extortion, and providing a penalty. | This bill creates a new crime for activity known as Xsextortion.Y Under the bill, it is a generally a Class I felony for a person to do any of the following: 1. Threaten to injure the property or reputation of another to coerce that person to engage in sexual conduct or to produce an intimate representation. 2. Threaten to commit violence against another to coerce that person to engage in sexual conduct or to produce an intimate representation. 3. Threaten to distribute an intimate representation of another person with intent to coerce that person to engage in sexual conduct, produce an intimate representation, or to provide payment of money, property, services, or anything of value, or to do or refrain from doing any act against that person[s will. Under the bill, such a violation is a Class H felony if the victim, as a result of the violation, engages in sexual conduct, produces an intimate representation, provides the payment of money, property, services, or any other thing of value, or suffers great bodily harm or if the victim is under age 18 and the defendant is not more than four years older than the victim, and such a violation is a Class G felony if the defendant was previously convicted of a sexually violent offense, the violation was committed during the course of a child abduction, or the victim is under age 18 and the defendant is more than four years older than the victim. Additionally, the bill provides that a person may be prosecuted for felony murder if the person commits extortion or sexual extortion and as a result of the violation causes the death of the victim. Under current law, extortion generally is punishable as a Class I felony, and the penalty for felony murder is imprisonment for up to 15 years longer than the maximum term of imprisonment for the crime that caused the victim[s death. Under current law, a Class I felony is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to three years and six months, or both; a Class H felony is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six years, or both; and a Class G felony is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. This bill also provides that a crime victim, or the victim[s family member, is eligible for payment from the Department of Justice[s crime victim compensation fund if the crime victim is a victim of extortion or sexual extortion and is injured or dies as a result of the crime and provides that a crime victim, or the victim[s family member, may be compensated for death or injury that results from suicide or attempted suicide if the crime was a substantial causal factor in the victim[s suicide or attempted suicide. 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. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| 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) | Emergency medical services education This bill requires the Technical College System Board to provide grants to technical colleges that provide emergency medical services courses that train and prepare individuals for initial certification or initial licensure as an emergency medical responder or an emergency medical services practitioner. No grants may be awarded to a technical college for the emergency medical services courses if admission priority to the course is given to residents based on the technical college district in which the resident lives. Tuition and materials costs for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners The bill requires the Higher Educational Aids Board to develop a program to reimburse individuals or their employers for the cost of tuition and materials necessary for the individual to qualify for initial certification or initial licensure as an emergency medical responder or an emergency medical services practitioner. To LRB-2519/1 JAM:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 182 be eligible for reimbursement for the costs necessary to qualify for an initial certification or license, the individual must satisfactorily complete any required course of instruction, pass any required examination, receive a certification or license from DHS, and apply to HEAB for reimbursement on a form prescribed by HEAB. Live 911 pilot program The bill directs the Department of Military Affairs, through a pilot program, to distribute moneys through grants to enable real-time video and multimedia communications between public safety answering points and individuals who call for emergency services. Further, the bill requires DMA to annually report to the legislature on the performance of the pilot program, including information on outcomes from the pilot program, the number of responses from dispatch that were altered due to increased information from the pilot program, and any cost savings associated with the pilot program. The bill does not require DMA to submit a report to the legislature in any year that DMA does not award any moneys through grants for the pilot program. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| SB162 | Bid requirement for publication and printing of county board proceedings, notices, and advertisements in counties having a population of 250,000 or more and at least two English newspapers published daily. | Under current law, in counties that have a population of 250,000 or more, the county board must, at its annual meeting, direct the county clerk to invite proposals from the English newspapers published daily in that county for the publication and printing of the board[s proceedings and all other notices or advertisements authorized or required to be published or printed by the board and all officers, boards, and departments of that county during the following year. This bill modifies the requirement, providing that only counties that have a population of 250,000 or more and have at least two English newspapers published daily must direct the county clerk to invite proposals for publication and printing. | Crossed Over |
| SB145 | The procedure for adding federal newborn screening recommendations to the state-required newborn screenings, granting rule-making authority, and providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures. (FE) | In general, under current law, newborns must be tested for certain congenital and metabolic disorders as specified in rules promulgated by the Department of Health Services. The federal Department of Health and Human Services maintains a list of disorders for which it recommends testing in newborns, known as the federal Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). Under this bill, DHS must evaluate each disorder that is included in the RUSP as of January 1, 2025, to determine whether newborns in this state should be tested for that disorder. This requirement does not apply to any disorder in the RUSP if, as of January 1, 2025, the disorder is already included in the list of disorders for which newborns must be tested in this state. In addition, the bill requires DHS to evaluate any disorder added to the RUSP after January 1, 2025, to determine whether newborns in this state should be tested for that newly added disorder. If DHS determines newborns should not be tested for the disorder, DHS must annually review medical literature and the department[s capacity and resources to LRB-1271/1 KMS:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 145 test for the disorder in order to determine whether to reevaluate the inclusion of the disorder in newborn testing in this state. If, in any of these evaluations or reevaluations, DHS determines that a disorder in the RUSP should be added to the list of disorders for which newborns must be tested in this state, the bill requires DHS to promulgate rules to add that disorder. The requirements for evaluations, reviews, and reevaluations under the bill do not apply to a disorder in the RUSP if DHS is in the process of adding, by rule, the disorder to the list of disorders for which newborns must be tested in this state. However, if the rule-making procedure for that disorder does not result in promulgation of a rule, then DHS must consider the disorder under the review and reevaluation procedures under the bill. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB306 | Time limits on local unit of government chief executive officer emergency power proclamations. | Under current law, a local unit of government[s chief executive officer may exercise by proclamation the emergency power conferred to the local unit of government if the local unit of government[s governing body is unable to meet promptly. This bill limits the length of such proclamation to 60 days, unless extended by the local unit of government[s governing body. The bill also defines Xchief executive officerY as any of the following: 1) the county executive of a county, the county administrator of a county, or, in a county with an administrative coordinator, the county board chair of a county; 2) the mayor or city manager of a city; 3) the village president of a village; 4) the town board chairperson of a town; or 5) a person acting as one of the above stated persons. | In Committee |
| SB335 | Ratification of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. (FE) | This bill ratifies and enters Wisconsin into the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, which provides for the ability of a cosmetologist to become eligible to practice in other compact states. Significant provisions of the compact include the following: 1. The creation of a Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission, which includes one administrator of the cosmetology licensure authority of each member state. The commission has various powers and duties granted in the compact, including adopting bylaws, promulgating binding rules for the compact, appointing LRB-2939/1 MED:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 335 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 who receive multistate licenses to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the commission and its staff. 2. The ability for a cosmetologist to obtain a Xmultistate license,Y which allows a cosmetologist who satisfies certain criteria to practice cosmetology in other member states (remote states) under the remote state[s scope of practice laws and rules of the remote state[s licensing authority. The compact specifies a number of requirements in order for a cosmetologist to obtain a multistate license, including holding an unencumbered cosmetology license in his or her primary state of residence (home state) and paying any required fees. A remote state may, in accordance with that state[s laws, take adverse action against a cosmetologist[s authorization to practice cosmetology in the remote state. If a cosmetologist[s home state takes adverse action against the cosmetologist[s license, the cosmetologist[s authorization to practice in all other member states is deactivated until all encumbrances have been removed from the home state license. 3. The ability of member states to issue subpoenas that are enforceable in other states. 4. The creation of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure, adverse action, and the reporting of the existence of investigative information on a) cosmetologists and b) applicants denied a cosmetologist license. The compact requires information related to adverse actions to be shared with the commission and other member states, through the data system and otherwise. 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 among 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 upon enactment by 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 enactment of that repeal. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB331 | Operation of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles and revision of the Department of Transportation highway maintenance manual. | This bill makes numerous changes to laws relating to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), and snowmobiles. Careless operation of an ATV or UTV Current law prohibits a person from operating an ATV or UTV in any careless way that endangers the person or property of another. The bill prohibits a person from operating an ATV or UTV in any careless, reckless, or negligent manner so as to impair the life, person, or property of another. Under the bill, for a violation of this prohibition that results in impairment of the property of another, the court may hold the defendant liable for treble damages, to be recovered by the person responsible for maintenance of the property, and may order the defendant to restore, rebuild, repair, or replace the property. ATV and UTV operation on a bridge, culvert, or railroad right-of-way Under current law generally, a person may not operate an ATV or UTV on a highway. However, a person may operate an ATV or UTV on the shoulder or roadway of a highway to cross a bridge that is no more than 1,000 feet long if the operation complies with a local ordinance that applies to the bridge. Current law requires that such an ordinance require a person to stop his or her ATV or UTV before crossing the bridge. The bill eliminates the 1,000-foot limitation and expands this authorization to include culverts and railroad rights-of-way. Equipment required on ATVs and UTVs Current law requires ATVs and UTVs to be equipped with a headlamp and a tail lamp. The bill requires ATVs and UTVs to be equipped also with a brake light. The bill also requires all required lights to be in working condition and prohibits operation of an ATV or UTV unless required headlamps and tail lamps are lighted. Current law also requires ATVs and UTVs to be equipped with a brake operated either by hand or by foot. The bill specifies that the brake must be functioning. Duty to render aid The bill provides that the operator of an ATV or UTV involved in an accident must render aid to other persons involved in the accident and provide their name, address, and ATV or UTV information to any person injured in the accident and to any owner of property damaged in the accident. Emergency operation of ATVs and UTVs The bill provides that ATVs and UTVs may be operated on any roadway if the LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 331 operation is for emergency purposes during a period of emergency declared by the governmental agency having jurisdiction over the roadway. Authorized emergency vehicles Under current law, Xauthorized emergency vehicleY is defined to include vehicles operated by various entities, such as law enforcement officers, fire departments, conservation wardens, and ambulance services. The bill expands the definition of Xauthorized emergency vehicleY to include ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles operated by these same entities and to include OHMs operated by law enforcement officers and conservation wardens. Patrol vehicles The bill creates definitions for Xpatrol all-terrain vehicle,Y Xpatrol utility terrain vehicle,Y Xpatrol off-highway motorcycle,Y and Xpatrol snowmobile,Y which are ATVs, UTVs, OHMs, and snowmobiles that are owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with required sirens and lights. The bill exempts patrol ATVs, UTVs, OHMs, and snowmobiles from certain operation limitations, such as speed and proximity to highways while responding to emergencies or violations of the law, subject to specified use of sirens and lights. Revision to highway maintenance manual Under current law, no state trunk highway or connecting highway may be designated as an ATV route without Department of Transportation approval. DOT standards for ATV route approval are detailed in DOT[s Highway Maintenance Manual (HMM), which includes policies, technical information, administrative direction, and operational information for administration of DOT[s highway maintenance program. The HMM currently provides that requests for ATV routes or trails to use short segments of state trunk highways for the purpose of connecting to businesses may not be approved. The bill requires DOT to revise the HMM to remove these provisions. | In Committee |
| SB339 | The weight limit for utility terrain vehicles. | This bill raises from 3,000 pounds to 3,500 pounds the maximum weight allowable for a motor driven device to be classified as a utility terrain vehicle (UTV). Under current law, a UTV is defined as a commercially designed and manufactured motor driven device, other than a golf cart, low-speed vehicle, dune buggy, mini-truck, or tracked vehicle, that is designed to be used primarily off of a highway and that was manufactured to meet certain size and equipment specifications. Current law specifications limit UTVs to a weight, without fluids, of not more than 3,000 pounds. | In Committee |
| AB309 | Immunity for 911 call centers and dispatchers that transfer callers to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. | This bill provides that any public safety answering point, more commonly known as a 911 call center, or dispatcher that transfers a caller to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is generally immune from civil liability for any outcomes resulting from the transfer. | In Committee |
| SB309 | Immunity for 911 call centers and dispatchers that transfer callers to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. | This bill provides that any public safety answering point, more commonly known as a 911 call center, or dispatcher that transfers a caller to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is generally immune from civil liability for any outcomes resulting from the transfer. | In Committee |
| SJR63 | Proclaiming June as Dairy Month in Wisconsin. | Relating to: proclaiming June as Dairy Month in Wisconsin. | In Committee |
| AB152 | Bid requirement for publication and printing of county board proceedings, notices, and advertisements in counties having a population of 250,000 or more and at least two English newspapers published daily. | Under current law, in counties that have a population of 250,000 or more, the county board must, at its annual meeting, direct the county clerk to invite proposals from the English newspapers published daily in that county for the publication and printing of the board[s proceedings and all other notices or advertisements authorized or required to be published or printed by the board and all officers, boards, and departments of that county during the following year. This bill modifies the requirement, providing that only counties that have a population of 250,000 or more and have at least two English newspapers published daily must direct the county clerk to invite proposals for publication and printing. | In Committee |
| AB173 | Regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, and application of prescription drug payments to health insurance cost-sharing requirements. (FE) | This bill makes several changes to the regulation of pharmacy benefit managers and their interactions with pharmacies and pharmacists. Under current law, pharmacy benefit managers are generally required to be licensed as a pharmacy benefit manager or an employee benefit plan administrator by the commissioner of insurance. A pharmacy benefit manager is an entity that contracts to administer or manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of an insurer, a cooperative, or another entity that provides prescription drug benefits to Wisconsin residents. Major provisions of the bill are summarized below. Pharmacy benefit manager regulation The bill requires a pharmacy benefit manager to pay a pharmacy or pharmacist a professional dispensing fee at a rate not less than is paid by the state under the Medical Assistance program for each pharmaceutical product that the pharmacy or pharmacist dispenses to an individual. The professional dispensing fee is required to be paid in addition to the amount the pharmacy benefit manager reimburses the pharmacy or pharmacist for the cost of the pharmaceutical product that the pharmacy or pharmacist dispenses. The Medical Assistance program is a joint state and federal program that provides health services to individuals who have limited financial resources. The bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from assessing, charging, or collecting from a pharmacy or pharmacist any form of remuneration that passes from the pharmacy or pharmacist to the pharmacy benefit manager including claim-processing fees, performance-based fees, network-participation fees, or accreditation fees. Further, under the bill, a pharmacy benefit manager may not use any certification or accreditation requirement as a determinant of pharmacy network participation that is inconsistent with, more stringent than, or in addition to the federal requirements for licensure as a pharmacy and the requirements for licensure as a pharmacy provided under state law. The bill requires a pharmacy benefit manager to allow a participant or beneficiary of a pharmacy benefits plan or program that the pharmacy benefit manager serves to use any pharmacy or pharmacist in this state that is licensed to dispense the pharmaceutical product that the participant or beneficiary seeks to obtain if the pharmacy or pharmacist accepts the same terms and conditions that the pharmacy benefit manager establishes for at least one of the networks of pharmacies or pharmacists that the pharmacy benefit manager has established to serve individuals in the state. A pharmacy benefit manager may establish a preferred network of pharmacies or pharmacists and a nonpreferred network of pharmacies or pharmacists; however, under the bill, a pharmacy benefit manager may not prohibit a pharmacy or pharmacist from participating in either type of network provided that the pharmacy or pharmacist is licensed by this state and the federal government and accepts the same terms and conditions that the pharmacy benefit manager establishes for other pharmacies or pharmacists participating in the network that the pharmacy or pharmacist wants to join. Under the bill, a pharmacy benefit manager may not charge a participant or beneficiary of a pharmacy benefits plan or program that the pharmacy benefit manager serves a different copayment obligation or additional fee, or provide any inducement or financial incentive, for the participant or beneficiary to use a pharmacy or pharmacist in a particular network of pharmacies or pharmacists that the pharmacy benefit manager has established to serve individuals in the state. Further, the bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager, third-party payer, or health benefit plan from excluding a pharmacy or pharmacist from its network because the pharmacy or pharmacist serves less than a certain portion of the population of the state or serves a population living with certain health conditions. The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager may neither prohibit a pharmacy or pharmacist that dispenses a pharmaceutical product from, nor penalize a pharmacy or pharmacist that dispenses a pharmaceutical product for, informing an individual about the cost of the pharmaceutical product, the amount in reimbursement that the pharmacy or pharmacist receives for dispensing the pharmaceutical product, or any difference between the cost to the individual under the individual[s pharmacy benefits plan or program and the cost to the individual if the individual purchases the pharmaceutical product without making a claim for benefits under the individual[s pharmacy benefits plan or program. The bill prohibits any pharmacy benefit manager or any insurer or self- insured health plan from requiring, or penalizing a person who is covered under a health insurance policy or plan for using or for not using, a specific retail, mail- order, or other pharmacy provider within the network of pharmacy providers under the policy or plan. Prohibited penalties include an increase in premium, deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. The bill requires pharmacy benefit managers to remit payment for a claim to a pharmacy or pharmacist within 30 days from the day that the claim is submitted to the pharmacy benefit manager by the pharmacy or pharmacist. Pharmaceutical product reimbursements The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager that uses a maximum allowable cost list must include all of the following information on the list: 1) the average acquisition cost of each pharmaceutical product and the cost of the pharmaceutical product set forth in the national average drug acquisition cost data published by the federal centers for medicare and medicaid services; 2) the average manufacturer price of each pharmaceutical product; 3) the average wholesale price of each pharmaceutical product; 4) the brand effective rate or generic effective rate for each pharmaceutical product; 5) any applicable discount indexing; 6) the federal upper limit for each pharmaceutical product published by the federal centers for medicare and medicaid services; pharmaceutical product; and 8) any other terms that are used to establish the maximum allowable costs. The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager may place or continue a particular pharmaceutical product on a maximum allowable cost list only if the pharmaceutical product 1) is listed as a drug product equivalent or is rated by a nationally recognized reference as Xnot ratedY or Xnot availableY; 2) is available for purchase by all pharmacies and pharmacists in the state from national or regional pharmaceutical wholesalers operating in the state; and 3) has not been determined by the drug manufacturer to be obsolete. Further, the bill provides that any pharmacy benefit manager that uses a maximum allowable cost list must provide access to the maximum allowable cost list to each pharmacy or pharmacist subject to the maximum allowable cost list, update the maximum allowable cost list on a timely basis, provide a process for a pharmacy or pharmacist subject to the maximum allowable cost list to receive notification of an update to the maximum allowable cost list, and update the maximum allowable cost list no later than seven days after the pharmacy acquisition cost of the pharmaceutical product increases by 10 percent or more from at least 60 percent of the pharmaceutical wholesalers doing business in the state or there is a change in the methodology on which the maximum allowable cost list is based or in the value of a variable involved in the methodology. A maximum allowable cost list is a list of pharmaceutical products that sets forth the maximum amount that a pharmacy benefit manager will pay to a pharmacy or pharmacist for dispensing a pharmaceutical product. A maximum allowable cost list may directly establish maximum costs or may set forth a method for how the maximum costs are calculated. The bill further provides that a pharmacy benefit manager that uses a maximum allowable cost list must provide a process for a pharmacy or pharmacist to appeal and resolve disputes regarding claims that the maximum payment amount for a pharmaceutical product is below the pharmacy acquisition cost. A pharmacy benefit manager that receives an appeal from or on behalf of a pharmacy or pharmacist under this bill is required to resolve the appeal and notify the pharmacy or pharmacist of the pharmacy benefit manager[s determination no later than seven business days after the appeal is received. If the pharmacy benefit manager grants the relief requested in the appeal, the bill requires the pharmacy benefit manager to make the requested change in the maximum allowable cost, allow the pharmacy or pharmacist to reverse and rebill the relevant claim, provide to the pharmacy or pharmacist the national drug code number published in a directory by the federal Food and Drug Administration on which the increase or change is based, and make the change effective for each similarly situated pharmacy or pharmacist subject to the maximum allowable cost list. If the pharmacy benefit manager denies the relief requested in the appeal, the bill requires the pharmacy benefit manager to provide the pharmacy or pharmacist a reason for the denial, the national drug code number published in a directory by the FDA for the pharmaceutical product to which the claim relates, and the name of a national or regional wholesaler that has the pharmaceutical product currently in stock at a price below the amount specified in the pharmacy benefit manager[s maximum allowable cost list. The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager may not deny a pharmacy[s or pharmacist[s appeal if the relief requested in the appeal relates to the maximum allowable cost for a pharmaceutical product that is not available for the pharmacy or pharmacist to purchase at a cost that is below the pharmacy acquisition cost from the pharmaceutical wholesaler from which the pharmacy or pharmacist purchases the majority of pharmaceutical products for resale. If a pharmaceutical product is not available for a pharmacy or pharmacist to purchase at a cost that is below the pharmacy acquisition cost from the pharmaceutical wholesaler from which the pharmacy or pharmacist purchases the majority of pharmaceutical products for resale, the pharmacy benefit manager must revise the maximum allowable cost list to increase the maximum allowable cost for the pharmaceutical product to an amount equal to or greater than the pharmacy[s or pharmacist[s pharmacy acquisition cost and allow the pharmacy or pharmacist to reverse and rebill each claim affected by the pharmacy[s or pharmacist[s inability to procure the pharmaceutical product at a cost that is equal to or less than the maximum allowable cost that was the subject of the pharmacy[s or pharmacist[s appeal. The bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from reimbursing a pharmacy or pharmacist in the state an amount less than the amount that the pharmacy benefit manager reimburses a pharmacy benefit manager affiliate for providing the same pharmaceutical product. Under the bill, a pharmacy benefit manager affiliate is a pharmacy or pharmacist that is an affiliate of a pharmacy benefit manager. Finally, the bill allows a pharmacy or pharmacist to decline to provide a pharmaceutical product to an individual or pharmacy benefit manager if, as a result of a maximum allowable cost list, the pharmacy or pharmacist would be paid less than the pharmacy acquisition cost of the pharmacy or pharmacist providing the pharmaceutical product. Drug formularies This bill makes several changes with respect to drug formularies. Under current law, a disability insurance policy that offers a prescription drug benefit, a self-insured health plan that offers a prescription drug benefit, or a pharmacy benefit manager acting on behalf of a disability insurance policy or self-insured health plan must provide to an enrollee advanced written notice of a formulary change that removes a prescription drug from the formulary of the policy or plan or that reassigns a prescription drug to a benefit tier for the policy or plan that has a higher deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. The advanced written notice of a formulary change must be provided no fewer than 30 days before the expected date of the removal or reassignment. This bill provides that a disability insurance policy or self-insured health plan that provides a prescription drug benefit shall make the formulary and all drug costs associated with the formulary available to plan sponsors and individuals prior to selection or enrollment. Further, the bill provides that no disability insurance policy, self-insured health plan, or pharmacy benefit manager acting on behalf of a disability insurance policy or self-insured health plan may remove a prescription drug from the formulary except at the time of coverage renewal. Finally, the bill provides that advanced written notice of a formulary change must be provided no fewer than 90 days before the expected date of the removal or reassignment of a prescription drug on the formulary. Pharmacy networks Under the bill, if an enrollee utilizes a pharmacy or pharmacist in a preferred network of pharmacies or pharmacists, no disability insurance policy or self- insured health plan that provides a prescription drug benefit or pharmacy benefit manager that provides services under a contract with a policy or plan may require the enrollee to pay any amount or impose on the enrollee any condition that would not be required if the enrollee utilized a different pharmacy or pharmacist in the same preferred network. Further, the bill provides that any disability insurance policy or self-insured health plan that provides a prescription drug benefit, or any pharmacy benefit manager that provides services under a contract with a policy or plan, that has established a preferred network of pharmacies or pharmacists must reimburse each pharmacy or pharmacist in the same network at the same rates. Audits of pharmacists and pharmacies This bill makes several changes to audits of pharmacists and pharmacies. The bill requires an entity that conducts audits of pharmacists and pharmacies to ensure that each pharmacist or pharmacy audited by the entity is audited under the same standards and parameters as other similarly situated pharmacists or pharmacies audited by the entity, that the entity randomizes the prescriptions that the entity audits and the entity audits the same number of prescriptions in each prescription benefit tier, and that each audit of a prescription reimbursed under Part D of the federal Medicare program is conducted separately from audits of prescriptions reimbursed under other policies or plans. The bill prohibits any pharmacy benefit manager from recouping reimbursements made to a pharmacist or pharmacy for errors that involve no actual financial harm to an enrollee or a policy or plan sponsor unless the error is the result of the pharmacist or pharmacy failing to comply with a formal corrective action plan. The bill further prohibits any pharmacy benefit manager from using extrapolation in calculating reimbursements that it may recoup, and instead requires a pharmacy benefit manager to base the finding of errors for which reimbursements will be recouped on an actual error in reimbursement and not a projection of the number of patients served having a similar diagnosis or on a projection of the number of similar orders or refills for similar prescription drugs. The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager that recoups any reimbursements made to a pharmacist or pharmacy for an error that was the cause of financial harm must return the recouped reimbursement to the enrollee or the policy or plan sponsor who was harmed by the error. Pharmacy benefit manager fiduciary and disclosure requirements The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager owes a fiduciary duty to a health benefit plan sponsor. The bill also requires that a pharmacy benefit manager annually disclose all of the following information to the health benefit plan sponsor: 1. The indirect profit received by the pharmacy benefit manager from owning a pharmacy or health 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 pharmacists and the amount retained by the pharmacy benefit manager. Discriminatory reimbursement of 340B entities The bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from taking certain actions with respect to 340B covered entities, pharmacies and pharmacists contracted with 340B covered entities, and patients who obtain prescription drugs from 340B covered entities. The 340B drug pricing program is a federal program that requires pharmaceutical manufacturers that participate in the federal Medicaid program to sell outpatient drugs at discounted prices to certain health care organizations that provide health care for uninsured and low-income patients. Entities that are eligible for discounted prices under the 340B drug pricing program include federally qualified health centers, critical access hospitals, and certain public and nonprofit disproportionate share hospitals. The bill prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from doing any of the following: 1. Refusing to reimburse a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity for dispensing 340B drugs. 2. Imposing requirements or restrictions on 340B covered entities or pharmacies or pharmacists contracted with 340B covered entities that are not imposed on other entities, pharmacies, or pharmacists. 3. Reimbursing a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity for a 340B drug at a rate lower than the amount paid for the same drug to pharmacies or pharmacists that are not 340B covered entities or pharmacies or pharmacists contracted with a 340B covered entity. 4. Assessing a fee, charge back, or other adjustment against a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity after a claim has been paid or adjudicated. 5. Restricting the access of a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity to a third-party payer[s pharmacy network solely because the 340B covered entity or the pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity participates in the 340B drug pricing program. 6. Requiring a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity to contract with a specific pharmacy or pharmacist or health benefit plan in order to access a third-party payer[s pharmacy network. 7. Imposing a restriction or an additional charge on a patient who obtains a 340B drug from a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity. 8. Restricting the methods by which a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity may dispense or deliver 340B drugs. 9. Requiring a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity to share pharmacy bills or invoices with a pharmacy benefit manager, a third-party payer, or a health benefit plan. Application of prescription drug payments Health insurance policies and plans often apply cost-sharing requirements and out-of-pocket maximum amounts to the benefits covered by the policy or plan. A cost-sharing requirement is a share of covered benefits that an insured is required to pay under a health insurance policy or plan. Cost-sharing requirements include copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. An out-of-pocket maximum amount is a limit specified by a policy or plan on the amount that an insured pays, and, once that limit is reached, the policy or plan covers the benefit entirely. The bill generally requires health insurance policies that offer prescription drug benefits, self-insured health plans, and pharmacy benefit managers acting on behalf of policies or plans to apply amounts paid by or on behalf of an individual covered under the policy or plan for brand name prescription drugs to any cost- sharing requirement or to any calculation of an out-of-pocket maximum amount of the policy or plan. Health insurance policies are referred to in the bill as disability insurance policies. Prohibited retaliation The bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from retaliating against a pharmacy or pharmacist for reporting an alleged violation of certain laws applicable to pharmacy benefit managers or for exercising certain rights or remedies. Retaliation includes terminating or refusing to renew a contract with a pharmacy or pharmacist, subjecting a pharmacy or pharmacist to increased audits, or failing to promptly pay a pharmacy or pharmacist any money that the pharmacy benefit manager owes to the pharmacy or pharmacist. The bill provides that a pharmacy or pharmacist may bring an action in court for injunctive relief if a pharmacy benefit manager is retaliating against the pharmacy or pharmacist as provided in the bill. In addition to equitable relief, the court may award a pharmacy or pharmacist that prevails in such an action reasonable attorney fees and costs. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB214 | Registration of out-of-state health care providers to provide telehealth services. (FE) | This bill allows an individual who possesses a credential as a health care provider in another state to provide health care services by telehealth in this state within the scope of practice established under the laws and rules of this state by registering with the Department of Safety and Professional Services or an applicable credentialing board. In general, under current law, no person may provide health care services in this state for which a credential is required unless the person possesses a credential issued in this state issued by DSPS or a credentialing board. This bill requires DSPS and any applicable credentialing board to register an out-of-state health care provider who does not possess a credential in this state as a telehealth provider who may provide health care services in this state by telehealth if the health care provider meets certain criteria, including 1) that the health care provider possesses a credential issued by a governmental authority in another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or territory of the United States that is active and unencumbered and that entitles the health care provider to perform health care services that are substantially similar to health care services that may be performed by a health care provider who possesses a credential issued in this state; 2) that the health care provider has not been subject to any disciplinary action relating to his or her credential during the LRB-2236/1 JPC:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 214 five-year period immediately preceding submission of the health care provider[s application for registration in this state that has resulted in his or her credential being limited, suspended, or revoked; and 3) that the health care provider designates an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this state. A health care provider registered to provide telehealth services under the bill may not open an office in this state and may not provide in-person health care services to patients located in this state unless the health care provider obtains a credential in this state. The bill requires individuals registered to provide telehealth services in this state to maintain and have in effect malpractice liability insurance coverage that covers services provided to patients in this state if the health care services that the individual may provide are substantially similar to services provided by a health care provider in this state who is required under law to maintain and have in effect malpractice liability insurance. The bill requires individuals registered under the bill to provide telehealth services in this state to notify DSPS or the applicable credentialing board of any restrictions placed on his or her credential in any state or jurisdiction and of any disciplinary action taken or pending against him or her in any state or jurisdiction within five business days after the restriction is placed or disciplinary action is initiated or taken. The bill allows DSPS and applicable credentialing boards to take disciplinary action against a health care provider registered to provide telehealth services under the bill if the registrant fails to notify DSPS or the applicable credentialing board of any adverse actions taken against his or her credential, if the registrant has restrictions placed on his or her credential, if disciplinary action has been commenced against the registrant in any state or jurisdiction, if the registrant violates any provision under the bill, or if the registrant commits any act that constitutes grounds for disciplinary action applicable to the registrant[s health care practice in this state. Finally, the bill requires DSPS to publish on its website a list of all health care providers registered to provide telehealth services under the bill and include, to the extent applicable, certain information including the registrant[s name, the registrant[s health care occupation, a brief explanation of the registrant[s training and education, including completion dates and any certificates or degrees obtained, the registrant[s out-of-state health care license, permit, certificate, or other approval, including any identification number associated with the registrant[s license, permit, certificate, or other approval, the registrant[s specialty, a five-year disciplinary history of the registrant, the registrant[s medical malpractice insurance provider and any policy limits under the registrant[s medical malpractice insurance coverage, and the name and address of the registrant[s agent designated for service of process in this state. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-2236/1 JPC:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 214 | In Committee |
| AB198 | Emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE) | Emergency medical services education This bill requires the Technical College System Board to provide grants to technical colleges that provide emergency medical services courses that train and prepare individuals for initial certification or initial licensure as an emergency medical responder or an emergency medical services practitioner. No grants may be awarded to a technical college for the emergency medical services courses if admission priority to the course is given to residents based on the technical college district in which the resident lives. Tuition and materials costs for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners The bill requires the Higher Educational Aids Board to develop a program to reimburse individuals or their employers for the cost of tuition and materials necessary for the individual to qualify for initial certification or initial licensure as an emergency medical responder or an emergency medical services practitioner. To be eligible for reimbursement for the costs necessary to qualify for an initial certification or license, the individual must satisfactorily complete any required course of instruction, pass any required examination, receive a certification or license from DHS, and apply to HEAB for reimbursement on a form prescribed by HEAB. Live 911 pilot program The bill directs the Department of Military Affairs, through a pilot program, to distribute moneys through grants to enable real-time video and multimedia communications between public safety answering points and individuals who call for emergency services. Further, the bill requires DMA to annually report to the legislature on the performance of the pilot program, including information on outcomes from the pilot program, the number of responses from dispatch that were altered due to increased information from the pilot program, and any cost savings associated with the pilot program. The bill does not require DMA to submit a report to the legislature in any year that DMA does not award any moneys through grants for the pilot program. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB256 | 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) | DELIVERY AND TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES General This bill provides that under specific circumstances, delivery network couriers and drivers for transportation network companies (application-based drivers) are LRB-0875/1 MIM/KMS/ARG/KP:cc/cs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 256 not employees of the delivery network companies and transportation network companies (network companies) for the purposes of worker[s compensation insurance, minimum wage laws, and unemployment insurance. In the bill, Xapplication-based driverY is defined as a delivery network courier or participating driver who provides services through the online-enabled application, software, website, or system of a network company. Under the bill, if a network company does not engage in all of the following practices, an application-based driver is not an employee or agent of the company: 1) prescribe specific dates, times of day, or a minimum number of hours during which the driver must be logged into the network company[s online-enabled application, software, or system; 2) terminate the contract of the driver for not accepting a specific request for transportation or delivery service request; 3) restrict the driver from performing services through other network companies except while performing services through that network company; and 4) restrict the driver from working in any other lawful occupation or business. The bill provides that if this provision is held invalid by a court, the provisions regarding portable benefits accounts and group or blanket accident and sickness insurance coverage for application based drivers are invalid. Portable benefit accounts Under the bill, if certain conditions are satisfied, a financial services provider or other person may obtain approval from the Department of Financial Institutions to offer portable benefit accounts. A Xportable benefit accountY is an account administered by such an approved financial services provider or other person (portable benefit account provider) from which an individual may receive distributions for the purposes described below. Under the bill, a network company may offer portable benefit accounts. If an application-based driver meets certain eligibility requirements (eligible driver), a network company may contribute an amount equal to 4 percent of that driver[s quarterly earnings to a portable benefit account, and the driver may also contribute to the portable benefit account. Contributions to a portable benefit account by the account owner may be subtracted from the owner[s income for state income tax purposes. Under the bill, an eligible driver may receive a distribution from a portable benefit account for the following purposes: income due to an illness or accident or loss of work due to the birth or adoption of the driver[s child; 2) to transfer the money to an individual retirement account (IRA); 3) to pay vision, dental, or health insurance premiums; and 4) to compensate for lost income through no fault of the driver from work for a network company. A network company must ensure that the portable benefit account provider it selects offers at least three options for IRA providers and an eligible driver may not transfer money from a portable benefit account to an IRA in an amount exceeding the contribution limits under federal law. A portable benefit account provider may include an income replacement benefit to be made available to eligible drivers. A LRB-0875/1 MIM/KMS/ARG/KP:cc/cs 1) to compensate for lost 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 256 financial services provider may not commingle assets in a portable benefit account with other property, except in a common trust fund or common investment fund. Insurance coverage The bill provides that a network company may carry, provide, or otherwise make available group or blanket accident and sickness insurance for its application- based drivers. The bill requires a network company to make available, upon reasonable request, a copy of its group or blanket accident and sickness insurance policy. The bill specifies that the state[s worker[s compensation laws do not apply to such a policy. The bill also provides that a network company may carry, provide, or otherwise make available group or blanket occupational accident insurance to cover the medical expenses and lost income resulting from an injury suffered by an application-based driver while engaged on the network company[s online-enabled application, software, or system. The bill requires a network company to make available, upon reasonable request, a copy of its blanket occupational accident insurance policy. The bill requires that the policy provide, in aggregate, at least $1,000,000 of coverage for the medical expenses, short-term disability, long-term disability, and survivor benefits. The coverage must include at least $250,000 for medical expenses; weekly disability payments equal to two-thirds of an application- based driver[s average weekly income, subject to certain restrictions, for up to 104 weeks following an injury; and survivor benefits in an amount equal to an application-based driver[s average weekly income, subject to certain restrictions, multiplied by 104. The bill provides that if a claim is covered by occupational accident insurance maintained by more than one network company, the insurer of the network company against whom a claim is filed is entitled to a contribution for the pro rata share of coverage attributable to one or more other network companies. Under the bill, any benefit provided to an application-based driver under an occupational accident insurance policy is treated as amounts payable under a worker[s compensation law or disability benefit for the purpose of determining amounts payable under uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. 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 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 |
| SB222 | Extortion, sexual extortion, and providing a penalty. | This bill creates a new crime for activity known as Xsextortion.Y Under the bill, it is a generally a Class I felony for a person to do any of the following: 1. Threaten to injure the property or reputation of another to coerce that person to engage in sexual conduct or to produce an intimate representation. 2. Threaten to commit violence against another to coerce that person to engage in sexual conduct or to produce an intimate representation. 3. Threaten to distribute an intimate representation of another person with LRB-2773/1 MJW:skw&emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 222 intent to coerce that person to engage in sexual conduct, produce an intimate representation, or to provide payment of money, property, services, or anything of value, or to do or refrain from doing any act against that person[s will. Under the bill, such a violation is a Class H felony if the victim, as a result of the violation, engages in sexual conduct, produces an intimate representation, provides the payment of money, property, services, or any other thing of value, or suffers great bodily harm or if the victim is under age 18 and the defendant is not more than four years older than the victim, and such a violation is a Class G felony if the defendant was previously convicted of a sexually violent offense, the violation was committed during the course of a child abduction, or the victim is under age 18 and the defendant is more than four years older than the victim. Additionally, the bill provides that a person may be prosecuted for felony murder if the person commits extortion or sexual extortion and as a result of the violation causes the death of the victim. Under current law, extortion generally is punishable as a Class I felony, and the penalty for felony murder is imprisonment for up to 15 years longer than the maximum term of imprisonment for the crime that caused the victim[s death. Under current law, a Class I felony is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to three years and six months, or both; a Class H felony is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to six years, or both; and a Class G felony is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. This bill also provides that a crime victim, or the victim[s family member, is eligible for payment from the Department of Justice[s crime victim compensation fund if the crime victim is a victim of extortion or sexual extortion and is injured or dies as a result of the crime and provides that a crime victim, or the victim[s family member, may be compensated for death or injury that results from suicide or attempted suicide if the crime was a substantial causal factor in the victim[s suicide or attempted suicide. 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. | In Committee |
| AB297 | Performance grants based on improving employment rates for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision. (FE) | This bill requires the Department of Corrections to award performance grants to adult probation and parole offices based on increases in employment rates for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision in the regions the offices serve. The bill provides a formula to determine the amount of funds each adult probation and parole office is eligible to receive under this performance grant program. Under the formula, DOC must calculate a baseline employment rate for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision who reside in the region the office serves by averaging the annual employment rate for those individuals in fiscal years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24. Then, on July 1 of each fiscal year, DOC must calculate the employment rate for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision who reside in the region the office serves for the fiscal year that just ended. DOC must subtract the baseline employment rate from the employment rate for the fiscal year that just ended. If the difference is negative, the office is not eligible for a performance grant in the fiscal year that just began. If the difference is positive, the office is eligible for a performance grant in the fiscal year that just began that is equal to that difference multiplied by the number of individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision who reside in the region the office serves, multiplied again by $2,500. Under the bill, an office that receives a grant must use the funds to provide bonuses for employees of the regional office. The bill requires DOC to develop and publish outcome-based measures for each region such as the employment rate and the average length of employment for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision; the percentage and employment status of individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision who are convicted of a crime while on the supervised status; the number and employment status of individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision who complete their period of supervised status; the programs for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision that were created or eliminated; and an estimate of savings to the state as a result of reduced correctional costs due to lower crime rates among individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision. The bill requires DOC to work with the offices to prepare annual reports for the legislature. The reports must be available to the public and must include information about the effectiveness of the performance grants based on outcome- based measures and recommendations regarding resource allocations or collaboration with other state, regional, or local entities or other regions for improvements to the performance grant program. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB212 | Registration of out-of-state health care providers to provide telehealth services. (FE) | This bill allows an individual who possesses a credential as a health care provider in another state to provide health care services by telehealth in this state within the scope of practice established under the laws and rules of this state by registering with the Department of Safety and Professional Services or an applicable credentialing board. In general, under current law, no person may provide health care services in this state for which a credential is required unless the person possesses a credential issued in this state issued by DSPS or a credentialing board. This bill requires DSPS and any applicable credentialing board to register an out-of-state health care provider who does not possess a credential in this state as a telehealth provider who may provide health care services in this state by telehealth if the health care provider meets certain criteria, including 1) that the health care provider possesses a credential issued by a governmental authority in another state, the District of Columbia, or a possession or territory of the United States that is active and unencumbered and that entitles the health care provider to perform health care services that are substantially similar to health care services that may be performed by a health care provider who possesses a credential issued in this state; 2) that the health care provider has not been subject to any disciplinary action relating to his or her credential during the five-year period immediately preceding submission of the health care provider[s application for registration in this state that has resulted in his or her credential being limited, suspended, or revoked; and 3) that the health care provider designates an agent upon whom service of process may be made in this state. A health care provider registered to provide telehealth services under the bill may not open an office in this state and may not provide in-person health care services to patients located in this state unless the health care provider obtains a credential in this state. The bill requires individuals registered to provide telehealth services in this state to maintain and have in effect malpractice liability insurance coverage that covers services provided to patients in this state if the health care services that the individual may provide are substantially similar to services provided by a health care provider in this state who is required under law to maintain and have in effect malpractice liability insurance. The bill requires individuals registered under the bill to provide telehealth services in this state to notify DSPS or the applicable credentialing board of any restrictions placed on his or her credential in any state or jurisdiction and of any disciplinary action taken or pending against him or her in any state or jurisdiction within five business days after the restriction is placed or disciplinary action is initiated or taken. The bill allows DSPS and applicable credentialing boards to take disciplinary action against a health care provider registered to provide telehealth services under the bill if the registrant fails to notify DSPS or the applicable credentialing board of any adverse actions taken against his or her credential, if the registrant has restrictions placed on his or her credential, if disciplinary action has been commenced against the registrant in any state or jurisdiction, if the registrant violates any provision under the bill, or if the registrant commits any act that constitutes grounds for disciplinary action applicable to the registrant[s health care practice in this state. Finally, the bill requires DSPS to publish on its website a list of all health care providers registered to provide telehealth services under the bill and include, to the extent applicable, certain information including the registrant[s name, the registrant[s health care occupation, a brief explanation of the registrant[s training and education, including completion dates and any certificates or degrees obtained, the registrant[s out-of-state health care license, permit, certificate, or other approval, including any identification number associated with the registrant[s license, permit, certificate, or other approval, the registrant[s specialty, a five-year disciplinary history of the registrant, the registrant[s medical malpractice insurance provider and any policy limits under the registrant[s medical malpractice insurance coverage, and the name and address of the registrant[s agent designated for service of process in this state. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB210 | Changes to amount of, and criteria for designating recipients of, academic excellence higher education scholarships. (FE) | Under current law, certain high school seniors who have the highest grade point average in their class may be eligible to receive an Xacademic excellence higher education scholarshipY (scholarship) amounting to not more than $2,250 per academic year in relief of the individual[s future tuition and fees assessed at participating technical colleges, University of Wisconsin System institutions, and private institutions of higher education. The criteria used to determine the selection of the individuals who will receive the scholarship differs by the number of pupils enrolled in each high school. The school board or governing body of a high school with enrollment of less than 80 pupils may nominate one senior from that high school, and the executive secretary of the Higher Educational Aids Board may designate not more than 10 individuals statewide who were so nominated under that category who may receive the scholarship. However, if the high school has more than 80 but less than 500 pupils, the school board or governing body of the LRB-2672/1 JAM:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 210 high school may designate one senior to receive the scholarship with no required nomination process or designation from HEAB, and the school boards or governing bodies of high schools with even larger enrollment sizes may designate multiple seniors to receive the scholarship relief. Under this bill, the school board or governing body of a high school with enrollment of at least one pupil but less than 500 pupils may designate one senior to receive the scholarship with no nomination process or designation from HEAB. The bill also clarifies that a senior eligible to receive the scholarship relief does not include a pupil enrolled in a home-based private educational program. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB127 | The duty of a pharmacist to dispense lawfully prescribed drugs and devices. (FE) | Under current law, a pharmacy has a duty to dispense lawfully prescribed contraceptive drugs and devices without delay unless certain factors apply, including that the prescription contains an obvious or known error or contains inadequate instructions, the prescription is contraindicated for the patient, the prescription is incompatible with another drug or device prescribed for the patient, or the prescription is potentially fraudulent. This bill expands that duty to require pharmacies to dispense any lawfully prescribed drug or device without delay. However, if any pharmacist at a pharmacy refuses to dispense a drug or device for reasons of conscience such that the pharmacy cannot fulfill the prescription order without delay, then the bill requires the pharmacy to transfer the prescription order to a different pharmacy, at the direction of the patient, that will dispense the prescribed drug or device without delay. The bill also specifies that a pharmacy may not dispense a lawfully prescribed drug or device if there is an absolute contraindication for the prescribed drug or device, rather than just a contraindication. Under the bill, Xabsolute contraindicationY is defined to mean any condition present in a patient that makes a particular drug or device inadvisable under any circumstances. Further, the bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from penalizing in any way a pharmacy or pharmacist from dispensing a prescribed drug or device that is prescribed for a use other than a use approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration if the prescribed drug or device is dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription order. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB137 | The duty of a pharmacist to dispense lawfully prescribed drugs and devices. (FE) | Under current law, a pharmacy has a duty to dispense lawfully prescribed contraceptive drugs and devices without delay unless certain factors apply, including that the prescription contains an obvious or known error or contains inadequate instructions, the prescription is contraindicated for the patient, the prescription is incompatible with another drug or device prescribed for the patient, or the prescription is potentially fraudulent. This bill expands that duty to require pharmacies to dispense any lawfully prescribed drug or device without delay. However, if any pharmacist at a pharmacy refuses to dispense a drug or device for reasons of conscience such that the pharmacy cannot fulfill the prescription order without delay, then the bill requires the pharmacy to transfer the prescription order to a different pharmacy, at the direction of the patient, that will dispense the prescribed drug or device without delay. The bill also specifies that a pharmacy LRB-0508/1 JPC:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 137 may not dispense a lawfully prescribed drug or device if there is an absolute contraindication for the prescribed drug or device, rather than just a contraindication. Under the bill, Xabsolute contraindicationY is defined to mean any condition present in a patient that makes a particular drug or device inadvisable under any circumstances. Further, the bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from penalizing in any way a pharmacy or pharmacist from dispensing a prescribed drug or device that is prescribed for a use other than a use approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration if the prescribed drug or device is dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription order. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB302 | Performance grants based on improving employment rates for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision. (FE) | This bill requires the Department of Corrections to award performance grants to adult probation and parole offices based on increases in employment rates for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision in the regions the offices serve. The bill provides a formula to determine the amount of funds each adult probation and parole office is eligible to receive under this performance grant program. Under the formula, DOC must calculate a baseline employment rate for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision who reside in the region the office serves by averaging the annual employment rate for those individuals in fiscal years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24. Then, on July 1 of each fiscal year, DOC must calculate the employment rate for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision who reside in the region the office serves for the fiscal year that just ended. DOC must subtract the baseline employment rate from the employment rate for the fiscal year that just ended. If the difference is negative, the office is not eligible for a performance grant in the fiscal year that just began. If the difference is positive, the office is eligible for a performance grant in the fiscal year LRB-2495/1 CMH:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 302 that just began that is equal to that difference multiplied by the number of individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision who reside in the region the office serves, multiplied again by $2,500. Under the bill, an office that receives a grant must use the funds to provide bonuses for employees of the regional office. The bill requires DOC to develop and publish outcome-based measures for each region such as the employment rate and the average length of employment for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision; the percentage and employment status of individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision who are convicted of a crime while on the supervised status; the number and employment status of individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision who complete their period of supervised status; the programs for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision that were created or eliminated; and an estimate of savings to the state as a result of reduced correctional costs due to lower crime rates among individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision. The bill requires DOC to work with the offices to prepare annual reports for the legislature. The reports must be available to the public and must include information about the effectiveness of the performance grants based on outcome- based measures and recommendations regarding resource allocations or collaboration with other state, regional, or local entities or other regions for improvements to the performance grant program. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB327 | Emotional support animals in housing; falsely claiming that an animal is a service animal; and providing a penalty. (FE) | This bill makes changes relating to emotional support animals and service animals in the laws addressing discrimination in housing and public places of accommodation or amusement. Current law defines an emotional support animal as an animal that provides emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship to an individual, but that is not trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability. A service animal is generally defined as a dog or other animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. This bill changes the definition of Xservice animalY for purposes of the laws addressing discrimination in public places of accommodation or amusement. The bill limits service animals for those purposes to a dog or miniature horse that meets the standards set forth under federal regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act or a dog or miniature horse that is being trained to be a service animal. LRB-0196/1 MIM:ads&cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 327 Under current law, it is discrimination to do any of the following with respect to an individual who has a disability and a disability-related need for an emotional support animal: refuse to rent or sell housing to the individual, charge the individual more for housing, evict the individual from housing, or harass the individual. An owner or lessor, an agent of an owner or lessor, or a representative of a condominium association (collectively, Xhousing representativeY) may request from an individual who wishes to keep an emotional support animal in housing reliable documentation of the individual[s disability-related need for an emotional support animal from a licensed health professional and may deny the individual the ability to keep the emotional support animal in the housing if the individual fails to provide the documentation. The bill allows the housing representative to require that this documentation include a prescription from a licensed health professional for the emotional support animal. An individual who provides false documentation of a prescription for an emotional support animal and a health care provider who provides a prescription for an emotional support animal without having at least a 30-day relationship with the individual before providing the prescription must each forfeit at least $500. The bill prohibits a person from intentionally misrepresenting that he or she is in possession of a service animal while at any public place of accommodation or amusement. A person who violates this prohibition is subject to a forfeiture of up to $200 for a first violation and up to $500 for a second or subsequent violation. The bill requires the Department of Workforce Development to prepare and make available to businesses upon request: 1) signage suitable for posting on a front window or door stating Xtask-trained service animals are welcomeY and that misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is a violation of state law; and 2) an informational brochure detailing the rights of businesses relating to service animals in their place of business. In preparing these materials, DWD must consult with members of organizations that represent business owners, restaurant owners, and groups that train and place service animals and guide dogs. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB9 | Allowing representatives of certain federally chartered youth membership organizations to provide information to pupils on public school property. | This bill requires, upon the request of certain federally chartered youth membership organizations, the principal of a public school, including an independent charter school, to schedule at least one date and time at the beginning of the school term for representatives of the youth membership organization to provide information about the organization to pupils during the school day on school property. Such information may include information about how the organization furthers the educational interests and civic involvement of pupils consistent with good citizenship. Examples of these federally chartered youth membership organizations are Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the United States of America. | In Committee |
| AB32 | Access to public high schools for military recruiters. | In general, federal law requires local educational agencies, such as school boards and charter schools, that receive federal assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide military recruiters the same access to secondary school students that the local educational agencies provide to postsecondary educational institutions or to prospective employers. This bill requires school boards and governing boards of charter schools to, in addition to complying with federal law, specifically allow military recruiters access to common areas in high schools and to allow access during a school day and to school- sanctioned events. Nothing in the bill requires a school board or governing board of a charter school to provide a military recruiter access to a high school classroom during instructional time. | In Committee |
| SB57 | County sheriff assistance with certain federal immigration functions. (FE) | This bill requires sheriffs to request proof of legal presence status from individuals held in a county jail for an offense punishable as a felony. The bill also requires sheriffs to comply with detainers and administrative warrants received from the federal department of homeland security regarding individuals held in the county jail for a criminal offense. Under the bill, sheriffs must annually certify to the Department of Revenue that they have complied with each of these requirements. If a sheriff fails to provide such a certification, DOR must reduce the county[s shared revenue payments for the next year by 15 percent. The bill also requires sheriffs to maintain a record of the number of individuals from whom proof of legal presence is requested who are verified as unlawfully present in this state and a list of the types of crimes for which those individuals were confined in the jail. The information must be provided to the Department of Justice upon request, and DOJ must compile the information and submit a report to the legislature. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-1735/1 EVM:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 57 | In Committee |
| AB24 | County sheriff assistance with certain federal immigration functions. (FE) | This bill requires sheriffs to request proof of legal presence status from individuals held in a county jail for an offense punishable as a felony. The bill also requires sheriffs to comply with detainers and administrative warrants received from the federal department of homeland security regarding individuals held in the county jail for a criminal offense. Under the bill, sheriffs must annually certify to the Department of Revenue that they have complied with each of these requirements. If a sheriff fails to provide such a certification, DOR must reduce the county[s shared revenue payments for the next year by 15 percent. The bill also requires sheriffs to maintain a record of the number of individuals from whom proof of legal presence is requested who are verified as unlawfully present in this state and a list of the types of crimes for which those individuals were confined in the jail. The information must be provided to the Department of Justice upon request, and DOJ must compile the information and submit a report to the legislature. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| AB71 | School district operating referenda. | This bill eliminates recurring operating referenda and limits a nonrecurring operating referendum to no more than four years. Current law generally limits the total amount of revenue a school district may receive from general school aids and property taxes in a school year. However, there are several exceptions to the revenue limit. One exception is for excess revenue approved by referendum for recurring and nonrecurring purposes. This type of referendum is often referred to as an operating referendum. If the operating referendum is for a nonrecurring purpose, a school district[s authority to raise excess revenue is approved only for specific school years. If the operating referendum is for a recurring purpose, the school district[s authority to raise excess revenue is permanent. Under the bill, an operating referendum to exceed a school district[s revenue limit may be only for nonrecurring purposes and the referendum may not apply to more than four years. | In Committee |
| AB226 | Prohibiting school boards and independent charter schools from providing food containing certain ingredients in free or reduced-price meals. | This bill prohibits school boards and independent charter schools from providing food that contains brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, azodicarbonamide, or red dye 3 to pupils as part of free or reduced- price meals provided under the National School Lunch Program or the federal School Breakfast Program. The bill does not prohibit school boards and independent charter schools from allowing private vendors to serve food containing any of those ingredients on school premises or at school-sponsored activities. | In Committee |
| SB193 | Revoking a transfer of real property on death, obtaining evidence of the termination of a decedent’s property interests, disbursing deposits after rescission of real property wholesaler contracts, and filing satisfactions of judgment. | Revoking a transfer of real property on death Under current law, a person may transfer an interest in real property to a beneficiary without probate by designating the beneficiary, called a transfer on death (TOD) beneficiary, in a document that meets certain requirements. The designation of a TOD beneficiary in a document does not affect ownership of the interest in real property until the owner[s death. Currently, an owner of an interest in real property may cancel or change the designation of a TOD beneficiary by executing and recording another document that designates a different TOD beneficiary or no beneficiary. This bill changes this LRB-2535/1 KMS&KRP:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 193 process so that instead a document designating a TOD beneficiary may be revoked only by an instrument that is subsequently acknowledged by the owner and submitted for recording to the office of the register of deeds, and that is (1) a document designating a TOD beneficiary, (2) an instrument that expressly revokes the document designating a TOD beneficiary, or (3) an inter vivos deed containing an express revocation clause. In addition, under the bill, if a document designating a TOD beneficiary is made by more than one owner, (1) revocation by one owner does not affect the document designating a TOD beneficiary as to the interest of another owner and (2) if real property is owned by two or more individuals as joint tenants or by spouses as survivorship marital property, a document designating a TOD beneficiary of that property is revoked only if it is revoked by all of the living joint tenants or spouses. Obtaining evidences of the termination of a decedent[s property interests Under current law, a person may obtain evidence that certain property interests of a decedent have been terminated by providing information to the register of deeds of the county in which the property is located. Currently, to obtain evidence that a decedent[s property interests in real property have been terminated, a person must submit to the register of deeds a copy of the property tax bill for the year preceding the year of the decedent[s death. The bill allows a person to instead submit a copy of the most recent property tax bill. Real property wholesaler contracts; disbursing deposits after rescission Under current law, a real property wholesaler that contracts to sell its interest in a purchase agreement to a third party must provide certain written disclosures to the third party, or the third party may rescind the contract and is entitled to the return of any deposits or option fees paid by the third party. The bill provides that, if the third party rescinds the contract, a person holding deposits or option fees may disburse the deposits or option fees to the third party without any liability on the person[s part. Also under current law, a real property wholesaler that enters into a purchase agreement as a buyer must provide certain written disclosures to the seller, or the seller may rescind the purchase agreement and retain any deposits or option fees paid by the real property wholesaler. The bill provides that, if the seller rescinds the purchase agreement, a person holding deposits or option fees may disburse the deposits or option fees to the seller without any liability on the person[s part. Under current law, Xreal property wholesalerY is defined as a person that enters into a purchase agreement as a buyer and intends to sell the person[s rights as buyer to a third party, and Xpurchase agreementY is defined as a contract for the sale, exchange, option, rental, or purchase of residential real property that includes one to four dwelling units. Filing satisfactions of judgment Under current law, if a judgment debt is paid in whole or in part, a satisfaction may be filed and entered on the judgment and lien docket in the county where the judgment was first docketed. Currently, if the judgment has been entered on the judgment and lien docket in other counties, a certified copy of that satisfaction or a LRB-2535/1 KMS&KRP:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 193 certificate by that clerk of circuit court under official seal may be filed in those other counties to update the judgment and lien dockets in those counties. The bill provides that an original satisfaction signed and acknowledged by the owner or the owner[s attorney may be filed in those other counties, rather than the evidence of satisfaction obtained from the clerk of court in the county where the judgment was first docketed. | In Committee |
| SB203 | Regulation of pharmacy benefit managers, fiduciary and disclosure requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, and application of prescription drug payments to health insurance cost-sharing requirements. (FE) | This bill makes several changes to the regulation of pharmacy benefit LRB-1278/1 JPC:cjs&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 203 managers and their interactions with pharmacies and pharmacists. Under current law, pharmacy benefit managers are generally required to be licensed as a pharmacy benefit manager or an employee benefit plan administrator by the commissioner of insurance. A pharmacy benefit manager is an entity that contracts to administer or manage prescription drug benefits on behalf of an insurer, a cooperative, or another entity that provides prescription drug benefits to Wisconsin residents. Major provisions of the bill are summarized below. Pharmacy benefit manager regulation The bill requires a pharmacy benefit manager to pay a pharmacy or pharmacist a professional dispensing fee at a rate not less than is paid by the state under the Medical Assistance program for each pharmaceutical product that the pharmacy or pharmacist dispenses to an individual. The professional dispensing fee is required to be paid in addition to the amount the pharmacy benefit manager reimburses the pharmacy or pharmacist for the cost of the pharmaceutical product that the pharmacy or pharmacist dispenses. The Medical Assistance program is a joint state and federal program that provides health services to individuals who have limited financial resources. The bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from assessing, charging, or collecting from a pharmacy or pharmacist any form of remuneration that passes from the pharmacy or pharmacist to the pharmacy benefit manager including claim-processing fees, performance-based fees, network-participation fees, or accreditation fees. Further, under the bill, a pharmacy benefit manager may not use any certification or accreditation requirement as a determinant of pharmacy network participation that is inconsistent with, more stringent than, or in addition to the federal requirements for licensure as a pharmacy and the requirements for licensure as a pharmacy provided under state law. The bill requires a pharmacy benefit manager to allow a participant or beneficiary of a pharmacy benefits plan or program that the pharmacy benefit manager serves to use any pharmacy or pharmacist in this state that is licensed to dispense the pharmaceutical product that the participant or beneficiary seeks to obtain if the pharmacy or pharmacist accepts the same terms and conditions that the pharmacy benefit manager establishes for at least one of the networks of pharmacies or pharmacists that the pharmacy benefit manager has established to serve individuals in the state. A pharmacy benefit manager may establish a preferred network of pharmacies or pharmacists and a nonpreferred network of pharmacies or pharmacists; however, under the bill, a pharmacy benefit manager may not prohibit a pharmacy or pharmacist from participating in either type of network provided that the pharmacy or pharmacist is licensed by this state and the federal government and accepts the same terms and conditions that the pharmacy benefit manager establishes for other pharmacies or pharmacists participating in the network that the pharmacy or pharmacist wants to join. Under the bill, a pharmacy benefit manager may not charge a participant or beneficiary of a LRB-1278/1 JPC:cjs&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 203 pharmacy benefits plan or program that the pharmacy benefit manager serves a different copayment obligation or additional fee, or provide any inducement or financial incentive, for the participant or beneficiary to use a pharmacy or pharmacist in a particular network of pharmacies or pharmacists that the pharmacy benefit manager has established to serve individuals in the state. Further, the bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager, third-party payer, or health benefit plan from excluding a pharmacy or pharmacist from its network because the pharmacy or pharmacist serves less than a certain portion of the population of the state or serves a population living with certain health conditions. The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager may neither prohibit a pharmacy or pharmacist that dispenses a pharmaceutical product from, nor penalize a pharmacy or pharmacist that dispenses a pharmaceutical product for, informing an individual about the cost of the pharmaceutical product, the amount in reimbursement that the pharmacy or pharmacist receives for dispensing the pharmaceutical product, or any difference between the cost to the individual under the individual[s pharmacy benefits plan or program and the cost to the individual if the individual purchases the pharmaceutical product without making a claim for benefits under the individual[s pharmacy benefits plan or program. The bill prohibits any pharmacy benefit manager or any insurer or self- insured health plan from requiring, or penalizing a person who is covered under a health insurance policy or plan for using or for not using, a specific retail, mail- order, or other pharmacy provider within the network of pharmacy providers under the policy or plan. Prohibited penalties include an increase in premium, deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. The bill requires pharmacy benefit managers to remit payment for a claim to a pharmacy or pharmacist within 30 days from the day that the claim is submitted to the pharmacy benefit manager by the pharmacy or pharmacist. Pharmaceutical product reimbursements The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager that uses a maximum allowable cost list must include all of the following information on the list: 1) the average acquisition cost of each pharmaceutical product and the cost of the pharmaceutical product set forth in the national average drug acquisition cost data published by the federal centers for medicare and medicaid services; 2) the average manufacturer price of each pharmaceutical product; 3) the average wholesale price of each pharmaceutical product; 4) the brand effective rate or generic effective rate for each pharmaceutical product; 5) any applicable discount indexing; 6) the federal upper limit for each pharmaceutical product published by the federal centers for medicare and medicaid services; pharmaceutical product; and 8) any other terms that are used to establish the maximum allowable costs. The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager may place or continue a particular pharmaceutical product on a maximum allowable cost list only if the pharmaceutical product 1) is listed as a drug product equivalent or is rated by a LRB-1278/1 JPC:cjs&skw 7) the wholesale acquisition cost of each 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 203 nationally recognized reference as Xnot ratedY or Xnot availableY; 2) is available for purchase by all pharmacies and pharmacists in the state from national or regional pharmaceutical wholesalers operating in the state; and 3) has not been determined by the drug manufacturer to be obsolete. Further, the bill provides that any pharmacy benefit manager that uses a maximum allowable cost list must provide access to the maximum allowable cost list to each pharmacy or pharmacist subject to the maximum allowable cost list, update the maximum allowable cost list on a timely basis, provide a process for a pharmacy or pharmacist subject to the maximum allowable cost list to receive notification of an update to the maximum allowable cost list, and update the maximum allowable cost list no later than seven days after the pharmacy acquisition cost of the pharmaceutical product increases by 10 percent or more from at least 60 percent of the pharmaceutical wholesalers doing business in the state or there is a change in the methodology on which the maximum allowable cost list is based or in the value of a variable involved in the methodology. A maximum allowable cost list is a list of pharmaceutical products that sets forth the maximum amount that a pharmacy benefit manager will pay to a pharmacy or pharmacist for dispensing a pharmaceutical product. A maximum allowable cost list may directly establish maximum costs or may set forth a method for how the maximum costs are calculated. The bill further provides that a pharmacy benefit manager that uses a maximum allowable cost list must provide a process for a pharmacy or pharmacist to appeal and resolve disputes regarding claims that the maximum payment amount for a pharmaceutical product is below the pharmacy acquisition cost. A pharmacy benefit manager that receives an appeal from or on behalf of a pharmacy or pharmacist under this bill is required to resolve the appeal and notify the pharmacy or pharmacist of the pharmacy benefit manager[s determination no later than seven business days after the appeal is received. If the pharmacy benefit manager grants the relief requested in the appeal, the bill requires the pharmacy benefit manager to make the requested change in the maximum allowable cost, allow the pharmacy or pharmacist to reverse and rebill the relevant claim, provide to the pharmacy or pharmacist the national drug code number published in a directory by the federal Food and Drug Administration on which the increase or change is based, and make the change effective for each similarly situated pharmacy or pharmacist subject to the maximum allowable cost list. If the pharmacy benefit manager denies the relief requested in the appeal, the bill requires the pharmacy benefit manager to provide the pharmacy or pharmacist a reason for the denial, the national drug code number published in a directory by the FDA for the pharmaceutical product to which the claim relates, and the name of a national or regional wholesaler that has the pharmaceutical product currently in stock at a price below the amount specified in the pharmacy benefit manager[s maximum allowable cost list. The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager may not deny a pharmacy[s or pharmacist[s appeal if the relief requested in the appeal relates to LRB-1278/1 JPC:cjs&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 203 the maximum allowable cost for a pharmaceutical product that is not available for the pharmacy or pharmacist to purchase at a cost that is below the pharmacy acquisition cost from the pharmaceutical wholesaler from which the pharmacy or pharmacist purchases the majority of pharmaceutical products for resale. If a pharmaceutical product is not available for a pharmacy or pharmacist to purchase at a cost that is below the pharmacy acquisition cost from the pharmaceutical wholesaler from which the pharmacy or pharmacist purchases the majority of pharmaceutical products for resale, the pharmacy benefit manager must revise the maximum allowable cost list to increase the maximum allowable cost for the pharmaceutical product to an amount equal to or greater than the pharmacy[s or pharmacist[s pharmacy acquisition cost and allow the pharmacy or pharmacist to reverse and rebill each claim affected by the pharmacy[s or pharmacist[s inability to procure the pharmaceutical product at a cost that is equal to or less than the maximum allowable cost that was the subject of the pharmacy[s or pharmacist[s appeal. The bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from reimbursing a pharmacy or pharmacist in the state an amount less than the amount that the pharmacy benefit manager reimburses a pharmacy benefit manager affiliate for providing the same pharmaceutical product. Under the bill, a pharmacy benefit manager affiliate is a pharmacy or pharmacist that is an affiliate of a pharmacy benefit manager. Finally, the bill allows a pharmacy or pharmacist to decline to provide a pharmaceutical product to an individual or pharmacy benefit manager if, as a result of a maximum allowable cost list, the pharmacy or pharmacist would be paid less than the pharmacy acquisition cost of the pharmacy or pharmacist providing the pharmaceutical product. Drug formularies This bill makes several changes with respect to drug formularies. Under current law, a disability insurance policy that offers a prescription drug benefit, a self-insured health plan that offers a prescription drug benefit, or a pharmacy benefit manager acting on behalf of a disability insurance policy or self-insured health plan must provide to an enrollee advanced written notice of a formulary change that removes a prescription drug from the formulary of the policy or plan or that reassigns a prescription drug to a benefit tier for the policy or plan that has a higher deductible, copayment, or coinsurance. The advanced written notice of a formulary change must be provided no fewer than 30 days before the expected date of the removal or reassignment. This bill provides that a disability insurance policy or self-insured health plan that provides a prescription drug benefit shall make the formulary and all drug costs associated with the formulary available to plan sponsors and individuals prior to selection or enrollment. Further, the bill provides that no disability insurance policy, self-insured health plan, or pharmacy benefit manager acting on behalf of a disability insurance policy or self-insured health plan may remove a prescription LRB-1278/1 JPC:cjs&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 203 drug from the formulary except at the time of coverage renewal. Finally, the bill provides that advanced written notice of a formulary change must be provided no fewer than 90 days before the expected date of the removal or reassignment of a prescription drug on the formulary. Pharmacy networks Under the bill, if an enrollee utilizes a pharmacy or pharmacist in a preferred network of pharmacies or pharmacists, no disability insurance policy or self- insured health plan that provides a prescription drug benefit or pharmacy benefit manager that provides services under a contract with a policy or plan may require the enrollee to pay any amount or impose on the enrollee any condition that would not be required if the enrollee utilized a different pharmacy or pharmacist in the same preferred network. Further, the bill provides that any disability insurance policy or self-insured health plan that provides a prescription drug benefit, or any pharmacy benefit manager that provides services under a contract with a policy or plan, that has established a preferred network of pharmacies or pharmacists must reimburse each pharmacy or pharmacist in the same network at the same rates. Audits of pharmacists and pharmacies This bill makes several changes to audits of pharmacists and pharmacies. The bill requires an entity that conducts audits of pharmacists and pharmacies to ensure that each pharmacist or pharmacy audited by the entity is audited under the same standards and parameters as other similarly situated pharmacists or pharmacies audited by the entity, that the entity randomizes the prescriptions that the entity audits and the entity audits the same number of prescriptions in each prescription benefit tier, and that each audit of a prescription reimbursed under Part D of the federal Medicare program is conducted separately from audits of prescriptions reimbursed under other policies or plans. The bill prohibits any pharmacy benefit manager from recouping reimbursements made to a pharmacist or pharmacy for errors that involve no actual financial harm to an enrollee or a policy or plan sponsor unless the error is the result of the pharmacist or pharmacy failing to comply with a formal corrective action plan. The bill further prohibits any pharmacy benefit manager from using extrapolation in calculating reimbursements that it may recoup, and instead requires a pharmacy benefit manager to base the finding of errors for which reimbursements will be recouped on an actual error in reimbursement and not a projection of the number of patients served having a similar diagnosis or on a projection of the number of similar orders or refills for similar prescription drugs. The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager that recoups any reimbursements made to a pharmacist or pharmacy for an error that was the cause of financial harm must return the recouped reimbursement to the enrollee or the policy or plan sponsor who was harmed by the error. Pharmacy benefit manager fiduciary and disclosure requirements The bill provides that a pharmacy benefit manager owes a fiduciary duty to a health benefit plan sponsor. The bill also requires that a pharmacy benefit LRB-1278/1 JPC:cjs&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 203 manager annually disclose all of the following information to the health benefit plan sponsor: 1. The indirect profit received by the pharmacy benefit manager from owning a pharmacy or health 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 pharmacists and the amount retained by the pharmacy benefit manager. Discriminatory reimbursement of 340B entities The bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from taking certain actions with respect to 340B covered entities, pharmacies and pharmacists contracted with 340B covered entities, and patients who obtain prescription drugs from 340B covered entities. The 340B drug pricing program is a federal program that requires pharmaceutical manufacturers that participate in the federal Medicaid program to sell outpatient drugs at discounted prices to certain health care organizations that provide health care for uninsured and low-income patients. Entities that are eligible for discounted prices under the 340B drug pricing program include federally qualified health centers, critical access hospitals, and certain public and nonprofit disproportionate share hospitals. The bill prohibits pharmacy benefit managers from doing any of the following: 1. Refusing to reimburse a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity for dispensing 340B drugs. 2. Imposing requirements or restrictions on 340B covered entities or pharmacies or pharmacists contracted with 340B covered entities that are not imposed on other entities, pharmacies, or pharmacists. 3. Reimbursing a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity for a 340B drug at a rate lower than the amount paid for the same drug to pharmacies or pharmacists that are not 340B covered entities or pharmacies or pharmacists contracted with a 340B covered entity. 4. Assessing a fee, charge back, or other adjustment against a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity after a claim has been paid or adjudicated. 5. Restricting the access of a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity to a third-party payer[s pharmacy network solely because the 340B covered entity or the pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity participates in the 340B drug pricing program. 6. Requiring a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted LRB-1278/1 JPC:cjs&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 203 with a 340B covered entity to contract with a specific pharmacy or pharmacist or health benefit plan in order to access a third-party payer[s pharmacy network. 7. Imposing a restriction or an additional charge on a patient who obtains a 340B drug from a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity. 8. Restricting the methods by which a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity may dispense or deliver 340B drugs. 9. Requiring a 340B covered entity or a pharmacy or pharmacist contracted with a 340B covered entity to share pharmacy bills or invoices with a pharmacy benefit manager, a third-party payer, or a health benefit plan. Application of prescription drug payments Health insurance policies and plans often apply cost-sharing requirements and out-of-pocket maximum amounts to the benefits covered by the policy or plan. A cost-sharing requirement is a share of covered benefits that an insured is required to pay under a health insurance policy or plan. Cost-sharing requirements include copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance. An out-of-pocket maximum amount is a limit specified by a policy or plan on the amount that an insured pays, and, once that limit is reached, the policy or plan covers the benefit entirely. The bill generally requires health insurance policies that offer prescription drug benefits, self-insured health plans, and pharmacy benefit managers acting on behalf of policies or plans to apply amounts paid by or on behalf of an individual covered under the policy or plan for brand name prescription drugs to any cost- sharing requirement or to any calculation of an out-of-pocket maximum amount of the policy or plan. Health insurance policies are referred to in the bill as disability insurance policies. Prohibited retaliation The bill prohibits a pharmacy benefit manager from retaliating against a pharmacy or pharmacist for reporting an alleged violation of certain laws applicable to pharmacy benefit managers or for exercising certain rights or remedies. Retaliation includes terminating or refusing to renew a contract with a pharmacy or pharmacist, subjecting a pharmacy or pharmacist to increased audits, or failing to promptly pay a pharmacy or pharmacist any money that the pharmacy benefit manager owes to the pharmacy or pharmacist. The bill provides that a pharmacy or pharmacist may bring an action in court for injunctive relief if a pharmacy benefit manager is retaliating against the pharmacy or pharmacist as provided in the bill. In addition to equitable relief, the court may award a pharmacy or pharmacist that prevails in such an action reasonable attorney fees and costs. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-1278/1 JPC:cjs&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 203 | In Committee |
| AJR8 | Restricting the governor’s partial veto authority to only rejecting entire bill sections of an appropriation bill that are capable of separate enactment and reducing appropriations in a bill (first consideration). | relating to: restricting the governor[s partial veto authority to only rejecting entire bill sections of an appropriation bill that are capable of separate enactment and reducing appropriations in a bill (first consideration). | In Committee |
| AB286 | Interest earned on coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds. (FE) | Under this bill, $172,000,000 is lapsed to the general fund from a federal program revenue appropriation to the Department of Administration on the date the bill becomes law. On May 9, 2025, the secretary of administration reported to the co-chairs of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee that, as of the end of April, the total interest earned on advanced coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds and credited to the federal program revenue appropriation was $171,487,101.82. Under current law, unless specifically provided by law, miscellaneous receipts collected by a state agency, such as interest earnings, must be credited to general purpose revenues of the general fund. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SJR58 | Urging support for a constitutional amendment to provide states with authority to regulate campaign financing. | Relating to: urging support for a constitutional amendment to provide states with authority to regulate campaign financing. | In Committee |
| SB126 | The effective date of certain provisions contained in 2023 Wisconsin Act 126. | 2023 Wisconsin Act 126 included all of the following provisions relating to campaigns and elections: 1. Prohibits public access to records that contain the personally identifiable information of election officials or election registration officials other than the official[s name and city and state of residence. 2. Makes it a Class I felony to intentionally cause bodily harm to an election official, election registration official, county clerk, or municipal clerk who is acting in his or her official capacity. 3. Provides whistleblower protection for municipal clerks, county clerks, and election officials who witness and report election fraud or irregularities. 4. Prohibits employment discrimination against a municipal clerk, county clerk, or election official because the clerk or election official lawfully reported, or is believed to have reported, witnessing what the clerk or election official reasonably believed to be election fraud or irregularities. 5. Requires all committees, political parties, and conduits to register with, and submit campaign finance reports to, the Ethics Commission through the commission[s campaign finance information system (CFIS). LRB-2285/2 MPG:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 126 Act 126 is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025. This bill changes the effective date to December 1, 2027, with respect filings with the Ethics Commission through CFIS. All other provisions contained in Act 126 remain effective July 1, 2025. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AB230 | Requiring retail sellers to accept cash and providing a penalty. (FE) | This bill requires a retailer who sells goods or services from a physical location to accept cash as payment during a face-to-face sale with a consumer at one or more points of sale at the physical location, unless the person is otherwise prohibited by law from accepting cash. A retailer who violates this requirement is subject to a civil forfeiture of $200 to $5,000. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB280 | Interest earned on coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds. (FE) | Under this bill, $172,000,000 is lapsed to the general fund from a federal program revenue appropriation to the Department of Administration on the date the bill becomes law. On May 9, 2025, the secretary of administration reported to the co-chairs of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee that, as of the end of April, the total interest earned on advanced coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds and credited to the federal program revenue appropriation was $171,487,101.82. Under current law, unless specifically provided by law, miscellaneous receipts collected by a state agency, such as interest earnings, must be credited to general purpose revenues of the general fund. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB40 | School safety grants and making an appropriation. (FE) | This bill requires the Office of School Safety in the Department of Justice to establish a competitive grant program that is open to public and private schools for grants to improve the safety of school buildings and to provide security training to school personnel. In administering the program, the Office of School Safety must give preference to applicants that have not yet received a school safety grant from DOJ. The bill provides $30,000,000 for these grants and specifies that the maximum amount DOJ may award to an applicant is $20,000. The bill also requires the Office of School Safety to submit an annual report related to these grants to the Joint Committee on Finance. Finally, the grant program sunsets on July 1, 2027. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB228 | Prohibiting school boards and independent charter schools from providing food containing certain ingredients in free or reduced-price meals. | This bill prohibits school boards and independent charter schools from providing food that contains brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, azodicarbonamide, or red dye 3 to pupils as part of free or reduced- price meals provided under the National School Lunch Program or the federal School Breakfast Program. The bill does not prohibit school boards and independent charter schools from allowing private vendors to serve food containing any of those ingredients on school premises or at school-sponsored activities. | In Committee |
| AJR65 | Congratulating the Milwaukee Academy of Science Boys Basketball Team on their 2025 Division III State Basketball Championship. | Relating to: congratulating the Milwaukee Academy of Science Boys Basketball Team on their 2025 Division III State Basketball Championship. | In Committee |
| AB302 | Authorized lights for funeral procession vehicles. | Under current law, the lead vehicle, or all vehicles, in a funeral procession may be equipped with a flashing amber light to be used during the procession. This bill authorizes the use of a flashing purple light during a funeral procession. | In Committee |
| SB315 | The minimum net worth requirement for licensed mortgage brokers. | Under current law, a person may not act as a mortgage broker unless the person is licensed by the Division of Banking in the Department of Financial Institutions. A mortgage broker is a person who, among other activities, assists others, for compensation, in obtaining or applying for loans but does not make underwriting decisions or close loans. Currently, an applicant for a mortgage broker license must, among other things, submit evidence of a minimum net worth of $100,000. This bill repeals the minimum net worth requirement for mortgage broker licensure. | In Committee |
| AB313 | The minimum net worth requirement for licensed mortgage brokers. | Under current law, a person may not act as a mortgage broker unless the person is licensed by the Division of Banking in the Department of Financial Institutions. A mortgage broker is a person who, among other activities, assists others, for compensation, in obtaining or applying for loans but does not make underwriting decisions or close loans. Currently, an applicant for a mortgage broker license must, among other things, submit evidence of a minimum net worth of $100,000. This bill repeals the minimum net worth requirement for mortgage broker licensure. | In Committee |
| SB230 | Requiring retail sellers to accept cash and providing a penalty. (FE) | This bill requires a retailer who sells goods or services from a physical location to accept cash as payment during a face-to-face sale with a consumer at one or more points of sale at the physical location, unless the person is otherwise prohibited by law from accepting cash. A retailer who violates this requirement is subject to a civil forfeiture of $200 to $5,000. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB225 | Regulation of amusement rides located at campgrounds. (FE) | This bill exempts amusement rides located at campgrounds licensed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection from regulation by the Department of Safety and Professional Services if they are installed according to the manufacturer[s recommended standards. Under current law, DSPS regulates amusement rides. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB237 | The age at which an infant is covered under the safe haven law. | Under current law, commonly referred to as the Xsafe haven law,Y a child whom a law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, or hospital staff member reasonably believes to be 72 hours old or younger (newborn infant) may be taken into custody under circumstances in which a parent of the newborn infant relinquishes custody of the newborn infant to the law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, or hospital staff member and does not express an intent to return for the newborn infant or in which a parent of the newborn infant leaves the child in a newborn infant safety device installed in a supporting wall of a hospital, fire station, or law enforcement agency. Under current law, a parent who relinquishes custody of a child under the safe haven law and any person who assists the parent in that relinquishment are immune from any civil or criminal liability for any good faith act or omission in connection with the relinquishment. This bill changes the maximum age at which a newborn infant falls under the safe haven law from 72 hours old to 30 days old. | In Committee |
| AB210 | Changes to amount of, and criteria for designating recipients of, academic excellence higher education scholarships. (FE) | Under current law, certain high school seniors who have the highest grade point average in their class may be eligible to receive an Xacademic excellence higher education scholarshipY (scholarship) amounting to not more than $2,250 per academic year in relief of the individual[s future tuition and fees assessed at participating technical colleges, University of Wisconsin System institutions, and private institutions of higher education. The criteria used to determine the selection of the individuals who will receive the scholarship differs by the number of pupils enrolled in each high school. The school board or governing body of a high school with enrollment of less than 80 pupils may nominate one senior from that high school, and the executive secretary of the Higher Educational Aids Board may designate not more than 10 individuals statewide who were so nominated under that category who may receive the scholarship. However, if the high school has more than 80 but less than 500 pupils, the school board or governing body of the high school may designate one senior to receive the scholarship with no required nomination process or designation from HEAB, and the school boards or governing bodies of high schools with even larger enrollment sizes may designate multiple seniors to receive the scholarship relief. Under this bill, the school board or governing body of a high school with enrollment of at least one pupil but less than 500 pupils may designate one senior to receive the scholarship with no nomination process or designation from HEAB. The bill also clarifies that a senior eligible to receive the scholarship relief does not include a pupil enrolled in a home-based private educational program. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB243 | The age at which an infant is covered under the safe haven law. | Under current law, commonly referred to as the Xsafe haven law,Y a child whom a law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, or hospital staff member reasonably believes to be 72 hours old or younger (newborn infant) may be taken into custody under circumstances in which a parent of the newborn infant relinquishes custody of the newborn infant to the law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, or hospital staff member and does not express an intent to return for the newborn infant or in which a parent of the newborn infant leaves the child in a newborn infant safety device installed in a supporting wall of a hospital, fire station, or law enforcement agency. Under current law, a parent who relinquishes custody of a child under the safe haven law and any person who assists the parent in that relinquishment are immune from any civil or criminal liability for any good faith act or omission in connection with the relinquishment. This bill changes the maximum age at which a newborn infant falls under the safe haven law from 72 hours old to 30 days old. LRB-2839/1 EHS:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 243 | In Committee |
| SB95 | 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) | Under current law, when a defendant is sentenced or placed on probation for a crime, the court must order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim of the crime to pay for costs incurred by the victim or the victim[s estate as a result of the crime. The court may require that restitution be paid immediately, within a specified time, or in specified installments. The court may not set the time limit to be later than the end of the defendant[s term of probation, parole, or extended supervision. When the defendant has completed the term, any outstanding restitution is enforceable in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action. The victim may use civil court actions to collect the restitution, including seeking a wage garnishment or an execution against the defendant[s property (a court order to the sheriff to seize property, sell it, and use the money toward the outstanding restitution). Under this bill, if the defendant is sentenced or placed on probation for human trafficking, the court must require restitution be paid immediately and, if LRB-2109/1 CMH:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 95 the defendant fails to pay immediately, the court must issue an execution against the defendant[s property. Under current law, a person convicted of treason, felony, or bribery may not vote unless the person[s right to vote is restored through a pardon or through completion of the term of imprisonment, including parole or extended supervision, or probation for the crime that led to the disqualification. Under the bill, in addition to completing his or her term of imprisonment or probation for the crime, a person must have paid all fines, costs, fees, surcharges, and restitution, and have completed any court-ordered community service, imposed in connection with the crime. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB93 | Recommendation to revoke extended supervision, parole, or probation if a person is charged with a crime. (FE) | Under current law, a person who is released on extended supervision, parole, or probation is subject to conditions or rules of the release. If the person violates a condition or rule, the person is subject to sanctions for the violation, which may include revocation of release. This bill requires the Department of Corrections to recommend revoking a person[s extended supervision, parole, or probation if the person is charged with a crime while on release. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB268 | The right of appeal for complainants aggrieved by decisions of the Elections Commission concerning the conduct of election officials. | Under current law, any person eligible to vote in Wisconsin may file a complaint with the Elections Commission alleging that an election official serving the voter[s jurisdiction has failed to comply with certain election laws or has abused his or her discretion with respect to the administration of such election laws. After investigation of a complaint, current law authorizes the commission to issue an order requiring an election official to conform his or her conduct to the law, restraining an election official from taking any action inconsistent with the law, or requiring an election official to correct any action or decision inconsistent with the law. Additionally, current law authorizes any complainant who is aggrieved by an order of the commission on the complaint to appeal the commission[s decision in court. The law does not specifically define the term XaggrievedY for purposes of this right of appeal. However, in Brown v. Wisconsin Elections Commission, 2025 WI 5, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held that a complainant not receiving a favorable decision from the Elections Commission on a complaint is aggrieved, and therefore has a right to appeal that decision in court, only if the complainant has suffered an injury to a legally recognized interest as a result of the decision. This bill provides that a complainant must be considered aggrieved for purposes of that right of appeal regardless of whether the complainant has suffered an injury to a legally recognized interest and that a complainant may appeal any commission order that dismisses the complaint or otherwise does not grant the relief requested in the complaint. | In Committee |
| AB223 | Residency requirements for persons circulating nomination papers or recall petitions. | Under current law, any person may circulate nomination papers for a candidate if the person is eligible to vote in Wisconsin or is a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older who, if he or she were a Wisconsin resident, would not be disqualified from voting in the state. A person is eligible to vote in Wisconsin if he or she is a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older who has resided in an election district in this state for at least 28 consecutive days. Under this bill, a person must be eligible to vote in Wisconsin in order to circulate nomination papers for a candidate. However, under the bill, nomination papers and petitions for the candidacy of candidates for the offices of president and vice president of the United States may continue to be circulated by any person eligible to vote in Wisconsin or by any U.S. citizen aged 18 or older who, if he or she were a Wisconsin resident, would not be disqualified from voting in the state. Similarly, under current law, any person who is eligible to vote in Wisconsin or who is a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older and who, if he or she were a Wisconsin resident, would not be disqualified from voting in the state may circulate a recall petition. Under the bill, a person must be eligible to vote in Wisconsin in order to circulate a recall petition and have the signatures on the petition be counted toward a recall. | In Committee |
| AB207 | Information provided to voters concerning proposed constitutional amendments and other statewide referenda. (FE) | Current law requires that each proposed constitutional amendment, contingent referendum, advisory referendum, or other proposal requiring a statewide referendum that is passed by the legislature include a complete statement of the ballot question to be voted on at the referendum. The ballot question 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. Also under current law, the attorney general must prepare an explanatory statement for each proposed constitutional amendment or other statewide referendum describing the effect of either a XyesY or XnoY vote on each ballot question. This bill eliminates the requirement that the attorney general prepare such an explanatory statement. Instead, the bill requires that each proposal for a constitutional amendment or other statewide referendum that passes both houses of the legislature contain a complete state referendum disclosure notice that includes all of the following: 1. The date of the referendum. 2. The entire text of the ballot question and proposed constitutional amendment or enactment, if any. 3. To the extent applicable, a plain language summary of current law. 4. An explanation in plain language of the effect of the proposed constitutional amendment or other statewide referendum. 5. An explanation in plain language of the effect of a XyesY vote and the effect of a XnoY vote. Under the bill, the content under items 3 to 5 combined may not exceed one page on paper not less than 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches and printed in at least 12- point font. Under the bill, the complete state referendum disclosure notice agreed to by both houses of the legislature must be included in the type C notice entitled XNotice of ReferendumY that each county clerk must provide prior to any referendum. Current law requires that the text of the type C notice be posted at polling places on election day in such a manner as to be readily observed by voters entering the polling place or waiting in line to vote. As such, the complete state referendum disclosure notice must be so posted at the polls on election day. Additionally, for at least 30 days prior to the date of a statewide referendum, the complete state referendum disclosure notice must be published by the Elections Commission on the website used for voter registration, currently titled MyVote Wisconsin, or other voter public access website maintained by the commission and must be posted by each county clerk at the county clerk[s office and published by the county clerk on the county clerk[s website. Finally, the notice must be included with absentee ballots provided to voters for voting in a statewide referendum. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB193 | Ratification of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. (FE) | RESPIRATORY CARE INTERSTATE COMPACT This bill ratifies and enters Wisconsin into the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which provides for the ability of a respiratory care practitioner to become eligible to practice in other compact states. Significant provisions of the compact include the following: 1. The creation of a Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission, which includes one administrator or staff member of the licensure authorities of each member state. The commission has various powers and duties granted in the compact, including establishing bylaws, promulgating binding rules for the compact, hiring officers, electing or appointing 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 of member states to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the commission and its staff. 2. A process whereby a respiratory care practitioner may obtain a compact privilege to practice in another member state. A licensee's primary state of residence is considered to be his or her home state, and any other member state in which the licensee wishes to practice is considered a remote state. A licensee providing respiratory therapy in a remote state under the compact privilege is required under the compact to function within the scope of practice authorized by the remote state. A remote state may take actions against a respiratory care practitioner[s compact privilege within that remote state, and if a respiratory care practitioner[s home state license is encumbered, the respiratory care practitioner loses his or her compact privilege in all remote states until the home state license is no longer encumbered and two years have elapsed from the date on which the license is no longer encumbered. 3. The ability of member states to issue subpoenas that are enforceable in other states. 4. The creation of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure and disciplinary action information on respiratory care practitioners. The compact provides that member states are responsible for reporting any adverse action against a licensee and for monitoring the database to determine whether adverse action has been taken against a licensee. A member state must submit a uniform data set to the data system with certain information specified in the compact, as required by the rules of the commission. 5. Provisions regarding resolutions of disputes among 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 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. STATUTES AND RULES EXAMINATION FOR RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS The bill prohibits the Medical Examining Board from requiring an applicant to pass a statutes and rules examination as a condition of certification as a respiratory care practitioner. The bill allows the board to require an applicant to affirm that the applicant has read and understands the statutes and rules that apply to the applicant's practice as a respiratory care practitioner. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB190 | Ratification of the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact. (FE) | RESPIRATORY CARE INTERSTATE COMPACT This bill ratifies and enters Wisconsin into the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, which provides for the ability of a respiratory care practitioner to become eligible to practice in other compact states. Significant provisions of the compact include the following: 1. The creation of a Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Commission, which includes one administrator or staff member of the licensure authorities of each member state. The commission has various powers and duties granted in the compact, including establishing bylaws, promulgating binding rules for the compact, hiring officers, electing or appointing 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 of member states to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the commission and its staff. 2. A process whereby a respiratory care practitioner may obtain a compact privilege to practice in another member state. A licensee's primary state of residence is considered to be his or her home state, and any other member state in which the licensee wishes to practice is considered a remote state. A licensee providing respiratory therapy in a remote state under the compact privilege is required under the compact to function within the scope of practice authorized by the remote state. A remote state may take actions against a respiratory care practitioner[s compact privilege within that remote state, and if a respiratory care practitioner[s home state license is encumbered, the respiratory care practitioner loses his or her compact privilege in all remote states until the home state license is no longer encumbered and two years have elapsed from the date on which the license is no longer encumbered. 3. The ability of member states to issue subpoenas that are enforceable in other states. 4. The creation of a coordinated database and reporting system containing licensure and disciplinary action information on respiratory care practitioners. The compact provides that member states are responsible for reporting any adverse action against a licensee and for monitoring the database to determine whether adverse action has been taken against a licensee. A member state must submit a uniform data set to the data system with certain information specified in the compact, as required by the rules of the commission. 5. Provisions regarding resolutions of disputes among 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 enactment in seven states. The compact provides that it may be amended upon enactment of an amendment by LRB-2628/1 MED:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 190 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. STATUTES AND RULES EXAMINATION FOR RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTITIONERS The bill prohibits the Medical Examining Board from requiring an applicant to pass a statutes and rules examination as a condition of certification as a respiratory care practitioner. The bill allows the board to require an applicant to affirm that the applicant has read and understands the statutes and rules that apply to the applicant's practice as a respiratory care practitioner. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB148 | Interpreter action by telephone or live audiovisual means in civil or criminal proceedings. | Under current law, in any civil or criminal proceeding other than a trial, a court may permit an interpreter to act by telephone or live audiovisual means. This bill removes the exclusion for trials, so that an interpreter may act by telephone or live audiovisual means in any civil or criminal proceeding. | In Committee |
| AB163 | Redeterminations of eligibility for the Medical Assistance program and database confirmation for public assistance program eligibility. (FE) | This bill makes various changes to eligibility determinations for the Medical Assistance program. Currently, the Department of Health Services administers the Medical Assistance program, a joint federal and state program that provides health services to individuals who have limited financial resources. The bill prohibits DHS from automatically renewing the eligibility of a recipient under the Medical Assistance program. DHS must determine an individual[s eligibility every six months under the bill. DHS is also prohibited from using prepopulated forms or otherwise supplying information, except for name and address, to a recipient under the Medical Assistance program that has been supplied to DHS. Additionally, any recipient under the Medical Assistance program that fails to report to DHS or its designee any change that may affect eligibility within 10 days following such a change is ineligible for benefits for six months from the date DHS discovers the failure to report the change. Under current law, knowingly concealing or failing to disclose any event that an individual knows affects the initial or continued right to a Medical Assistance benefit is subject to a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $15,000 for each concealment or failure. If DHS determines that it is necessary to obtain permission from the federal Department of Health and Human Services to implement any portion of the bill with respect to the Medical Assistance program, the bill requires DHS to request any state plan amendment, waiver of federal law, or other federal approval necessary to implement that portion of the bill. The bill requires DHS to enter into data-sharing agreements with any agency that maintains a database of financial or personal information about residents of this state. DHS must confirm the information of an applicant for a public assistance program against the information contained in those databases. The bill also requires DHS to share data for the purpose of confirming eligibility for public assistance programs. Current law requires DHS and the Department of Children and Families to compare each department[s respective databases against the databases of death records to identify deceased participants. The bill directs DHS to complete a redetermination of eligibility for all recipients of Medical Assistance and immediately remove from Medical Assistance any recipient who is ineligible before January 1, 2026. For all such individuals removed from the Medical Assistance program, the bill directs DHS to inform them of the availability of coverage under a qualified health plan that is offered through an American health benefit exchange and that they may be eligible for premium assistance. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB214 | Town clerk and treasurer appointments, publication requirements for proposed budget summary and notice of public hearing, and discontinuance of highways. (FE) | This bill makes changes to various town procedures. Current law provides that a town may combine certain positions, such as the town clerk and the town treasurer, and provides that the combination takes effect on the latest date that any current term of an office to be combined expires. The bill retains that deadline, but allows the town board to provide that the combination of offices takes effect immediately as both positions become vacant or, if the person appointed to the combined office holds one of the offices to be combined, immediately upon a vacancy in the other office to be combined. Current law also provides that a town with a population of 2,500 or more may move from an elected clerk, treasurer, or combined office of clerk and treasurer to an appointed clerk, treasurer, or combined clerk and treasurer by a vote of the electors at a town meeting. Under current law, a town with a population of under 2,500 may only move from an elected clerk, treasurer, or combined clerk and treasurer to an appointed position through a referendum. The bill allows a town of any size to move from an elected position to an appointed one by a vote of the electors at a town meeting. Current law also prohibits a town[s change from an elected to an appointed clerk, treasurer, or combined clerk and treasurer from taking effect until the end of the current elected term. Under the bill, a town may move to an appointed clerk, treasurer, or combined clerk and treasurer position during an elected term when there is a vacancy in the position. Under current law, a town treasurer is permitted to appoint a deputy treasurer, while a town clerk may appoint one or more deputies. The bill provides that a town treasurer may appoint one or more deputies. The bill also provides that deputy town clerks and deputy town treasurers need not be residents of the town. The bill also changes the publication and notice requirements for towns with respect to the public hearing regarding the town[s proposed budget. Current law requires that towns, cities, and villages conduct a public hearing on a proposed budget. Under current law, cities and villages must provide a summary of the proposed budget and notice of the budget public hearing and may do so by publishing the summary and notice in a newspaper, posting it in three locations, or posting it in one location and on a website maintained by the municipality. Current law also requires towns to provide a summary of the proposed budget and notice of the budget public hearing, but towns must post the summary and notice in three locations. This bill eliminates the limitation on how towns must provide the summary and notice, instead allowing towns the same options as cities and villages. Finally, under current law, every highway ceases to be a public highway four years from the date on which it was laid out, except the parts of the highway that have been opened, traveled, or worked within that time. The bill eliminates the travel exception from consideration by a town board in determining whether a highway has ceased to be a public highway. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB215 | Town clerk and treasurer appointments, publication requirements for proposed budget summary and notice of public hearing, and discontinuance of highways. (FE) | This bill makes changes to various town procedures. Current law provides that a town may combine certain positions, such as the town clerk and the town treasurer, and provides that the combination takes effect on the latest date that any current term of an office to be combined expires. The bill retains that deadline, but allows the town board to provide that the combination of offices takes effect immediately as both positions become vacant or, if the person appointed to the combined office holds one of the offices to be combined, immediately upon a vacancy in the other office to be combined. Current law also provides that a town with a population of 2,500 or more may move from an elected clerk, treasurer, or combined office of clerk and treasurer to an appointed clerk, treasurer, or combined clerk and treasurer by a vote of the electors at a town meeting. Under current law, a town with a population of under LRB-1061/1 SWB&EVM:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 215 2,500 may only move from an elected clerk, treasurer, or combined clerk and treasurer to an appointed position through a referendum. The bill allows a town of any size to move from an elected position to an appointed one by a vote of the electors at a town meeting. Current law also prohibits a town[s change from an elected to an appointed clerk, treasurer, or combined clerk and treasurer from taking effect until the end of the current elected term. Under the bill, a town may move to an appointed clerk, treasurer, or combined clerk and treasurer position during an elected term when there is a vacancy in the position. Under current law, a town treasurer is permitted to appoint a deputy treasurer, while a town clerk may appoint one or more deputies. The bill provides that a town treasurer may appoint one or more deputies. The bill also provides that deputy town clerks and deputy town treasurers need not be residents of the town. The bill also changes the publication and notice requirements for towns with respect to the public hearing regarding the town[s proposed budget. Current law requires that towns, cities, and villages conduct a public hearing on a proposed budget. Under current law, cities and villages must provide a summary of the proposed budget and notice of the budget public hearing and may do so by publishing the summary and notice in a newspaper, posting it in three locations, or posting it in one location and on a website maintained by the municipality. Current law also requires towns to provide a summary of the proposed budget and notice of the budget public hearing, but towns must post the summary and notice in three locations. This bill eliminates the limitation on how towns must provide the summary and notice, instead allowing towns the same options as cities and villages. Finally, under current law, every highway ceases to be a public highway four years from the date on which it was laid out, except the parts of the highway that have been opened, traveled, or worked within that time. The bill eliminates the travel exception from consideration by a town board in determining whether a highway has ceased to be a public highway. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| SB244 | Modifying the sales and use tax exemption for qualified data centers. (FE) | This bill makes various changes to the sales and use tax exemption for qualified data centers. Under current law, there is a sales and use tax exemption for certain property and items used to construct, operate, or renovate a qualified data center, as certified by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Under current law, WEDC may certify a qualified data center if it meets all of the following criteria: 1. The qualified data center is one or more buildings or an array of connected buildings owned, leased, or operated by the same business entity or its affiliate. 2. The buildings are rehabilitated or constructed to house a group of networked server computers in one physical location or multiple locations in order to centralize the processing, storage, management, retrieval, communication, or dissemination of data and information. 3. The buildings create a minimum qualified investment in this state within five years from the certification date in the amount of $50 million, $100 million, or LRB-2933/1 KRP&KP:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 244 $150 million, depending on the population of the county in which the buildings are located. The bill modifies the definition of qualified data center to provide that the buildings may house a group of individual, as well as a group of networked, server computers. In addition, the bill provides that WEDC also may certify a qualified data center if, in addition to the criteria described in items 1 and 3, it meets the following criterion, rather than the criterion described under item 2: the buildings are rehabilitated or constructed to house a group of individual or networked server computers in one physical location or multiple locations in order to provide an owner, operator, or tenant the opportunity to rent or own space, utilities and other vital resources such as cooling capacity, enhanced security features, or the ability to procure infrastructure, platforms, software, and other managed services. The bill also provides that WEDC may not certify buildings that are used for or to facilitate the creation of cryptocurrencies and the process used to verify and secure cryptocurrency transactions and blockchains as qualified data centers eligible for the sales and use tax exemption. 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 |
| SB295 | The use of artificial intelligence or other machine assisted translation in court proceedings and of telephone or live audiovisual interpretation in criminal trials. (FE) | Under this bill, a court may allow the use of artificial intelligence or other machine assisted translation in civil or criminal proceedings, certain municipal proceedings, and administrative contested case proceedings. Under current law, on request of any party, the court may permit an interpreter to act in any criminal proceeding, other than trial, by telephone or live audiovisual means. The bill allows an interpreter to act by telephone or live audiovisual means in a criminal trial in addition to other types of proceedings. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB287 | The employment eligibility verification program and granting rule-making authority. (FE) | State procurement Under current law, the Department of Administration, the legislature, the judiciary, and state authorities may purchase all necessary materials and contract for services. Current law also generally authorizes DOA to contract for construction work when the project cost is estimated to exceed $50,000. With some exceptions, such purchases or contracts must be awarded to the lowest bidder. This bill creates a new exception to the lowest-bidder award by prohibiting the state from purchasing or contracting for materials or services with an employer that does not verify, by using the Federal Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify Program), that all of its employees are eligible to work in the United States or that employs an individual after the E-Verify Program identifies that the individual is not eligible to work in the United States. The E-Verify Program is a system operated by the federal Department of Homeland Security and the federal Social Security Administration that allows an employer to enroll in the system and verify that its employees are eligible to work in the United States. LRB-0512/1 MIM:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 287 State government and local government employment practices This bill provides that a state government agency or local governmental unit that intends to hire an employee after the bill[s effective date must verify the individual[s identity under the E-Verify Program. A state government agency or local governmental unit may not offer employment to any individual who is identified under the E-Verify Program as ineligible to work in the United States. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB289 | Requirements for proposed administrative rules that impose any costs. | Under current law, if a proposed administrative rule is reasonably expected to pass along $10,000,000 or more in implementation and compliance costs to businesses, local governmental units, and individuals over any two-year period, the agency proposing the rule must stop working on the proposed rule until 1) the agency modifies the proposed rule to reduce the expected costs or 2) a bill is enacted that allows the agency to promulgate the proposed rule. These requirements do not apply to emergency rules or to certain rules proposed by the Department of Natural Resources that relate to air quality and that are required under federal law. This bill changes those requirements so that the requirements apply when a proposed rule is reasonably expected to pass along any amount of implementation and compliance costs to businesses, local governmental units, and individuals over any two-year period. Under the bill, the agency proposing such a rule must stop LRB-2514/1 MED:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 289 working on the proposed rule until 1) the agency modifies the proposed rule to eliminate the expected costs; 2) a bill is enacted that allows the agency to promulgate the proposed rule; or 3) the agency promulgates or has promulgated a different rule, in the same calendar year as proposing the rule at issue, that is reasonably expected to reduce implementation and compliance costs to businesses, local governmental units, and individuals over any two-year period, in an amount that will offset the amount of costs resulting from the proposed rule at issue. The bill also requires an agency, in the economic impact analysis of a proposed rule that the agency is required to prepare, to include an estimate of the total implementation and compliance cost savings that are reasonably expected to be realized by businesses, local governmental units, and individuals as a result of the proposed rule, expressed as a single dollar figure. | In Committee |
| SB300 | Eliminating the 13-week limit on the garnishment of earnings of certain debtors. | This bill eliminates the 13-week limit imposed on the garnishment of earnings of certain debtors. Under current law, a creditor may file a garnishment notice with a court and pay a fee to a garnishee for the purpose of collecting an unsatisfied judgment for money damages from earnings owed to the debtor by the garnishee. Current law limits the number of weeks in which the earnings of a debtor, other than a debtor who is an employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state, may be garnisheed to 13 weeks. Under current law, a court-ordered assignment of a debtor[s earnings for support or maintenance in a family law matter takes priority over an earnings garnishment. The bill provides that a court-ordered earnings garnishment to satisfy an order for restitution in a criminal matter takes priority over other LRB-3019/1 KRP:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 300 earnings garnishments but does not have priority over an assignment in a family law matter. The bill makes various other changes, including changes to account for the increased length of time a garnishment may continue. For example, the bill requires a creditor to provide additional notices to a debtor when a garnishment extends beyond a 13-week period. | In Committee |
| AB292 | The use of artificial intelligence or other machine assisted translation in court proceedings and of telephone or live audiovisual interpretation in criminal trials. (FE) | Under this bill, a court may allow the use of artificial intelligence or other machine assisted translation in civil or criminal proceedings, certain municipal proceedings, and administrative contested case proceedings. Under current law, on request of any party, the court may permit an interpreter to act in any criminal proceeding, other than trial, by telephone or live audiovisual means. The bill allows an interpreter to act by telephone or live audiovisual means in a criminal trial in addition to other types of proceedings. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB296 | Eliminating the 13-week limit on the garnishment of earnings of certain debtors. | This bill eliminates the 13-week limit imposed on the garnishment of earnings of certain debtors. Under current law, a creditor may file a garnishment notice with a court and pay a fee to a garnishee for the purpose of collecting an unsatisfied judgment for money damages from earnings owed to the debtor by the garnishee. Current law limits the number of weeks in which the earnings of a debtor, other than a debtor who is an employee of the state or a political subdivision of the state, may be garnisheed to 13 weeks. Under current law, a court-ordered assignment of a debtor[s earnings for support or maintenance in a family law matter takes priority over an earnings garnishment. The bill provides that a court-ordered earnings garnishment to satisfy an order for restitution in a criminal matter takes priority over other earnings garnishments but does not have priority over an assignment in a family law matter. The bill makes various other changes, including changes to account for the increased length of time a garnishment may continue. For example, the bill requires a creditor to provide additional notices to a debtor when a garnishment extends beyond a 13-week period. | In Committee |
| AB281 | The employment eligibility verification program and granting rule-making authority. (FE) | State procurement Under current law, the Department of Administration, the legislature, the judiciary, and state authorities may purchase all necessary materials and contract for services. Current law also generally authorizes DOA to contract for construction work when the project cost is estimated to exceed $50,000. With some exceptions, such purchases or contracts must be awarded to the lowest bidder. This bill creates a new exception to the lowest-bidder award by prohibiting the state from purchasing or contracting for materials or services with an employer that does not verify, by using the Federal Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify Program), that all of its employees are eligible to work in the United States or that employs an individual after the E-Verify Program identifies that the individual is not eligible to work in the United States. The E-Verify Program is a system operated by the federal Department of Homeland Security and the federal Social Security Administration that allows an employer to enroll in the system and verify that its employees are eligible to work in the United States. State government and local government employment practices This bill provides that a state government agency or local governmental unit that intends to hire an employee after the bill[s effective date must verify the individual[s identity under the E-Verify Program. A state government agency or local governmental unit may not offer employment to any individual who is identified under the E-Verify Program as ineligible to work in the United States. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB277 | Requirements for proposed administrative rules that impose any costs. | Under current law, if a proposed administrative rule is reasonably expected to pass along $10,000,000 or more in implementation and compliance costs to businesses, local governmental units, and individuals over any two-year period, the agency proposing the rule must stop working on the proposed rule until 1) the agency modifies the proposed rule to reduce the expected costs or 2) a bill is enacted that allows the agency to promulgate the proposed rule. These requirements do not apply to emergency rules or to certain rules proposed by the Department of Natural Resources that relate to air quality and that are required under federal law. This bill changes those requirements so that the requirements apply when a proposed rule is reasonably expected to pass along any amount of implementation and compliance costs to businesses, local governmental units, and individuals over any two-year period. Under the bill, the agency proposing such a rule must stop working on the proposed rule until 1) the agency modifies the proposed rule to eliminate the expected costs; 2) a bill is enacted that allows the agency to promulgate the proposed rule; or 3) the agency promulgates or has promulgated a different rule, in the same calendar year as proposing the rule at issue, that is reasonably expected to reduce implementation and compliance costs to businesses, local governmental units, and individuals over any two-year period, in an amount that will offset the amount of costs resulting from the proposed rule at issue. The bill also requires an agency, in the economic impact analysis of a proposed rule that the agency is required to prepare, to include an estimate of the total implementation and compliance cost savings that are reasonably expected to be realized by businesses, local governmental units, and individuals as a result of the proposed rule, expressed as a single dollar figure. | In Committee |
| AB217 | Local government competitive bidding thresholds. (FE) | Under current law, in general, if the estimated cost of a local government public works project is between $5,000 and $25,000, the local governmental unit must provide a notice before it contracts. If the estimated cost exceeds $25,000, the local governmental unit must solicit bids and award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder. This bill increases the notice threshold to $10,000 and the bidding threshold to $50,000 and adjusts these amounts quinquennially for inflation. The bill also provides exceptions to these bidding requirements for 1) public work by a county for the purpose of providing housing for persons placed on supervised release as sexually violent persons and 2) improvements that are constructed by a private person and donated to a town or county after the completion of construction. With regard to the latter, a similar exception for donated improvements currently exists for improvements donated to a city or village. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB180 | Requiring the Department of Health Services to seek any necessary waiver to prohibit the purchase of candy or soft drinks with FoodShare benefits. (FE) | This bill requires the Department of Health Services to request any necessary waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit the purchase of candy or soft drinks with FoodShare benefits. Under current law, the federal food stamp program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and called FoodShare in this state, provides benefits to eligible low-income households for the purchase of food. FoodShare is administered by DHS. The federal government pays the benefits for FoodShare while the state and federal government share the cost of administration. Current federal law defines the foods eligible for purchase under FoodShare. The bill requires DHS to seek any necessary waiver to prohibit the use of FoodShare benefits for the purchase of candy or soft drinks. If the waiver is granted, DHS must prohibit the use of FoodShare benefits to purchase candy or soft drinks. If any necessary waiver is not granted, the bill requires DHS to resubmit the waiver request annually until it is granted. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB124 | Prohibiting persons who have been convicted of a violent crime from changing their name and providing a penalty. | Current law prohibits a person who is registered as a sex offender with the Department of Corrections from changing their name during the period they are required to register. With certain exceptions, a person who violates the prohibition is guilty of a Class H felony. This bill prohibits a person who has been convicted of a violent crime, which is defined in the bill and includes homicide, battery, kidnapping, stalking, human trafficking, and sexual assault, from changing their name. A person who violates the prohibition is guilty of a Class H felony. 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. | In Committee |
| AB138 | Jailers and protective occupation annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System who are rehired by a participating employer. (FE) | Under current law, certain persons who receive a retirement or disability annuity from the Wisconsin Retirement System and who are hired by an employer that participates in the WRS must suspend that annuity and may not receive a WRS annuity payment until the employee is no longer in a WRS-covered position. This suspension applies to a person who 1) has reached his or her normal retirement date; 2) is appointed to a position with a WRS-participating employer or provides employee services to a WRS-participating employer; and 3) is expected to work at least two-thirds of what is considered full-time employment by the Department of Employee Trust Funds. This bill creates an exception to this suspension for an annuitant who retired from employment with a participating employer and who is subsequently rehired or provides employee services after retirement if 1) at the time the annuitant initially retires from covered employment with a participating employer, the annuitant does not have an agreement with any participating employer to return to employment; 2) the annuitant elects to not become a participating employee at the time the annuitant is rehired or enters into a contract after retirement; and 3) either the annuitant retired as a protective occupation participant or the annuitant retired as a county jailer who was not a protective occupation participant under the WRS. Under current law, a county jailer has the opportunity to opt out of becoming a protective occupation participant under the WRS. The bill treats county jailers who opt out of becoming a protective occupation participant in the same manner as county jailers who are protective occupation participants. 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 local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB146 | Requests for information from employers about unemployment insurance claims. | Under current rules of the Department of Workforce Development, in order to determine unemployment insurance (UI) benefit claims, DWD may require employers to provide information about claimants[ employment separations, dates of work, wages and other payments, and other issues that may be disqualifying. This bill requires DWD to allow an employer no less than 12 business days to respond to an initial request for information about a UI benefit claim. | In Committee |
| AJR10 | The freedom to gather in places of worship during a state of emergency (second consideration). | relating to: the freedom to gather in places of worship during a state of emergency (second consideration). Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau EXPLANATION OF PROPOSAL This proposed constitutional amendment, to be given second consideration by the 2025 legislature for submittal to the voters in November 2026, was first considered by the 2023 legislature in 2023 Senate Joint Resolution 54, which became 2023 Enrolled Joint Resolution 11. This constitutional amendment provides that the state or a political subdivision of the state may not order the closure of or forbid gatherings in places of worship in response to a state of emergency at the national, state, or local level, including an emergency related to public health. PROCEDURE FOR SECOND CONSIDERATION When a proposed constitutional amendment is before the legislature on second consideration, any change in the text approved by the preceding legislature causes the proposed constitutional amendment to revert to first consideration status so that second consideration approval would have to be given by the next legislature before the proposal may be submitted to the people for ratification [see joint rule 57 (2)]. If the legislature approves a proposed constitutional amendment on second LRB-0654/1 MPG:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature consideration, it must also set the date for submitting the proposed constitutional amendment to the people for ratification and must determine the question or questions to appear on the ballot. | In Committee |
| AB82 | Exempting certain conveyances between grandparents and grandchildren from the real estate transfer fee. (FE) | This bill exempts conveyances of real estate interests between grandparent and grandchild for nominal consideration from the real estate transfer fee. Subject to various exemptions, current law generally requires a person who conveys an interest in real estate to file a real estate transfer return with the county register of deeds and pay a real estate transfer fee equal to 30 cents for each $100 of the value of the conveyance. 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 |
| SB84 | Exempting certain conveyances between grandparents and grandchildren from the real estate transfer fee. (FE) | This bill exempts conveyances of real estate interests between grandparent and grandchild for nominal consideration from the real estate transfer fee. Subject to various exemptions, current law generally requires a person who conveys an interest in real estate to file a real estate transfer return with the county register of deeds and pay a real estate transfer fee equal to 30 cents for each $100 of the value of the conveyance. 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. | Crossed Over |
| AB243 | Regulation of amusement rides located at campgrounds. (FE) | This bill exempts amusement rides located at campgrounds licensed by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection from regulation by the Department of Safety and Professional Services if they are installed according to the manufacturer[s recommended standards. Under current law, DSPS regulates amusement rides. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| SB216 | Local government competitive bidding thresholds. (FE) | Under current law, in general, if the estimated cost of a local government public works project is between $5,000 and $25,000, the local governmental unit must provide a notice before it contracts. If the estimated cost exceeds $25,000, the local governmental unit must solicit bids and award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder. This bill increases the notice threshold to $10,000 and the bidding threshold to $50,000 and adjusts these amounts quinquennially for inflation. The bill also provides exceptions to these bidding requirements for 1) public work by a county for the purpose of providing housing for persons placed on supervised release as sexually violent persons and 2) improvements that are constructed by a private person and donated to a town or county after the completion of construction. With LRB-2701/1 EVM:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 216 regard to the latter, a similar exception for donated improvements currently exists for improvements donated to a city or village. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB194 | Obtaining attorney fees and costs under the state’s public records law when an authority voluntarily or unilaterally releases a contested record after an action has been filed in court. | Currently, if a person requests access to a public record and the agency or officer in state or local government having custody of the record, known as an XauthorityY under the public records law, withholds or delays granting access to the record or a part of the record, the requester may bring a mandamus action asking a court to order release of the record or part of the record. Current law requires the court to award reasonable attorney fees, damages of not less than $100, and other actual costs to the requester if the requester prevails in whole or in substantial part in any such action. The Wisconsin Supreme Court decided in 2022 that a requester prevails in whole or in substantial part only if the requester obtains a judicially sanctioned change in the parties[ legal relationship, for example, a court order requiring disclosure of a record. See, Friends of Frame Park, U.A. v. City of Waukesha, 2022 WI 57. Under the supreme court[s decision, a requester generally is not entitled to LRB-2242/1 MPG:amn 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 194 attorney fees and costs if the authority voluntarily or unilaterally without a court order provides contested records after the requester files an action in court. This bill supersedes the supreme court[s decision in Friends of Frame Park. Under the bill, a requester has prevailed in whole or in substantial part if the requester has obtained relief through any of the following means: 1. A judicial order or an enforceable written agreement or consent decree. 2. The authority[s voluntary or unilateral release of a record if the court determines that the filing of the mandamus action was a substantial factor contributing to that voluntary or unilateral release. This standard is substantially the same as the standard that applies for a requester to obtain attorney fees and costs under the federal Freedom of Information Act. | Crossed Over |
| SB146 | Prohibiting persons who have been convicted of a violent crime from changing their name and providing a penalty. | Current law prohibits a person who is registered as a sex offender with the Department of Corrections from changing their name during the period they are required to register. With certain exceptions, a person who violates the prohibition is guilty of a Class H felony. This bill prohibits a person who has been convicted of a violent crime, which is defined in the bill and includes homicide, battery, kidnapping, stalking, human trafficking, and sexual assault, from changing their name. A person who violates the prohibition is guilty of a Class H felony. 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. | Crossed Over |
| SB147 | Interpreter action by telephone or live audiovisual means in civil or criminal proceedings. | Under current law, in any civil or criminal proceeding other than a trial, a court may permit an interpreter to act by telephone or live audiovisual means. This bill removes the exclusion for trials, so that an interpreter may act by telephone or live audiovisual means in any civil or criminal proceeding. | Crossed Over |
| SB66 | Registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty. | Under current law, any motor vehicle for which the Department of Transportation has issued registration plates must display those plates, along with any decals issued for the plates. This bill prohibits the possession, sale, purchase, installation, and use of a registration plate concealment device, which is a manual, electronic, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle to 1) switch between two or more registration plates; 2) move, obstruct, or conceal a registration plate; or 3) alter the appearance of a registration plate so that the registration number cannot be seen and read. The bill also prohibits the equipment of any motor vehicle with a registration plate concealment device. A person who violates these prohibitions may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both. Any vehicle equipped in violation of these prohibitions may be impounded, and reasonable costs for towing and impounding the vehicle may be assessed against the owner. 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. LRB-0665/1 ZDW:wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 66 | 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 |
| SB254 | Funding for the War Memorial Center and making an appropriation. (FE) | Under current law, by agreement between the county board and any nonprofit private corporation, a county having a population of 750,000 or more may establish and maintain a memorial to commemorate the lives and deeds of persons who served the state or nation in war or other national service. Milwaukee County is the only county in the state with a population of 750,000 or more, and the county established and maintains a memorial called the War Memorial Center. This bill creates a continuing appropriation account for the Department of Veterans Affairs from which the War Memorial Center[s memorial board may request DVA to provide funds to it for support of the memorial. In making a request for the funds, the memorial board is required to describe its intended use of the funds, and to aver that it has secured equal matching funds that it will contribute to its intended project supporting the War Memorial Center. In addition, in each fiscal year in which the War Memorial Center[s memorial board receives funds from DVA as described under the bill, the War Memorial Center[s memorial board is required to submit a report to the Joint Committee on Finance that describes how the funds were used and that indicates how much money remains in the appropriation account. LRB-2889/1 JAM:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 254 For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | 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 |
| SB267 | The fee for filing limited liability company articles of organization with the Department of Financial Institutions. (FE) | This bill expands the filing fee exception for a student entrepreneur who forms a limited liability company (LLC). Current law establishes a fee of $130 for filing LLC articles of organization with the Department of Financial Institutions. However, DFI may not collect this fee if the LLC members or organizers are all student entrepreneurs. A Xstudent entrepreneurY is defined as a student who is at least 18 years of age, enrolled in a postsecondary institution in this state, and an organizer or member of an LLC formed as a business start-up. This bill expands the definition of Xstudent entrepreneurY to include a student who is enrolled in a public, private, or tribal high school in this state or is homeschooled. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-0755/1 ARG:amn 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 267 | In Committee |
| SB270 | The right of appeal for complainants aggrieved by decisions of the Elections Commission concerning the conduct of election officials. | Under current law, any person eligible to vote in Wisconsin may file a complaint with the Elections Commission alleging that an election official serving the voter[s jurisdiction has failed to comply with certain election laws or has abused his or her discretion with respect to the administration of such election laws. After investigation of a complaint, current law authorizes the commission to issue an order requiring an election official to conform his or her conduct to the law, restraining an election official from taking any action inconsistent with the law, or requiring an election official to correct any action or decision inconsistent with the law. Additionally, current law authorizes any complainant who is aggrieved by an order of the commission on the complaint to appeal the commission[s decision in court. The law does not specifically define the term XaggrievedY for purposes of this right of appeal. However, in Brown v. Wisconsin Elections Commission, 2025 WI 5, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held that a complainant not receiving a favorable decision from the Elections Commission on a complaint is aggrieved, and therefore has a right to appeal that decision in court, only if the complainant has suffered an injury to a legally recognized interest as a result of the decision. LRB-2416/1 MPG:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 270 This bill provides that a complainant must be considered aggrieved for purposes of that right of appeal regardless of whether the complainant has suffered an injury to a legally recognized interest and that a complainant may appeal any commission order that dismisses the complaint or otherwise does not grant the relief requested in the complaint. | In Committee |
| AB126 | School bus back-up lamps. | This bill provides that a school bus may be equipped with one back-up lamp mounted to each side of the vehicle and directed to project a white or amber light illuminating the rear wheels of the vehicle when backing. Under current law, a motor vehicle may not be equipped with more than two back-up lamps, which must be directed to project white or amber light illuminating the roadway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance of up 75 feet. | In Committee |
| AB266 | The fee for filing limited liability company articles of organization with the Department of Financial Institutions. (FE) | This bill expands the filing fee exception for a student entrepreneur who forms a limited liability company (LLC). Current law establishes a fee of $130 for filing LLC articles of organization with the Department of Financial Institutions. However, DFI may not collect this fee if the LLC members or organizers are all student entrepreneurs. A Xstudent entrepreneurY is defined as a student who is at least 18 years of age, enrolled in a postsecondary institution in this state, and an organizer or member of an LLC formed as a business start-up. This bill expands the definition of Xstudent entrepreneurY to include a student who is enrolled in a public, private, or tribal high school in this state or is homeschooled. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB241 | Tax incremental financing districts containing qualified data centers. (FE) | Under current law, there is a sales and use tax exemption for certain property and items used to construct, operate, or renovate a qualified data center, as certified by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Also under current law, the equalized value of the 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 a TID that contains within its boundaries a qualified data center certified by WEDC if all of the project costs of the TID are related to the qualified data center. For further information see the state and local 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 |
| AB245 | Modifying the sales and use tax exemption for qualified data centers. (FE) | This bill makes various changes to the sales and use tax exemption for qualified data centers. Under current law, there is a sales and use tax exemption for certain property and items used to construct, operate, or renovate a qualified data center, as certified by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Under current law, WEDC may certify a qualified data center if it meets all of the following criteria: 1. The qualified data center is one or more buildings or an array of connected buildings owned, leased, or operated by the same business entity or its affiliate. 2. The buildings are rehabilitated or constructed to house a group of networked server computers in one physical location or multiple locations in order to centralize the processing, storage, management, retrieval, communication, or dissemination of data and information. 3. The buildings create a minimum qualified investment in this state within five years from the certification date in the amount of $50 million, $100 million, or $150 million, depending on the population of the county in which the buildings are located. The bill modifies the definition of qualified data center to provide that the buildings may house a group of individual, as well as a group of networked, server computers. In addition, the bill provides that WEDC also may certify a qualified data center if, in addition to the criteria described in items 1 and 3, it meets the following criterion, rather than the criterion described under item 2: the buildings are rehabilitated or constructed to house a group of individual or networked server computers in one physical location or multiple locations in order to provide an owner, operator, or tenant the opportunity to rent or own space, utilities and other vital resources such as cooling capacity, enhanced security features, or the ability to procure infrastructure, platforms, software, and other managed services. The bill also provides that WEDC may not certify buildings that are used for or to facilitate the creation of cryptocurrencies and the process used to verify and secure cryptocurrency transactions and blockchains as qualified data centers eligible for the sales and use tax exemption. 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 |
| SB263 | Findings of fact when the court grants less than equal physical placement of a child. | Under current law, in an action affecting a family that involves a child, the court is required to determine the legal custody and the physical placement of the child. Current law requires the court to set a physical placement schedule that allows a child to have regularly occurring, meaningful periods of physical placement with each parent and that maximizes the amount of time for a child with each parent. In determining a physical placement schedule, the court must, in each case, consider a statutory list of best-interest factors. Current law provides that, if the court grants less than 25 percent of physical placement to one parent in a temporary or final order in an action affecting the family, specific findings of fact must be entered as to the reasons that greater physical placement with that parent is not in the best interest of the child. This bill changes the requirement such that specific findings of fact must be entered if the court grants less than 50 percent of physical placement to one parent in a temporary or final order in an action affecting the family. LRB-2980/1 SWB:ajk&emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 263 | In Committee |
| SB266 | Human trafficking and trafficking of a child and providing a penalty. | This bill increases the penalty for human trafficking from a Class D felony to a Class C felony, increases the penalty for trafficking a child from a Class C felony to a Class B felony, and creates a mandatory minimum term of confinement in prison of 10 years for human trafficking and 15 years for trafficking a child. Under current law, a Class D felony is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and a term of imprisonment not to exceed 25 years, which, under a bifurcated sentence, is a maximum term of confinement in prison of 15 years followed by a maximum term of extended supervision of 10 years; a Class C felony is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and a term of imprisonment not to exceed 40 years, which, under a bifurcated sentence, is a maximum term of confinement in prison of 25 years followed by a maximum term of extended supervision of 15 years; and a Class B felony is punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 60 years, which, under a bifurcated sentence, is a maximum term of confinement in prison of 40 years followed by a maximum term of extended supervision of 20 years. Under LRB-3006/1 MJW:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 266 current law, there is no mandatory minimum term of confinement for human trafficking or trafficking of a child. 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. | In Committee |
| AJR14 | Honoring the life and public service of Representative David O. Martin. | Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative David O. Martin. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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 |
| AJR4 | Honoring the life and public service of Justice David T. Prosser Jr. | Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Justice David T. Prosser Jr. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SJR2 | Requiring photographic identification to vote in any election (second consideration). | To create section 1m of article III of the constitution; Relating to: requiring photographic identification to vote in any election (second consideration). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AB258 | License eligibility and restriction extensions relating to ignition interlock devices. | Under current law, if a person is convicted of a second or subsequent offense related to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant or other drug, with a prohibited alcohol concentration, or with a measurable amount of a controlled substance in their blood (OWI offense), a court must order the person[s operating privilege restricted to operating vehicles that are equipped with an ignition interlock device (IID). The restriction begins on the date of the IID order and lasts for at least one year, but no longer than the maximum operating privilege revocation period authorized for the refusal or violation. Under the bill, the restriction of a person[s operating privilege under an IID order must be extended by 180 days for each occurrence of any of the following events detected by an IID: 1) three or more violations within a 60-day period, 2) tampering with or attempting to circumvent the IID, or 3) removing the IID authorization. Under current law, a person whose operating privilege is administratively revoked for a first offense of refusing a test may apply for an occupational license after 30 days. The bill eliminates the 30-day waiting period and provides that a CORRECTED COPY person may apply for an occupational license upon installation of an IID on any motor vehicle that the person operates. Under current law, when a person is convicted of an OWI offense, the convicting court orders the person[s operating privilege be revoked. The length of time for a court-ordered revocation increases with each subsequent OWI offense, as does the waiting period before the person may apply for an occupational license. In general, a person with prior OWI offenses may apply after 45 days. The bill eliminates the 45-day waiting period and provides that a person may apply for an occupational license upon installation of an IID on each motor vehicle that the person operates. | In Committee |
| AB262 | Findings of fact when the court grants less than equal physical placement of a child. | Under current law, in an action affecting a family that involves a child, the court is required to determine the legal custody and the physical placement of the child. Current law requires the court to set a physical placement schedule that allows a child to have regularly occurring, meaningful periods of physical placement with each parent and that maximizes the amount of time for a child with each parent. In determining a physical placement schedule, the court must, in each case, consider a statutory list of best-interest factors. Current law provides that, if the court grants less than 25 percent of physical placement to one parent in a temporary or final order in an action affecting the family, specific findings of fact must be entered as to the reasons that greater physical placement with that parent is not in the best interest of the child. This bill changes the requirement such that specific findings of fact must be entered if the court grants less than 50 percent of physical placement to one parent in a temporary or final order in an action affecting the family. | In Committee |
| AB265 | Human trafficking and trafficking of a child and providing a penalty. | This bill increases the penalty for human trafficking from a Class D felony to a Class C felony, increases the penalty for trafficking a child from a Class C felony to a Class B felony, and creates a mandatory minimum term of confinement in prison of 10 years for human trafficking and 15 years for trafficking a child. Under current law, a Class D felony is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and a term of imprisonment not to exceed 25 years, which, under a bifurcated sentence, is a maximum term of confinement in prison of 15 years followed by a maximum term of extended supervision of 10 years; a Class C felony is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and a term of imprisonment not to exceed 40 years, which, under a bifurcated sentence, is a maximum term of confinement in prison of 25 years followed by a maximum term of extended supervision of 15 years; and a Class B felony is punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 60 years, which, under a bifurcated sentence, is a maximum term of confinement in prison of 40 years followed by a maximum term of extended supervision of 20 years. Under current law, there is no mandatory minimum term of confinement for human trafficking or trafficking of a child. 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. | In Committee |
| AJR48 | Commemorating Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and honoring the Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside the United States in the Vietnam War. | Relating to: commemorating Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and honoring the Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside the United States in the Vietnam War. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SB163 | Income change notifications for child support or maintenance orders. | This bill makes changes to the requirements for notice of a change of employer, address, and ability to pay for parties in child support and maintenance agreements. Under current law, the requirements for a notice of a change of employer, address, or ability to pay in child support and maintenance agreements apply only to payers of child support or maintenance. The bill extends these requirements to payees. The bill also specifies that the type of income for which a party must notify the other party of a change is defined by rule by the Department of Children and Families. DCF currently defines Xgross incomeY for child support purposes to include a number of income sources, including wages and salaries, investment income, and certain benefits. The bill establishes that in an order for child support, but not maintenance, neither party is required to disclose income that is not considered gross income under DCF rules and the payee is not required to disclose a change in employer or income if the payer is not a Xshared-placement parent,Y as defined by DCF. LRB-2388/1 MDE:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 163 The bill also removes references to Xfamily support,Y an alternative form of support that combined child support and maintenance into a single obligation. Orders for family support in this state were eliminated by 2021 Wisconsin Act 35. Finally, the bill allows a party to redact certain personally identifying information from an income change notice to another party, establishes the confidentiality of any information disclosed as part of an income change notice, and establishes that an individual who fails to provide an income change notice required under law may be proceeded against for contempt of court and may be required to provide damages, including reasonable attorney fees. | In Committee |
| AB228 | Tax incremental financing districts containing qualified data centers. (FE) | Under current law, there is a sales and use tax exemption for certain property and items used to construct, operate, or renovate a qualified data center, as certified by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Also under current law, the equalized value of the 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 a TID that contains within its boundaries a qualified data center certified by WEDC if all of the project costs of the TID are related to the qualified data center. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB5 | Requiring school boards to make textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials available for inspection by school district residents. | This bill requires a school board to comply with a school district resident’s written request to inspect a textbook, curriculum, or instructional material within 14 days. Under the bill, a school board must comply with a school district resident’s written request to inspect curricula or instructional materials used in a school in the school district by no later than 14 days after the school board receives the written request. The bill also requires each school board to adopt procedures under which the school board is able to produce for inspection any curriculum or instructional material used in a school in the school district in fewer than 14 days. The bill defines “curriculum” as a curriculum plan adopted by a school board to comply with state law and defines “instructional material” as any course content or resource included in a curriculum. Similarly, the bill requires a school board to comply with a school district resident’s written request to inspect a textbook on the school board’s list of adopted textbooks by no later than 14 days after the school board receives the written request. Under the bill, a school board must also adopt procedures under which the school board is capable of producing for inspection any textbook included on the school board’s list of adopted textbooks in no more than 14 days. Current law requires each school board to adopt all textbooks necessary for use in schools in the school district and file a list of adopted textbooks with the school district clerk. Under the bill, each school board must also post the list of adopted textbooks on the school board’s website. Finally, the bill specifies that nothing in the bill may be construed to require a school board to take an action that would violate federal copyright law and that the bill does not limit any rights a school district resident has to inspect or copy records under open records law. | Crossed Over |
| SB11 | Allowing representatives of certain federally chartered youth membership organizations to provide information to pupils on public school property. | This bill requires, upon the request of certain federally chartered youth membership organizations, the principal of a public school, including an independent charter school, to schedule at least one date and time at the beginning of the school term for representatives of the youth membership organization to provide information about the organization to pupils during the school day on school property. Such information may include information about how the organization furthers the educational interests and civic involvement of pupils consistent with good citizenship. Examples of these federally chartered youth membership organizations are Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts of the United States of America. | In Committee |
| SB22 | Requiring school boards to make textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials available for inspection by school district residents. | This bill requires a school board to comply with a school district resident[s written request to inspect a textbook, curriculum, or instructional material within 14 days. Under the bill, a school board must comply with a school district resident[s written request to inspect curricula or instructional materials used in a school in the school district by no later than 14 days after the school board receives the written request. The bill also requires each school board to adopt procedures under which the school board is able to produce for inspection any curriculum or instructional material used in a school in the school district in fewer than 14 days. The bill defines XcurriculumY as a curriculum plan adopted by a school board to comply with state law and defines Xinstructional materialY as any course content or resource included in a curriculum. Similarly, the bill requires a school board to comply with a school district resident[s written request to inspect a textbook on the school board[s list of adopted LRB-1620/1 FFK:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 22 textbooks by no later than 14 days after the school board receives the written request. Under the bill, a school board must also adopt procedures under which the school board is capable of producing for inspection any textbook included on the school board[s list of adopted textbooks in no more than 14 days. Current law requires each school board to adopt all textbooks necessary for use in schools in the school district and file a list of adopted textbooks with the school district clerk. Under the bill, each school board must also post the list of adopted textbooks on the school board[s website. Finally, the bill specifies that nothing in the bill may be construed to require a school board to take an action that would violate federal copyright law and that the bill does not limit any rights a school district resident has to inspect or copy records under open records law. | In Committee |
| AB73 | Statutory recognition of specialized treatment court and commercial court dockets. | This bill statutorily recognizes specialized dockets for treatment courts and for commercial cases. The bill recognizes in statute treatment courts, which are defined in the bill to include adult drug treatment court, juvenile drug treatment court, operating while intoxicated treatment court, mental health treatment court, family dependency treatment court, veterans treatment court, hybrid treatment court, and tribal healing to wellness court. The bill also statutorily recognizes a specialized docket for commercial cases. Under the bill, the chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, taking into consideration recommendations from the relevant chief judges of the judicial administrative districts, must select circuit court judges who will be assigned to the commercial court docket upon each judge[s agreement to serve. The bill provides that a judge who presides over cases on the commercial court docket is not prohibited from working on any other assigned docket. Under the bill, certain commercial case types must be assigned to the commercial court docket, including cases involving all of the following: governance or internal affairs of business organizations; 2) tortious or statutorily prohibited business activity, unfair competition, or antitrust claims; 3) the sale, consolidation, or merger of a business organization or the conversion, share exchange, or sale of substantially all of the assets of a business organization; 4) the issuance, sale, or transfer of securities; 5) intellectual property rights; 6) the relationship between a franchisor and franchisee or similar distribution relationship; 7) certain claims or disputes involving the Uniform Commercial Code, when the amount in controversy exceeds $100,000; 8) receiverships in excess of $250,000; 9) confirmation of arbitration awards and compelling or enforcing arbitration awards when the amount in controversy exceeds $100,000; and 10) real estate construction disputes when the amount in controversy exceeds $250,000. The bill provides that certain types of cases are ineligible for assignment to the commercial court docket, including small claims cases, cases involving a governmental entity or political subdivision seeking to enforce a statutory or regulatory restriction or prohibition, or disputes between landlords and tenants. The commercial court docket created under the bill is a commercial case docket that generally involves disputes between commercial entities rather than individuals and does not include actions typically involving individuals such as personal injury suits, products liability, malpractice, or other tort claims or landlord and tenant disputes or similar claims. Under the bill, parties may jointly move for discretionary assignment of a case to the commercial court docket if the case is one that is not identified under the mandatory criteria but is not otherwise ineligible for assignment. The bill provides that a decision granting or denying a motion for a discretionary assignment of a case to the commercial court docket is final and nonappealable. The bill also allows that parties to a case that is filed in a judicial administrative district that does not have a dedicated commercial court docket may, in certain circumstances, jointly petition for transfer of the case to a commercial court docket. Under the bill, no party may withdraw a request for transfer to the commercial court docket after a judicial assignment of the case has been made. | Passed |
| AB75 | Department of Justice collection and reporting of certain criminal case data. (FE) | This bill requires the Department of Justice to collect from the director of state courts all of the following information for each criminal case: 1) the county in which the case was filed; 2) the name of the prosecuting attorney assigned to the case; 3) the name of the court official assigned to the case; 4) the criminal charge filed; 5) the charging recommendation from the referring law enforcement agency, if applicable; 6) for each case, whether the court released the defendant without bail, upon the execution of an unsecured appearance bond, upon the execution of an appearance bond with sufficient solvent sureties, or upon the deposit of cash in lieu of sureties, or denied release, and the name of the court official who made the decision; 7) for each case for which a court required the execution of an appearance bond with sufficient solvent sureties, the monetary amount of the bond and the name of the court official who made the decision; 8) for each case for which a court required the deposit of cash in lieu of sureties, the monetary amount of cash required and the name of the court official who made the decision; 9) any other conditions of release imposed on the defendant and the name of the court official who made the decision; 10) whether any plea bargain was offered in the case; 11) whether a deferred prosecution agreement was offered in the case; 12) whether any charge relating to the case was dismissed; and 13) whether the case resulted in a conviction. Under the bill, DOJ must annually report the information collected to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature for distribution to the appropriate standing committees, and must maintain a database on its website that contains the information in a searchable format, for a period of 10 years after a criminal charge is filed. Under the bill, DOJ must ensure that the information provided in the database does not contain a criminal defendant[s personally identifying information. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| SJR49 | Commemorating Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and honoring the Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside the United States in the Vietnam War. | Relating to: commemorating Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and honoring the Hmong- Lao veterans who served alongside the United States in the Vietnam War. | 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 |
| AB209 | Creating a hazard mitigation revolving loan program, creating a Great Lakes erosion control revolving loan program, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE) | This bill authorizes the creation of a hazard mitigation revolving loan program to be administered by the Department of Military Affairs and requires the creation of a Great Lakes erosion control revolving loan program to be administered by the Department of Natural Resources. Hazard mitigation revolving loan program The bill authorizes the Division of Emergency Management within DMA to enter into an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive federal grant funding for the purpose of establishing a hazard mitigation revolving loan program. The bill creates a separate, nonlapsible trust fund, designated as the Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund, to accept money from FEMA under the federal Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act, P.L. 116-284. Under the bill, if DMA enters into such an agreement with FEMA, the secretary of administration must transfer from the general fund to the Hazard Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund an amount equal to 10 percent of any money received from the federal government, and DMA must provide loans to local units of government for hazard mitigation projects in accordance with the requirements of the STORM Act. Great Lakes erosion control revolving loan program The bill requires DNR to administer a revolving loan program to assist municipalities and owners of homes located on the shore of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior where the structural integrity of municipal buildings or homes is threatened by erosion of the shoreline. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 to DNR for this purpose and increases DNR[s position authorization by 0.5 FTE to administer the program. The bill requires DNR to promulgate rules to administer the program, including eligibility requirements and income limitations, and authorizes DNR to promulgate emergency rules for the period before permanent rules take effect. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| SB31 | State agency status for certain physician assistants and advanced practice nurses who provide services without compensation for local health departments or school districts. (FE) | This bill provides that physician assistants and advanced practice nurse prescribers who are not employed by a local health department but who provide services without compensation for the programs and services provided by a local health department are, for the provision of those services, state agents of the Department of Health Services in certain circumstances for certain legal purposes and protections. For example, under the bill, if a physician assistant or certified advanced practice nurse prescriber who is considered a state agent of DHS is a defendant in any action or special proceeding because of acts they committed within the scope of their agency, any judgment as to damages and costs entered against them shall be paid by DHS. Further, this bill provides that physician assistants and advanced practice nurse prescribers may be selected by a school district or a local health department to supervise an immunization program and issue orders for the administration of LRB-1923/1 JPC:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 31 immunizations that are in accordance with written protocols issued by DHS. If the physician assistant or advanced practice nurse prescriber is not an employee of the school district or local health department, receives no compensation for his or her services as supervisor of the immunization program, and acts in accordance with written protocols issued by DHS, he or she is a state agent of DHS for the same legal purposes and protections as described above. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Passed |
| SB43 | Allowing advanced practice nurse prescribers to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient’s death for purposes of the preparation of death records. | Under current law, any person who moves a corpse for the purpose of final disposition must file a death record for the corpse in a manner prescribed by the state registrar when the death occurred in this state, the corpse was found in this state, or certain other circumstances apply. For purposes of preparing the death record, certain health care providers may pronounce the date, time, and place of the death in certain circumstances, including naturopathic doctors and physician assistants. This bill allows advanced practice nurse prescribers who are directly involved with the care of a patient who dies to pronounce the date, time, and place of the patient[s death for purposes of preparation of the death record. | Passed |
| 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 |
| AB12 | State agency status for certain physician assistants and advanced practice nurses who provide services without compensation for local health departments or school districts. (FE) | This bill provides that physician assistants and advanced practice nurse prescribers who are not employed by a local health department but who provide services without compensation for the programs and services provided by a local health department are, for the provision of those services, state agents of the Department of Health Services in certain circumstances for certain legal purposes and protections. For example, under the bill, if a physician assistant or certified advanced practice nurse prescriber who is considered a state agent of DHS is a defendant in any action or special proceeding because of acts they committed within the scope of their agency, any judgment as to damages and costs entered against them shall be paid by DHS. Further, this bill provides that physician assistants and advanced practice nurse prescribers may be selected by a school district or a local health department to supervise an immunization program and issue orders for the administration of immunizations that are in accordance with written protocols issued by DHS. If the physician assistant or advanced practice nurse prescriber is not an employee of the school district or local health department, receives no compensation for his or her services as supervisor of the immunization program, and acts in accordance with written protocols issued by DHS, he or she is a state agent of DHS for the same legal purposes and protections as described above. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB44 | Allowing advanced practice nurse prescribers to pronounce the date, time, and place of a patient’s death for purposes of the preparation of death records. | Under current law, any person who moves a corpse for the purpose of final disposition must file a death record for the corpse in a manner prescribed by the state registrar when the death occurred in this state, the corpse was found in this state, or certain other circumstances apply. For purposes of preparing the death record, certain health care providers may pronounce the date, time, and place of the death in certain circumstances, including naturopathic doctors and physician assistants. This bill allows advanced practice nurse prescribers who are directly involved with the care of a patient who dies to pronounce the date, time, and place of the patient[s death for purposes of preparation of the death record. | In Committee |
| AB134 | The effective date of certain provisions contained in 2023 Wisconsin Act 126. | 2023 Wisconsin Act 126 included all of the following provisions relating to campaigns and elections: 1. Prohibits public access to records that contain the personally identifiable information of election officials or election registration officials other than the official[s name and city and state of residence. 2. Makes it a Class I felony to intentionally cause bodily harm to an election official, election registration official, county clerk, or municipal clerk who is acting in his or her official capacity. 3. Provides whistleblower protection for municipal clerks, county clerks, and election officials who witness and report election fraud or irregularities. 4. Prohibits employment discrimination against a municipal clerk, county clerk, or election official because the clerk or election official lawfully reported, or is believed to have reported, witnessing what the clerk or election official reasonably believed to be election fraud or irregularities. 5. Requires all committees, political parties, and conduits to register with, and submit campaign finance reports to, the Ethics Commission through the commission[s campaign finance information system (CFIS). Act 126 is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025. This bill changes the effective date to December 1, 2027, with respect filings with the Ethics Commission through CFIS. All other provisions contained in Act 126 remain effective July 1, 2025. | 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 |
| 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 |
| SB170 | Rehired annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System. (FE) | Under current law, certain people who receive a retirement or disability annuity from the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) and who are hired by an employer that participates in the WRS must suspend that annuity and may not receive a WRS annuity payment until they are no longer in a WRS-covered position. This suspension applies to an annuitant who 1) has reached his or her normal retirement date; 2) is appointed to a position with a WRS-participating employer; and 3) is expected to work at least two-thirds of what is considered full-time employment by the Department of Employee Trust Funds. This bill allows such an annuitant who is hired by a WRS-participating employer as an employee or to provide employee services to not suspend his or her annuity for up to 60 months. The bill also requires WRS-participating employers that hire such annuitants to make payments to ETF equal to what they would have paid as required contributions for each rehired annuitant if the rehired annuitant LRB-2369/1 MIM:wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 170 had suspended his or her annuity. Under the bill, these payments are deposited into the employer reserve account. If the annuitant does not suspend the annuity and does not become an active WRS-participating employee, in the case of state employment, the annuitant is not eligible for group insurance benefits provided to active WRS-participating employees and may not use any of his or her service in the new position for any WRS purposes. If the annuitant opts to again become an active WRS-participating employee, the annuitant is eligible for all group insurance benefits provided to other participating employees and may accumulate additional years of creditable service under the WRS for the new period of WRS-covered employment. The bill also repeals two obsolete provisions related to WRS annuitants returning to WRS-covered employment during the public health emergency declared on March 12, 2020, by executive order 72, which ended on May 13, 2020. 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 and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB166 | Academic and career planning services provided to pupils and requiring the reporting of certain data on college student costs and outcomes. (FE) | This bill requires University of Wisconsin System institutions, technical colleges, and private nonprofit colleges in this state (higher education institutions) to report cost and student outcome data that are ultimately made available as part of the academic and career planning services provided to high school juniors and seniors. The bill requires higher education institutions to collect and annually report to the Higher Educational Aids Board all of the following information relating to their undergraduate degree programs: graduates six months and, every fifth year, five years after graduation, in the aggregate and broken down by major; 2) the average debt of the institution[s students upon graduation or discontinuation of studies, in the aggregate and broken down by major; 3) the institution[s graduation rate, in the aggregate and broken down by major; 4) the institution[s annual total cost of attendance and average net cost; 5) the financial aid available to students; and 6) the 10 most popular degree programs offered by the institution. HEAB must incorporate the data from these reports into an electronic document formatted in a manner that facilitates comparison of information among higher education institutions. HEAB must annually provide this electronic document to the Department of Public Instruction with a list, prepared in cooperation with the Department of Workforce Development, of the 50 most in-demand jobs in this state, including the average starting salary and required education level for each job. Under current law, the state superintendent of public instruction must ensure that each school board provides academic and career planning services to pupils enrolled in grades 6 to 12. Beginning in the 2027]28 school year, the bill requires the superintendent to provide the electronic document described above to school boards and requires school boards to provide the electronic document to high school juniors and seniors as part of the academic and career planning services provided to the pupils. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| AB141 | Provisional social worker certificates and licenses. | Current law prohibits a person from using the title Xsocial workerY without holding a social worker certificate, and similarly prohibits the use of other titles corresponding to higher levels of social work practice without a corresponding credential for that level of social work practice. Those higher levels of social work practice include advanced practice social work, independent social work, and clinical social work. Current law further prohibits the practice of clinical social work without a clinical social worker license. Current law specifies requirements for obtaining these social worker credentials, all of which include a requirement of passage of an examination. This bill provides for an alternative pathway to obtain a social work credential without passage of a national examination. Under the bill, an individual who has taken the examination corresponding to a particular category of social work credential and has not passed the examination, but who otherwise satisfies the requirements for the credential, may obtain a provisional credential. With the provisional credential, the individual is allowed to practice the corresponding level of social work, may use the corresponding title, and is considered to be that level of social worker, but the individual must obtain at least three hours of supervision during every 160 hours of practice, in accordance with the bill and rules promulgated by the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board and subject to periodic evaluation. Upon successful completion of the supervised practice requirement, the individual must receive a final evaluation and may obtain a corresponding nonprovisional social worker credential without passage of the examination. | 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 |
| SB140 | Provisional social worker certificates and licenses. | Current law prohibits a person from using the title Xsocial workerY without holding a social worker certificate, and similarly prohibits the use of other titles corresponding to higher levels of social work practice without a corresponding credential for that level of social work practice. Those higher levels of social work practice include advanced practice social work, independent social work, and clinical social work. Current law further prohibits the practice of clinical social work without a clinical social worker license. Current law specifies requirements for obtaining these social worker credentials, all of which include a requirement of passage of an examination. This bill provides for an alternative pathway to obtain a social work credential without passage of a national examination. Under the bill, an individual who has taken the examination corresponding to a particular category of social work credential and has not passed the examination, but who otherwise satisfies the requirements for the credential, may obtain a provisional credential. With the provisional credential, the individual is allowed to practice the corresponding level of social work, may use the corresponding title, and is considered to be that level of LRB-2171/1 MED:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 140 social worker, but the individual must obtain at least three hours of supervision during every 160 hours of practice, in accordance with the bill and rules promulgated by the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board and subject to periodic evaluation. Upon successful completion of the supervised practice requirement, the individual must receive a final evaluation and may obtain a corresponding nonprovisional social worker credential without passage of the examination. | 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 |
| SB249 | Vacancies in appointive state offices. | Under current law, vacancies in public office may occur in a number of ways, including when the incumbent resigns, dies, or is removed from office, or, in the case of elected office, when the incumbent[s term expires. However, as the Wisconsin Supreme Court held in State ex rel. Kaul v. Prehn, 2022 WI 50, expiration of an incumbent[s term of office does not create a vacancy if the office is filled by appointment for a fixed term. Absent a vacancy or removal for cause, these incumbents may remain in office until their successors are appointed and qualified. Under this bill, a vacancy in public office is created if the office is an appointive state office for a fixed term and the incumbent[s term expires. | In Committee |
| SB248 | License eligibility and restriction extensions relating to ignition interlock devices. | Under current law, if a person is convicted of a second or subsequent offense related to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant or other drug, with a prohibited alcohol concentration, or with a measurable amount of a controlled substance in their blood (OWI offense), a court must order the person[s operating privilege restricted to operating vehicles that are equipped with an ignition interlock device (IID). The restriction begins on the date of the IID order and lasts for at least one year, but no longer than the maximum operating privilege revocation period authorized for the refusal or violation. Under the bill, the restriction of a person[s operating privilege under an IID order must be extended by 180 days for each occurrence of any of the following events detected by an IID: 1) three or more violations within a 60-day period, 2) tampering with or attempting to circumvent the IID, or 3) removing the IID authorization. Under current law, a person whose operating privilege is administratively revoked for a first offense of refusing a test may apply for an occupational license after 30 days. The bill eliminates the 30-day waiting period and provides that a CORRECTED COPY LRB-1013/1 ZDW:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 248 person may apply for an occupational license upon installation of an IID on any motor vehicle that the person operates. Under current law, when a person is convicted of an OWI offense, the convicting court orders the person[s operating privilege be revoked. The length of time for a court-ordered revocation increases with each subsequent OWI offense, as does the waiting period before the person may apply for an occupational license. In general, a person with prior OWI offenses may apply after 45 days. The bill eliminates the 45-day waiting period and provides that a person may apply for an occupational license upon installation of an IID on each motor vehicle that the person operates. | In Committee |
| AB248 | Vacancies in appointive state offices. | Under current law, vacancies in public office may occur in a number of ways, including when the incumbent resigns, dies, or is removed from office, or, in the case of elected office, when the incumbent[s term expires. However, as the Wisconsin Supreme Court held in State ex rel. Kaul v. Prehn, 2022 WI 50, expiration of an incumbent[s term of office does not create a vacancy if the office is filled by appointment for a fixed term. Absent a vacancy or removal for cause, these incumbents may remain in office until their successors are appointed and qualified. Under this bill, a vacancy in public office is created if the office is an appointive state office for a fixed term and the incumbent[s term expires. | In Committee |
| SB159 | Requirements for lighting on police vehicles. | Current law provides that a police vehicle may be equipped with flashing, oscillating, or rotating blue and red lights. On a marked police vehicle, the blue light must be mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle and the red light must be mounted on the driver side of the vehicle. This bill provides that, on a marked police vehicle with an exterior light bar, the blue light must be mounted on the roof of the passenger side of the vehicle and the red light must be mounted on the roof of the driver side of the vehicle. For lights mounted inside the vehicle, blue lights must be displayed on the interior of the passenger side of the vehicle and red lights must be displayed on the interior of the driver side of the vehicle. The bill also authorizes the use of a combination of blue and red lights mounted on the front, sides, or rear of a police vehicle if the vehicle is already equipped with roof or interior lights as required by the bill. | In Committee |
| SB188 | Reduction of penalty surcharge when certain fines or forfeitures reduced. (FE) | Under current law, when a court imposes a fine or forfeiture for certain violations of state law or municipal or county ordinances, a penalty surcharge in the amount of 26 percent of the amount of the fine or forfeiture is also imposed. Current law provides that when a fine or forfeiture is suspended in whole or in part, the penalty surcharge must be reduced in proportion to the suspension. This bill requires the same rule to be applied for reduction of a fine or forfeiture. Under the bill, when a fine or forfeiture to which the penalty surcharge applies is reduced, the penalty surcharge must also be reduced in proportion to the reduction. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB80 | Statutory recognition of specialized treatment court and commercial court dockets. | This bill statutorily recognizes specialized dockets for treatment courts and for commercial cases. The bill recognizes in statute treatment courts, which are defined in the bill to include adult drug treatment court, juvenile drug treatment court, operating while intoxicated treatment court, mental health treatment court, family dependency treatment court, veterans treatment court, hybrid treatment court, and tribal healing to wellness court. The bill also statutorily recognizes a specialized docket for commercial cases. Under the bill, the chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, taking into consideration recommendations from the relevant chief judges of the judicial administrative districts, must select circuit court judges who will be assigned to the commercial court docket upon each judge[s agreement to serve. The bill provides that a judge who presides over cases on the commercial court docket is not prohibited from working on any other assigned docket. Under the bill, certain commercial case types must be assigned to the commercial court docket, including cases involving all of the following: governance or internal affairs of business organizations; 2) tortious or statutorily prohibited business activity, unfair competition, or antitrust claims; 3) the sale, consolidation, or merger of a business organization or the conversion, share LRB-2002/1 SWB:emw 1) the 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 80 exchange, or sale of substantially all of the assets of a business organization; 4) the issuance, sale, or transfer of securities; 5) intellectual property rights; 6) the relationship between a franchisor and franchisee or similar distribution relationship; 7) certain claims or disputes involving the Uniform Commercial Code, when the amount in controversy exceeds $100,000; 8) receiverships in excess of $250,000; 9) confirmation of arbitration awards and compelling or enforcing arbitration awards when the amount in controversy exceeds $100,000; and 10) real estate construction disputes when the amount in controversy exceeds $250,000. The bill provides that certain types of cases are ineligible for assignment to the commercial court docket, including small claims cases, cases involving a governmental entity or political subdivision seeking to enforce a statutory or regulatory restriction or prohibition, or disputes between landlords and tenants. The commercial court docket created under the bill is a commercial case docket that generally involves disputes between commercial entities rather than individuals and does not include actions typically involving individuals such as personal injury suits, products liability, malpractice, or other tort claims or landlord and tenant disputes or similar claims. Under the bill, parties may jointly move for discretionary assignment of a case to the commercial court docket if the case is one that is not identified under the mandatory criteria but is not otherwise ineligible for assignment. The bill provides that a decision granting or denying a motion for a discretionary assignment of a case to the commercial court docket is final and nonappealable. The bill also allows that parties to a case that is filed in a judicial administrative district that does not have a dedicated commercial court docket may, in certain circumstances, jointly petition for transfer of the case to a commercial court docket. Under the bill, no party may withdraw a request for transfer to the commercial court docket after a judicial assignment of the case has been made. | In Committee |
| SB115 | Department of Justice collection and reporting of certain criminal case data. (FE) | This bill requires the Department of Justice to collect from the director of state courts all of the following information for each criminal case: 1) the county in which the case was filed; 2) the name of the prosecuting attorney assigned to the case; 3) the name of the court official assigned to the case; 4) the criminal charge filed; 5) the charging recommendation from the referring law enforcement agency, if applicable; 6) for each case, whether the court released the defendant without bail, upon the execution of an unsecured appearance bond, upon the execution of an appearance bond with sufficient solvent sureties, or upon the deposit of cash in lieu of sureties, or denied release, and the name of the court official who made the decision; 7) for each case for which a court required the execution of an appearance bond with sufficient solvent sureties, the monetary amount of the bond and the name of the court official who made the decision; 8) for each case for which a court required the deposit of cash in lieu of sureties, the monetary amount of cash required and the name of the court official who made the decision; 9) any other conditions of release imposed on the defendant and the name of the court official who made the decision; 10) whether any plea bargain was offered in the case; 11) LRB-2244/1 MJW:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 115 whether a deferred prosecution agreement was offered in the case; 12) whether any charge relating to the case was dismissed; and 13) whether the case resulted in a conviction. Under the bill, DOJ must annually report the information collected to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature for distribution to the appropriate standing committees, and must maintain a database on its website that contains the information in a searchable format, for a period of 10 years after a criminal charge is filed. Under the bill, DOJ must ensure that the information provided in the database does not contain a criminal defendant[s personally identifying information. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB9 | Special registration plates with white lettering on a black background. (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 wishing to have registration plates with white lettering on a black background. The bill requires that plates issued to members of the special group have a black background and white lettering displaying the word “Wisconsin” and the registration number assigned to the vehicle. 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 transportation fund. LRB-1356/1 ZDW:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 9 For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB64 | An income tax subtraction for certain expenses paid by a school teacher. (FE) | Currently, an elementary or secondary school teacher may claim a deduction on the individual[s federal income tax return for certain eligible expenses paid by the individual during the taxable year, not exceeding $300. Eligible expenses include amounts paid to participate in professional development courses and amounts paid for books and other classroom supplies. This bill allows an elementary or secondary school teacher to claim a similar deduction for state income tax purposes for eligible expenses, not exceeding $300, paid by the teacher during the taxable year. The eligible expenses are the same as those described under federal law. Finally, the taxpayer may claim the deduction for state income tax purposes regardless of whether the taxpayer claims the deduction for federal income tax purposes. 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 fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB105 | Jailers and protective occupation annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System who are rehired by a participating employer. (FE) | Under current law, certain persons who receive a retirement or disability annuity from the Wisconsin Retirement System and who are hired by an employer that participates in the WRS must suspend that annuity and may not receive a WRS annuity payment until the employee is no longer in a WRS-covered position. This suspension applies to a person who 1) has reached his or her normal retirement date; 2) is appointed to a position with a WRS-participating employer or provides employee services to a WRS-participating employer; and 3) is expected to work at least two-thirds of what is considered full-time employment by the Department of Employee Trust Funds. This bill creates an exception to this suspension for an annuitant who retired from employment with a participating employer and who is subsequently rehired or provides employee services after retirement if 1) at the time the annuitant initially retires from covered employment with a participating employer, the annuitant does not have an agreement with any participating employer to return to employment; 2) LRB-2167/1 MIM:klm&emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 105 the annuitant elects to not become a participating employee at the time the annuitant is rehired or enters into a contract after retirement; and 3) either the annuitant retired as a protective occupation participant or the annuitant retired as a county jailer who was not a protective occupation participant under the WRS. Under current law, a county jailer has the opportunity to opt out of becoming a protective occupation participant under the WRS. The bill treats county jailers who opt out of becoming a protective occupation participant in the same manner as county jailers who are protective occupation participants. 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 local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB88 | 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. | This bill makes it a Class I felony to urge, promote, organize, encourage, or instigate others to commit a riot and a Class H felony to intentionally commit an act of violence while participating in a riot. The bill defines a XriotY as a public disturbance that involves an act of violence, as part of an assembly of at least three persons, that constitutes a clear and present danger of property damage or personal injury or a threat of an act of violence, as part of an assembly of at least three persons having the ability of immediate execution of the threat, if the threatened action constitutes a clear and present danger of property damage or personal injury. The bill establishes a civil cause of action for any person who suffers injury or loss to person or property as a result of conduct that violates the criminal prohibitions on vandalism or participation in a riot. The bill allows a person to bring a civil action against a person who committed the violation and against any person or organization that provided material support or resources with the intent that such support or resources would be used to perpetrate the offense. The person bringing the action may obtain an order requiring the offender to fix or repair the damage caused to the person[s property if certain requirements set forth in the bill are met. The bill also prohibits any government official with authority over any law enforcement agency or law enforcement officers from limiting or restricting the authority of the agency to have its officers, or certain officers, arrest or detain individuals involved in a riot or vandalism activity or take action to quell a riot or vandalism activity. The bill also prohibits any government official with authority over any law enforcement agency from limiting or restricting the authority of law enforcement officers, or certain designated law enforcement officers, to arrest or detain individuals involved in a riot or vandalism activity or to take action to quell a riot or vandalism activity. Finally, the bill provides that no government official, law enforcement agency, or law enforcement officer may discharge, demote, reassign, or take any punitive action against any employee because the employee made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in any investigation, proceeding, or hearing regarding a violation of the prohibitions on government officials set forth in the bill. 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. | In Committee |
| AB188 | Reduction of penalty surcharge when certain fines or forfeitures reduced. (FE) | Under current law, when a court imposes a fine or forfeiture for certain violations of state law or municipal or county ordinances, a penalty surcharge in the amount of 26 percent of the amount of the fine or forfeiture is also imposed. Current law provides that when a fine or forfeiture is suspended in whole or in part, the penalty surcharge must be reduced in proportion to the suspension. This bill requires the same rule to be applied for reduction of a fine or forfeiture. Under the bill, when a fine or forfeiture to which the penalty surcharge applies is reduced, the penalty surcharge must also be reduced in proportion to the reduction. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB199 | Academic and career planning services provided to pupils and requiring the reporting of certain data on college student costs and outcomes. (FE) | This bill requires University of Wisconsin System institutions, technical colleges, and private nonprofit colleges in this state (higher education institutions) to report cost and student outcome data that are ultimately made available as part of the academic and career planning services provided to high school juniors and seniors. The bill requires higher education institutions to collect and annually report to the Higher Educational Aids Board all of the following information relating to their undergraduate degree programs: graduates six months and, every fifth year, five years after graduation, in the aggregate and broken down by major; 2) the average debt of the institution[s students upon graduation or discontinuation of studies, in the aggregate and broken down by major; 3) the institution[s graduation rate, in the aggregate and broken down by major; 4) the institution[s annual total cost of attendance and average net cost; 5) the financial aid available to students; and 6) the 10 most popular degree programs offered by the institution. HEAB must incorporate the data from these reports into an electronic document formatted in a manner that LRB-2709/1 FFK&ARG:ajk&emw 1) the average salary of the institution[s 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 199 facilitates comparison of information among higher education institutions. HEAB must annually provide this electronic document to the Department of Public Instruction with a list, prepared in cooperation with the Department of Workforce Development, of the 50 most in-demand jobs in this state, including the average starting salary and required education level for each job. Under current law, the state superintendent of public instruction must ensure that each school board provides academic and career planning services to pupils enrolled in grades 6 to 12. Beginning in the 2027]28 school year, the bill requires the superintendent to provide the electronic document described above to school boards and requires school boards to provide the electronic document to high school juniors and seniors as part of the academic and career planning services provided to the pupils. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB200 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE) | UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE This bill makes various changes in the unemployment insurance (UI) law, which is administered by the Department of Workforce Development. Significant changes include all of the following: Identity proofing The bill requires DWD to implement identity-proofing measures for UI claimants who are engaging in benefit-related transactions with DWD that 1) require a claimant to verify his or her identity prior to filing an initial claim for benefits and when engaging in other transactions with DWD, and 2) achieve the IAL2 and AAL2 standards adopted in the National Institute of Standards and Technology[s Digital Identity Guidelines. Statute of limitations Under current law, a prosecution for a felony must be commenced within six years after it was committed. Current law provides several exceptions for certain felonies, and the bill adds another exception. Under the bill, a prosecution for a LRB-2746/1 MED&CMH:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 200 felony must be commenced within eight years after it was committed if the felony involves fraud in obtaining UI benefits and benefits under the special unemployment benefit programs under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. Education and informational materials Current law requires DWD to compile and provide to employers certain information about how the UI system works, including a handbook on the UI system for employers and information concerning the financing of the UI system that is published on DWD[s website. The bill requires DWD to also provide certain training materials for employers and claimants on the UI system. The bill requires DWD to publish training videos on its website and also to provide live training seminars for employing units that are free of charge and provided on a quarterly basis. Assistance call center The bill requires DWD to operate a call center to assist claimants for UI benefits or similar federal payments. Furthermore, the bill requires DWD to do the following: 1. If the volume of calls has increased by 100 percent or more over the same week during the previous year or if there is a declared state of emergency for the state that causes or relates to an increase in UI claims, operate the call center with hours of at least 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. 2. If the volume of calls has increased by 300 percent or more over the same week during the previous year or if there is a declared state of emergency for the state that causes or relates to an increase in UI claims, operate the call center with evening hours after 5 p.m. and weekend hours. Database comparisons The bill requires DWD to perform a comparison of state and national databases that track death records, employment records, prison records, citizenship and immigration, and immigrations and customs against recipients of UI benefits for the purposes of detecting fraud or erroneous payments. The bill requires DWD to perform the comparison on at least a weekly basis. The bill provides that DWD may also make such comparisons with other databases. Fraud detection The bill requires DWD, if it suspends or reduces any method used by the department to detect fraud committed against the unemployment insurance program, to submit a notification detailing the suspension or reduction and the reasons therefor to the Council on Unemployment Insurance, the Governor, and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-2746/1 MED&CMH:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 200 | In Committee |
| SB201 | Workforce metrics. (FE) | This bill requires any state agency or authority that operates, coordinates, or oversees a workforce development program or activity, as defined in the bill, to track and report, at least annually, on the performance of that workforce development program or activity, using the primary indicators of performance under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. These performance indicators are: 1) the percentage of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program; 2) the percentage of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the fourth quarter after exit from the program; 3) the median earnings of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program; 4) the percentage of program participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary credential, or a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent during participation in or within one year after exit from the program; 5) the percentage of program participants who, during a program year, are in an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment and who are achieving measurable skill gains toward LRB-2742/1 MED:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 201 such a credential or employment; and 6) the indicators of effectiveness in serving employers, defined currently as the percentage of participants in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program who were employed by the same employer in the second and fourth quarters after exit. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB197 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants. (FE) | This bill makes various changes in the unemployment insurance (UI) law, which is administered by the Department of Workforce Development. Significant changes include all of the following: Program name change The bill changes references in the statutes to Xunemployment insuranceY to Xreemployment assistanceY and requires the program and its benefits to be known as reemployment assistance. The bill also requires DWD to have a division known as the Division of Reemployment Assistance and requires the reemployment assistance law to be administered by that division. General qualifying requirements Under current law, a claimant for UI benefits is generally required to 1) register for work, 2) be able to work and available for work, and 3) conduct a work search for each week in order to remain eligible. A claimant is required to conduct at least four work search actions each week, and DWD may require, by rule, that an individual conduct more than four work search actions per week. Finally, if a claimant is claiming benefits for a week other than an initial week, the claimant must provide information or job application materials that are requested by DWD and participate in a public employment office workshop or training program or in similar reemployment services required by DWD. The bill does the following: 1. Requires, for the third and subsequent weeks of a claimant[s benefit year, that at least two of the required weekly work search actions be direct contacts with potential employers. 2. Requires a claimant who resides in this state, for each week other than an initial week, to submit and keep posted on the DWD[s job center website a current resume. 3. Requires, when a claimant is claiming benefits with less than three weeks of benefits left, that the claimant complete a reemployment counseling session. Additionally, current law allows DWD to use information or job application materials described above to assess a claimant[s efforts, skills, and ability to find or obtain work and to develop a list of potential opportunities for a claimant to obtain suitable work. However, current law provides that a claimant who otherwise satisfies the required weekly work search requirement is not required to apply for any specific positions on the list of potential opportunities in order to satisfy the work search requirement. The bill requires, instead of allows, DWD to provide this assistance. The bill also repeals the language in current law providing that a claimant who otherwise satisfies the weekly work search requirement is not required to apply for specific positions provided by DWD and requires DWD to provide each claimant with at least four potential opportunities each week, one or more of which may be opportunities with a temporary help company. Finally, current law allows DWD to require a claimant to participate in a LRB-2752/1 MED:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 197 public employment office workshop or training program. The bill provides that DWD must require a claimant to participate in a public employment office workshop or training program if the claimant is likely to exhaust regular UI benefits. DWD may also require other claimants to participate in a public employment office workshop or training program, but must prioritize claimants more likely to have difficulty obtaining reemployment. Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants Under federal law, the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) operates the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program, whereby grants are awarded to states to provide reemployment services to claimants. Participation in the RESEA program is voluntary and requires that a state submit a state plan to USDOL that outlines how the state intends to conduct a program of reemployment services and eligibility assessments. The bill requires that DWD act to continue to participate in the RESEA program and requires DWD to provide certain RESEA services to all UI claimants. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB151 | Requests for information from employers about unemployment insurance claims. | Under current rules of the Department of Workforce Development, in order to determine unemployment insurance (UI) benefit claims, DWD may require employers to provide information about claimants[ employment separations, dates of work, wages and other payments, and other issues that may be disqualifying. This bill requires DWD to allow an employer no less than 12 business days to respond to an initial request for information about a UI benefit claim. | In Committee |
| AB164 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants. (FE) | This bill makes various changes in the unemployment insurance (UI) law, which is administered by the Department of Workforce Development. Significant changes include all of the following: Program name change The bill changes references in the statutes to Xunemployment insuranceY to Xreemployment assistanceY and requires the program and its benefits to be known as reemployment assistance. The bill also requires DWD to have a division known as the Division of Reemployment Assistance and requires the reemployment assistance law to be administered by that division. General qualifying requirements Under current law, a claimant for UI benefits is generally required to 1) register for work, 2) be able to work and available for work, and 3) conduct a work search for each week in order to remain eligible. A claimant is required to conduct at least four work search actions each week, and DWD may require, by rule, that an individual conduct more than four work search actions per week. Finally, if a claimant is claiming benefits for a week other than an initial week, the claimant must provide information or job application materials that are requested by DWD and participate in a public employment office workshop or training program or in similar reemployment services required by DWD. The bill does the following: 1. Requires, for the third and subsequent weeks of a claimant[s benefit year, that at least two of the required weekly work search actions be direct contacts with potential employers. 2. Requires a claimant who resides in this state, for each week other than an initial week, to submit and keep posted on the DWD[s job center website a current resume. 3. Requires, when a claimant is claiming benefits with less than three weeks of benefits left, that the claimant complete a reemployment counseling session. Additionally, current law allows DWD to use information or job application materials described above to assess a claimant[s efforts, skills, and ability to find or obtain work and to develop a list of potential opportunities for a claimant to obtain suitable work. However, current law provides that a claimant who otherwise satisfies the required weekly work search requirement is not required to apply for any specific positions on the list of potential opportunities in order to satisfy the work search requirement. The bill requires, instead of allows, DWD to provide this assistance. The bill also repeals the language in current law providing that a claimant who otherwise satisfies the weekly work search requirement is not required to apply for specific positions provided by DWD and requires DWD to provide each claimant with at least four potential opportunities each week, one or more of which may be opportunities with a temporary help company. Finally, current law allows DWD to require a claimant to participate in a public employment office workshop or training program. The bill provides that DWD must require a claimant to participate in a public employment office workshop or training program if the claimant is likely to exhaust regular UI benefits. DWD may also require other claimants to participate in a public employment office workshop or training program, but must prioritize claimants more likely to have difficulty obtaining reemployment. Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants Under federal law, the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) operates the Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program, whereby grants are awarded to states to provide reemployment services to claimants. Participation in the RESEA program is voluntary and requires that a state submit a state plan to USDOL that outlines how the state intends to conduct a program of reemployment services and eligibility assessments. The bill requires that DWD act to continue to participate in the RESEA program and requires DWD to provide certain RESEA services to all UI claimants. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| SB196 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE) | This bill makes various changes regarding the unemployment insurance (UI) law, which is administered by the Department of Workforce Development. Suitable work; work search Current law requires that, as a condition of being eligible for UI benefits for a given week, a claimant must 1) be able to work and available for work; 2) register for work in the manner prescribed by DWD; and 3) conduct a reasonable search for suitable work. Separately, current law also makes a claimant ineligible for UI benefits if a claimant fails, without good cause, to accept suitable work when offered. The bill provides that an employer may report to DWD whenever 1) an individual declines a job interview or job offer; 2) an individual fails to respond to a job interview offer or job offer; 3) an individual cancels or fails to attend a scheduled LRB-2743/1 MED:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 196 job interview without attempting to reschedule the job interview; 4) a UI claimant is unavailable for, or unable to perform, work actually available within a given week; or 5) under certain circumstances, the employer recalls a former employee receiving UI benefits who fails to return to work. The bill requires DWD to consider these reports in determining claimants[ attachment to the labor market. The bill also provides that a UI claimant is not considered to have conducted a reasonable search for suitable work in a given week, and is therefore ineligible for benefits for that week, if the claimant declined a job interview, failed to respond to a job interview offer, or canceled or failed to attend a job interview in that week. The bill, however, provides that a report of a canceled or missed interview is to be disregarded if the claimant demonstrates that he or she promptly attempted to reschedule the interview and allows reports to be disregarded upon certain showings by a claimant. The bill requires a claimant to provide weekly verification of all job offers, job interview offers, recalls to return to work, and any other offers of work received or responded to by the claimant since the prior week[s verification, as further prescribed by DWD, and requires DWD to investigate reports from employers as needed to determine their effect on claimants[ eligibility for benefits. A disqualification of a claimant from receiving benefits for a given week based upon the claimant[s failure to conduct a reasonable search for suitable work does not reduce the claimant[s total UI benefit entitlement and does not preclude the claimant from receiving UI benefits in subsequent weeks, if the claimant is otherwise eligible for those weeks. The bill requires DWD to include information on reports submitted by employers under the bill in its annual UI fraud report made to the Council on Unemployment Insurance, including actions taken by DWD in response to the reports and their effect on claimants[ eligibility for benefits. In addition, the bill requires that this annual fraud report be submitted to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature. The bill requires DWD to have in effect methods to address any circumstances in which a claimant for UI benefits fails to return to work or to accept suitable work without good cause or is unavailable for work or unable to work, including reporting methods for employers and a notice from DWD to claimants about the laws governing such circumstances. Recovery of overpayments Current law allows DWD to act to recover overpayments in certain circumstances and allows overpayments to be required to be repaid in cases where an individual makes misrepresentations to obtain benefits in the name of another person. This bill makes such recoveries mandatory, instead of permissive. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-2743/1 MED:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 196 | In Committee |
| SB198 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and requiring approval by the Joint Committee on Finance of certain federally authorized unemployment benefits. (FE) | UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE This bill makes various changes in the unemployment insurance (UI) law, which is administered by the Department of Workforce Development. Significant changes include all of the following: Misconduct Currently, if an employee is discharged for misconduct connected with his or her employment, the employee is ineligible to receive UI benefits until certain requalification criteria are satisfied. In addition, all wages earned with the employer that discharges the employee are excluded in determining the amount of any future benefits to which the employee is entitled. Current law provides a LRB-2741/1 MED:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 198 general definition of misconduct and also specifies a number of specific actions that constitute misconduct. The bill does all of the following with respect to what is considered misconduct: 1. Current law specifically provides that misconduct includes theft of an employer[s property or services with intent to deprive the employer of the property or services permanently, theft of currency of any value, felonious conduct connected with an employee[s employment with his or her employer, or intentional or negligent conduct by an employee that causes substantial damage to his or her employer[s property. The bill does the following: a. Eliminates the requirement that the employee have intent to deprive the employer of the property or services permanently. b. Provides that intentional or negligent conduct by an employee that causes the destruction of an employer[s records is also considered misconduct. c. Adds unauthorized possession of an employer[s property, theft or unauthorized distribution of an employer[s confidential or proprietary information, and use of an employer[s credit card or other financial instrument for an unauthorized or nonbusiness purpose without prior approval from the employer to the list of what is considered misconduct. 2. Current law specifically provides that misconduct includes absenteeism by an employee on more than two occasions within the 120-day period before the date of the employee[s termination, unless otherwise specified by his or her employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature, or excessive tardiness by an employee in violation of a policy of the employer that has been communicated to the employee, if the employee does not provide to his or her employer both notice and one or more valid reasons for the absenteeism or tardiness. The bill instead provides that misconduct includes both of the following: 1) a violation of an employer[s reasonable policy that covers employee absenteeism, tardiness, or both and that results in an employee[s termination, if that termination is in accordance with that policy and the policy is specified by the employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature; and 2) if an employer does not have a policy covering absenteeism that meets the criteria just described, absenteeism on more than two occasions within the 120-day period preceding an employee[s termination, if the employee does not provide to the employer both notice and one or more valid reasons for the absenteeism. 3. The bill specifically provides that misconduct includes a violation by an employee of an employer[s reasonable employment policy that covers the use of social media specified by the employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature. General qualifying requirements Under current law, a claimant for UI benefits is generally required to 1) register for work, 2) be able to work and available for work, and 3) conduct a work LRB-2741/1 MED:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 198 search for each week in order to remain eligible. A claimant is required to conduct at least four work search actions each week, and DWD may require, by rule, that an individual conduct more than four work search actions per week. Finally, if a claimant is claiming benefits for a week other than an initial week, the claimant must provide information or job application materials that are requested by DWD and participate in a public employment office workshop or training program or in similar reemployment services required by DWD. The bill does the following: 1. Requires a claimant who resides outside this state and who is claiming benefits for a week other than an initial week to register with his or her local job center website or labor market exchange and requires DWD to verify that each such claimant has complied with that requirement. 2. Requires DWD to conduct random audits for at least 50 percent of all work search actions reported to have been performed by claimants. Current law requires random audits of work search actions, but does not require a specific number or level of audits. OTHER CHANGES UI benefit augmentations subject to review by Joint Committee on Finance The bill provides that whenever any UI benefit augmentation is provided for through an act of Congress or by executive action of the president of the United States, the cochairpersons of the Joint Committee on Finance must be notified, in writing, of the proposed benefit augmentation. The bill defines Xbenefit augmentationY to mean any action whereby the governor or any other state official or agency would encumber or expend moneys received from, or accept reimbursement from, the federal government or whereby the governor or any other state agency or official would enter into any contract or agreement with the federal government or any federal agency to 1) increase the weekly UI benefit rate payable to claimants above what is provided under state law, or 2) increase the total amount of UI benefits to which a claimant is entitled above what is provided under state law. Under the bill, such a benefit augmentation is subject to a seven-day passive review by the Joint Committee on Finance. In addition, the bill provides that no benefit augmentation may be effectuated unless it is subject to termination or cancellation by the Joint Committee on Finance. Worker[s compensation; misconduct Currently, under the worker[s compensation law, an employer is not liable for temporary disability benefits during an employee[s healing period if the employee is suspended or terminated from employment due to misconduct, as defined under the UI law. Under the bill, the changes to the UI law[s definition of misconduct described above apply under the worker[s compensation law as well. LRB-2741/1 MED:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 198 For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB162 | Workforce metrics. (FE) | This bill requires any state agency or authority that operates, coordinates, or oversees a workforce development program or activity, as defined in the bill, to track and report, at least annually, on the performance of that workforce development program or activity, using the primary indicators of performance under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. These performance indicators are: 1) the percentage of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program; 2) the percentage of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the fourth quarter after exit from the program; 3) the median earnings of program participants who are in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program; 4) the percentage of program participants who obtain a recognized postsecondary credential, or a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent during participation in or within one year after exit from the program; 5) the percentage of program participants who, during a program year, are in an education or training program that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential or employment and who are achieving measurable skill gains toward such a credential or employment; and 6) the indicators of effectiveness in serving employers, defined currently as the percentage of participants in unsubsidized employment during the second quarter after exit from the program who were employed by the same employer in the second and fourth quarters after exit. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| AB168 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE) | UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE This bill makes various changes in the unemployment insurance (UI) law, which is administered by the Department of Workforce Development. Significant changes include all of the following: Identity proofing The bill requires DWD to implement identity-proofing measures for UI claimants who are engaging in benefit-related transactions with DWD that 1) require a claimant to verify his or her identity prior to filing an initial claim for benefits and when engaging in other transactions with DWD, and 2) achieve the IAL2 and AAL2 standards adopted in the National Institute of Standards and Technology[s Digital Identity Guidelines. Statute of limitations Under current law, a prosecution for a felony must be commenced within six years after it was committed. Current law provides several exceptions for certain felonies, and the bill adds another exception. Under the bill, a prosecution for a felony must be commenced within eight years after it was committed if the felony involves fraud in obtaining UI benefits and benefits under the special unemployment benefit programs under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. Education and informational materials Current law requires DWD to compile and provide to employers certain information about how the UI system works, including a handbook on the UI system for employers and information concerning the financing of the UI system that is published on DWD[s website. The bill requires DWD to also provide certain training materials for employers and claimants on the UI system. The bill requires DWD to publish training videos on its website and also to provide live training seminars for employing units that are free of charge and provided on a quarterly basis. Assistance call center The bill requires DWD to operate a call center to assist claimants for UI benefits or similar federal payments. Furthermore, the bill requires DWD to do the following: 1. If the volume of calls has increased by 100 percent or more over the same week during the previous year or if there is a declared state of emergency for the state that causes or relates to an increase in UI claims, operate the call center with hours of at least 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. 2. If the volume of calls has increased by 300 percent or more over the same week during the previous year or if there is a declared state of emergency for the state that causes or relates to an increase in UI claims, operate the call center with evening hours after 5 p.m. and weekend hours. Database comparisons The bill requires DWD to perform a comparison of state and national databases that track death records, employment records, prison records, citizenship and immigration, and immigrations and customs against recipients of UI benefits for the purposes of detecting fraud or erroneous payments. The bill requires DWD to perform the comparison on at least a weekly basis. The bill provides that DWD may also make such comparisons with other databases. Fraud detection The bill requires DWD, if it suspends or reduces any method used by the department to detect fraud committed against the unemployment insurance program, to submit a notification detailing the suspension or reduction and the reasons therefor to the Council on Unemployment Insurance, the Governor, and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| AB169 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE) | This bill makes various changes regarding the unemployment insurance (UI) law, which is administered by the Department of Workforce Development. Suitable work; work search Current law requires that, as a condition of being eligible for UI benefits for a given week, a claimant must 1) be able to work and available for work; 2) register for work in the manner prescribed by DWD; and 3) conduct a reasonable search for suitable work. Separately, current law also makes a claimant ineligible for UI benefits if a claimant fails, without good cause, to accept suitable work when offered. The bill provides that an employer may report to DWD whenever 1) an individual declines a job interview or job offer; 2) an individual fails to respond to a job interview offer or job offer; 3) an individual cancels or fails to attend a scheduled job interview without attempting to reschedule the job interview; 4) a UI claimant is unavailable for, or unable to perform, work actually available within a given week; or 5) under certain circumstances, the employer recalls a former employee receiving UI benefits who fails to return to work. The bill requires DWD to consider these reports in determining claimants[ attachment to the labor market. The bill also provides that a UI claimant is not considered to have conducted a reasonable search for suitable work in a given week, and is therefore ineligible for benefits for that week, if the claimant declined a job interview, failed to respond to a job interview offer, or canceled or failed to attend a job interview in that week. The bill, however, provides that a report of a canceled or missed interview is to be disregarded if the claimant demonstrates that he or she promptly attempted to reschedule the interview and allows reports to be disregarded upon certain showings by a claimant. The bill requires a claimant to provide weekly verification of all job offers, job interview offers, recalls to return to work, and any other offers of work received or responded to by the claimant since the prior week[s verification, as further prescribed by DWD, and requires DWD to investigate reports from employers as needed to determine their effect on claimants[ eligibility for benefits. A disqualification of a claimant from receiving benefits for a given week based upon the claimant[s failure to conduct a reasonable search for suitable work does not reduce the claimant[s total UI benefit entitlement and does not preclude the claimant from receiving UI benefits in subsequent weeks, if the claimant is otherwise eligible for those weeks. The bill requires DWD to include information on reports submitted by employers under the bill in its annual UI fraud report made to the Council on Unemployment Insurance, including actions taken by DWD in response to the reports and their effect on claimants[ eligibility for benefits. In addition, the bill requires that this annual fraud report be submitted to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature. The bill requires DWD to have in effect methods to address any circumstances in which a claimant for UI benefits fails to return to work or to accept suitable work without good cause or is unavailable for work or unable to work, including reporting methods for employers and a notice from DWD to claimants about the laws governing such circumstances. Recovery of overpayments Current law allows DWD to act to recover overpayments in certain circumstances and allows overpayments to be required to be repaid in cases where an individual makes misrepresentations to obtain benefits in the name of another person. This bill makes such recoveries mandatory, instead of permissive. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| AB167 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and requiring approval by the Joint Committee on Finance of certain federally authorized unemployment benefits. (FE) | UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE This bill makes various changes in the unemployment insurance (UI) law, which is administered by the Department of Workforce Development. Significant changes include all of the following: Misconduct Currently, if an employee is discharged for misconduct connected with his or her employment, the employee is ineligible to receive UI benefits until certain requalification criteria are satisfied. In addition, all wages earned with the employer that discharges the employee are excluded in determining the amount of any future benefits to which the employee is entitled. Current law provides a general definition of misconduct and also specifies a number of specific actions that constitute misconduct. The bill does all of the following with respect to what is considered misconduct: 1. Current law specifically provides that misconduct includes theft of an employer[s property or services with intent to deprive the employer of the property or services permanently, theft of currency of any value, felonious conduct connected with an employee[s employment with his or her employer, or intentional or negligent conduct by an employee that causes substantial damage to his or her employer[s property. The bill does the following: a. Eliminates the requirement that the employee have intent to deprive the employer of the property or services permanently. b. Provides that intentional or negligent conduct by an employee that causes the destruction of an employer[s records is also considered misconduct. c. Adds unauthorized possession of an employer[s property, theft or unauthorized distribution of an employer[s confidential or proprietary information, and use of an employer[s credit card or other financial instrument for an unauthorized or nonbusiness purpose without prior approval from the employer to the list of what is considered misconduct. 2. Current law specifically provides that misconduct includes absenteeism by an employee on more than two occasions within the 120-day period before the date of the employee[s termination, unless otherwise specified by his or her employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature, or excessive tardiness by an employee in violation of a policy of the employer that has been communicated to the employee, if the employee does not provide to his or her employer both notice and one or more valid reasons for the absenteeism or tardiness. The bill instead provides that misconduct includes both of the following: 1) a violation of an employer[s reasonable policy that covers employee absenteeism, tardiness, or both and that results in an employee[s termination, if that termination is in accordance with that policy and the policy is specified by the employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature; and 2) if an employer does not have a policy covering absenteeism that meets the criteria just described, absenteeism on more than two occasions within the 120-day period preceding an employee[s termination, if the employee does not provide to the employer both notice and one or more valid reasons for the absenteeism. 3. The bill specifically provides that misconduct includes a violation by an employee of an employer[s reasonable employment policy that covers the use of social media specified by the employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature. General qualifying requirements Under current law, a claimant for UI benefits is generally required to 1) register for work, 2) be able to work and available for work, and 3) conduct a work search for each week in order to remain eligible. A claimant is required to conduct at least four work search actions each week, and DWD may require, by rule, that an individual conduct more than four work search actions per week. Finally, if a claimant is claiming benefits for a week other than an initial week, the claimant must provide information or job application materials that are requested by DWD and participate in a public employment office workshop or training program or in similar reemployment services required by DWD. The bill does the following: 1. Requires a claimant who resides outside this state and who is claiming benefits for a week other than an initial week to register with his or her local job center website or labor market exchange and requires DWD to verify that each such claimant has complied with that requirement. 2. Requires DWD to conduct random audits for at least 50 percent of all work search actions reported to have been performed by claimants. Current law requires random audits of work search actions, but does not require a specific number or level of audits. OTHER CHANGES UI benefit augmentations subject to review by Joint Committee on Finance The bill provides that whenever any UI benefit augmentation is provided for through an act of Congress or by executive action of the president of the United States, the cochairpersons of the Joint Committee on Finance must be notified, in writing, of the proposed benefit augmentation. The bill defines Xbenefit augmentationY to mean any action whereby the governor or any other state official or agency would encumber or expend moneys received from, or accept reimbursement from, the federal government or whereby the governor or any other state agency or official would enter into any contract or agreement with the federal government or any federal agency to 1) increase the weekly UI benefit rate payable to claimants above what is provided under state law, or 2) increase the total amount of UI benefits to which a claimant is entitled above what is provided under state law. Under the bill, such a benefit augmentation is subject to a seven-day passive review by the Joint Committee on Finance. In addition, the bill provides that no benefit augmentation may be effectuated unless it is subject to termination or cancellation by the Joint Committee on Finance. Worker[s compensation; misconduct Currently, under the worker[s compensation law, an employer is not liable for temporary disability benefits during an employee[s healing period if the employee is suspended or terminated from employment due to misconduct, as defined under the UI law. Under the bill, the changes to the UI law[s definition of misconduct described above apply under the worker[s compensation law as well. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| SB81 | School district operating referenda. | This bill eliminates recurring operating referenda and limits a nonrecurring operating referendum to no more than four years. Current law generally limits the total amount of revenue a school district may receive from general school aids and property taxes in a school year. However, there are several exceptions to the revenue limit. One exception is for excess revenue approved by referendum for recurring and nonrecurring purposes. This type of referendum is often referred to as an operating referendum. If the operating referendum is for a nonrecurring purpose, a school district[s authority to raise excess revenue is approved only for specific school years. If the operating referendum is for a recurring purpose, the school district[s authority to raise excess revenue is permanent. Under the bill, an operating referendum to exceed a school district[s revenue limit may be only for nonrecurring purposes and the referendum may not apply to more than four years. | In Committee |
| SB58 | Referendum questions for certain referenda that affect property taxes. (FE) | Under current law, a county, city, village, town, school district, or technical college district may exceed its property tax levy limit if the electors of that political subdivision or district approve the increase at a referendum. The ballot question must indicate the dollar amount of the increase in the levy limit. Under this bill, the ballot question must also provide a good faith estimate of the annual dollar amount difference in property taxes on a median-valued, single-family residence located in the political subdivision or district that would result from passage of the referendum. Also under current law, in certain cases when local governmental units authorize the issuance of bonds, the local governmental unit must adopt a resolution stating the purpose of the bonding and the maximum amounts of borrowing. The local governmental unit, in certain cases, is required or authorized to seek approval of the bonding authorization at a referendum. Among other things, the referendum question must contain a statement of the purpose for which LRB-1978/1 EVM:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 58 bonds are to be issued and the maximum amount of the bonds to be issued. Under the bill, the question must also provide all of the following: 1. The estimated interest rate and amount of the interest accruing on the bonds. 2. Any fees that will be incurred if the bonds are defeased. 3. A good faith estimate of the dollar amount difference in property taxes on a median-valued, single-family residence located in the local governmental unit that would result from passage of the referendum. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB205 | Information provided to voters concerning proposed constitutional amendments and other statewide referenda. (FE) | Current law requires that each proposed constitutional amendment, contingent referendum, advisory referendum, or other proposal requiring a statewide referendum that is passed by the legislature include a complete statement of the ballot question to be voted on at the referendum. The ballot question 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. Also under current law, the attorney general must prepare an explanatory statement for each proposed constitutional amendment or other statewide referendum describing the effect of either a XyesY or XnoY vote on each ballot question. This bill eliminates the requirement that the attorney general prepare such an explanatory statement. Instead, the bill requires that each proposal for a constitutional amendment or other statewide referendum that passes both houses of the legislature contain a complete state referendum disclosure notice that includes all of the following: 1. The date of the referendum. LRB-2640/1 MPG:wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 205 2. The entire text of the ballot question and proposed constitutional amendment or enactment, if any. 3. To the extent applicable, a plain language summary of current law. 4. An explanation in plain language of the effect of the proposed constitutional amendment or other statewide referendum. 5. An explanation in plain language of the effect of a XyesY vote and the effect of a XnoY vote. Under the bill, the content under items 3 to 5 combined may not exceed one page on paper not less than 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches and printed in at least 12- point font. Under the bill, the complete state referendum disclosure notice agreed to by both houses of the legislature must be included in the type C notice entitled XNotice of ReferendumY that each county clerk must provide prior to any referendum. Current law requires that the text of the type C notice be posted at polling places on election day in such a manner as to be readily observed by voters entering the polling place or waiting in line to vote. As such, the complete state referendum disclosure notice must be so posted at the polls on election day. Additionally, for at least 30 days prior to the date of a statewide referendum, the complete state referendum disclosure notice must be published by the Elections Commission on the website used for voter registration, currently titled MyVote Wisconsin, or other voter public access website maintained by the commission and must be posted by each county clerk at the county clerk[s office and published by the county clerk on the county clerk[s website. Finally, the notice must be included with absentee ballots provided to voters for voting in a statewide referendum. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | 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 |
| SB154 | Requiring the Department of Health Services to seek any necessary waiver to prohibit the purchase of candy or soft drinks with FoodShare benefits. (FE) | This bill requires the Department of Health Services to request any necessary waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to prohibit the purchase of candy or soft drinks with FoodShare benefits. Under current law, the federal food stamp program, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and called FoodShare in this state, provides benefits to eligible low-income households for the purchase of food. FoodShare is administered by DHS. The federal government pays the benefits for FoodShare while the state and federal government share the cost of administration. Current federal law defines the foods eligible for purchase under FoodShare. The bill requires DHS to seek any necessary waiver to prohibit the use of FoodShare benefits for the purchase of candy or soft drinks. If the waiver is granted, DHS must prohibit the use of FoodShare benefits to purchase candy or soft drinks. If any necessary waiver is not granted, the bill requires DHS to resubmit the waiver request annually until it is granted. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-2415/1 SWB:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 154 | In Committee |
| AB51 | Participation in interscholastic athletics and application of the public records and open meetings laws to interscholastic athletic associations. | This bill prohibits a school district from being a member of an interscholastic athletic association unless the association elects to be governed by the state[s public records and open meetings laws. An interscholastic athletic association that elects to be governed by the public records and open meetings laws is subject to those laws. Under the bill, an interscholastic athletic association can be either a nonprofit, unincorporated association or a nonstock, nonprofit corporation if the unincorporated association or corporation coordinates athletic events or contests for students enrolled in grades 9 to 12 in public schools. The bill includes exceptions for records of an interscholastic athletic association pertaining to individual referees or individual pupils. | In Committee |
| AR4 | Proclaiming our appreciation and respect for our Grocery and Retail Food Employees. | Relating to: proclaiming our appreciation and respect for our Grocery and Retail Food Employees. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SB69 | An income tax subtraction for certain expenses paid by a school teacher. (FE) | Currently, an elementary or secondary school teacher may claim a deduction on the individual[s federal income tax return for certain eligible expenses paid by the individual during the taxable year, not exceeding $300. Eligible expenses include amounts paid to participate in professional development courses and amounts paid for books and other classroom supplies. This bill allows an elementary or secondary school teacher to claim a similar deduction for state income tax purposes for eligible expenses, not exceeding $300, paid by the teacher during the taxable year. The eligible expenses are the same as those described under federal law. Finally, the taxpayer may claim the deduction for state income tax purposes regardless of whether the taxpayer claims the deduction for federal income tax purposes. 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 fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-1216/1 JK:amn 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 69 | In Committee |
| SB144 | Eliminating a judgeship from district IV of the court of appeals and establishing an additional judgeship for district III of the court of appeals. | This bill reduces the number of judgeships in district IV of the court of appeals upon the expiration of the term of the judge whose current judicial term ends July 31, 2026. The bill also establishes an additional judgeship in district III of the court of appeals, effective beginning August 1, 2026. Under the bill, as of August 1, 2026, each of the districts of the court of appeals would have four judges. The bill provides that the initial election for the fourth judge for district III of the court of appeals will be held at the spring election of 2026 for a term beginning on August 1, 2026, and ending on July 31, 2032. | 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 |
| AJR25 | Proclaiming April 24, 2025, to be Holocaust Remembrance Day and April 27, 2025, to May 4, 2025, as Holocaust Days of Remembrance in Wisconsin. | Relating to: proclaiming April 24, 2025, to be Holocaust Remembrance Day and April 27, 2025, to May 4, 2025, as Holocaust Days of Remembrance in Wisconsin. | In Committee |
| SB220 | Residency requirements for persons circulating nomination papers or recall petitions. | Under current law, any person may circulate nomination papers for a candidate if the person is eligible to vote in Wisconsin or is a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older who, if he or she were a Wisconsin resident, would not be disqualified from voting in the state. A person is eligible to vote in Wisconsin if he or she is a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older who has resided in an election district in this state for at least 28 consecutive days. Under this bill, a person must be eligible to vote in Wisconsin in order to circulate nomination papers for a candidate. However, under the bill, nomination papers and petitions for the candidacy of candidates for the offices of president and vice president of the United States may continue to be circulated by any person eligible to vote in Wisconsin or by any U.S. citizen aged 18 or older who, if he or she were a Wisconsin resident, would not be disqualified from voting in the state. Similarly, under current law, any person who is eligible to vote in Wisconsin or who is a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older and who, if he or she were a Wisconsin LRB-2251/1 MPG:wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 220 resident, would not be disqualified from voting in the state may circulate a recall petition. Under the bill, a person must be eligible to vote in Wisconsin in order to circulate a recall petition and have the signatures on the petition be counted toward a recall. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| SJR27 | Proclaiming April 24, 2025, to be Holocaust Remembrance Day and April 27, 2025, to May 4, 2025, as Holocaust Days of Remembrance in Wisconsin. | Relating to: proclaiming April 24, 2025, to be Holocaust Remembrance Day and April 27, 2025, to May 4, 2025, as Holocaust Days of Remembrance in Wisconsin. | 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 |
| SB76 | Dismissing or amending certain criminal charges and deferred prosecution agreements for certain crimes. | Under current law, a prosecutor may dismiss or amend a criminal charge without approval from the court. Under this bill, a prosecutor must get the court[s approval to dismiss or amend a charge if the charge is for any of the following: 1) a crime of domestic abuse or a violation of a domestic violence temporary restraining order or injunction; 2) theft of an automobile; 3) a crime of abuse of an individual at risk or a violation of an individual-at-risk TRO or injunction; 4) first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree sexual assault; 5) a crime against a child; 6) illegal possession of a firearm if the person has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent for, or found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect of, committing, soliciting, conspiring, or attempting to commit a violent felony, as defined under current law; or 7) reckless driving that results in great bodily harm. The court may approve the dismissal or amendment of such a charge only if the court finds the LRB-2036/1 CMH:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 76 action is consistent with the public[s interest in deterring the commission of these crimes and with the legislature[s intent, expressed in this bill, to vigorously prosecute individuals who commit these crimes. If the court approves any dismissal or amendment in a year, the court must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing each approval. Current law allows a prosecutor to enter into a deferred prosecution agreement with a defendant who is charged or may be charged with a crime. Generally, under a deferred prosecution agreement, the prosecutor agrees to dismiss a charge or not file a charge if the defendant complies with specified conditions. In addition, current law provides specific criteria for a deferred prosecution agreement if the defendant is or may be charged with child sexual abuse if the defendant is the parent of, the guardian of, a close relative of, or residing with the child; with a crime of domestic violence; or with a violation of a domestic violence TRO or injunction. Current law also prohibits a prosecutor from entering into a deferred prosecution agreement with a defendant who is charged or may be charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant or a controlled substance, causing injury to another while operating a vehicle while under the influence, or homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. The bill prohibits a prosecutor from entering into a deferred prosecution agreement with a defendant if a complaint or information is filed that alleges the person committed any of the same crimes listed in items 1 to 7 above. | Crossed Over |
| AB135 | The right to repair motor vehicles and providing a penalty. (FE) | This bill prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from employing certain barriers that impair the ability of the motor vehicle owners and the persons that repair motor vehicles from accessing motor vehicles[ vehicle-generated data, critical repair information, or tools in order to repair the motor vehicles; that affect motor vehicle owners[ ability to use a vehicle towing provider or service provider of their choice; or that affect motor vehicle owners[ abilities to diagnose, repair, and maintain their vehicle in the same manner as would the motor vehicle manufacturer. The bill also prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from employing certain barriers that affect the ability of aftermarket parts manufacturers, aftermarket parts remanufacturers, motor vehicle equipment manufacturers, motor vehicle repair facilities, distributors, or service providers to produce or offer compatible aftermarket parts. Additionally, the bill requires motor vehicle manufacturers to provide to motor vehicle owners and certain other entities access to certain data and tools related to the repair of the motor vehicles it manufactures. The bill also prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from making certain mandates in regards to what parts, tools, or equipment must be used on its vehicles. A manufacturer that violates a provision of the bill is subject to a forfeiture of $10,000 per violation. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | 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 |
| AB58 | Flags flown, hung, or displayed from a flagpole or the exterior of state and local buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule. | This bill prohibits, with certain exceptions, any flag other than the U.S. flag and the flag of the state of Wisconsin from being flown, hung, or displayed from a flagpole or the exterior of any state office building or facility, including the state capitol, or from any local government building or school building. The bill also repeals an administrative rule that includes a similar requirement but authorizes the governor to direct otherwise. | In Committee |
| SJR14 | Honoring the life and public service of Representative David O. Martin. | Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative David O. Martin. | In Committee |
| SB211 | Exempting tobacco bars from the public smoking ban. | This bill exempts tobacco bars from the general prohibition under current law against smoking in indoor locations if the tobacco bar satisfies all of the following: 1) the tobacco bar came into existence on or after June 4, 2009; 2) only the smoking of cigars and pipes is allowed in the tobacco bar; and 3) the tobacco bar is not a retail food establishment. Current law defines a Xtobacco barY as a tavern that generates 15 percent or more of its annual gross income from the sale on the tavern premises, other than from a vending machine, of cigars and pipe tobacco. Also, under current law, tobacco bars that existed on June 3, 2009, are exempt from the general prohibition against smoking in indoor locations. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| AB203 | Limiting liability relating to traffic control devices for manufacturers and others. | This bill provides that the manufacturer, distributor, seller, installer, or owner of a traffic control device is not liable for damages arising from the design, manufacture, distribution, or installation of a traffic control device, if the device complies with specifications established in the traffic control devices manual adopted by the Department of Transportation and and operates as intended. Under the bill, the manufacturer, distributor, seller, installer, and owner enjoy a rebuttable presumption that the traffic control device complied with the traffic control devices manual if the manufacturer, distributor, seller, installer, or owner can demonstrate that the device was designed, manufactured, distributed, and installed in accordance with the applicable standards and guidelines and that any deviations from the specifications were expressly authorized in writing by DOT or the appropriate local authorities. Under the bill, the limitation of liability applies to any claim for personal injury, property damage, or other loss arising out of the use of a traffic control device, including claims of negligence, strict liability, and breach of warranty. The limitation of liability does not apply if the claimant establishes that the traffic control device to which the damages are attributable did not, at the time that the damages occurred, comply with the specifications established in the traffic control devices manual or operate as intended. | 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 |
| 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 |
| SJR11 | Restricting the governor’s partial veto authority to only rejecting entire bill sections of an appropriation bill that are capable of separate enactment and reducing appropriations in a bill (first consideration). | relating to: restricting the governor[s partial veto authority to only rejecting entire bill sections of an appropriation bill that are capable of separate enactment and reducing appropriations in a bill (first consideration). | 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 |
| SB129 | The right to repair motor vehicles and providing a penalty. (FE) | This bill prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from employing certain barriers that impair the ability of the motor vehicle owners and the persons that repair motor vehicles from accessing motor vehicles[ vehicle-generated data, critical repair information, or tools in order to repair the motor vehicles; that affect motor vehicle owners[ ability to use a vehicle towing provider or service provider of their choice; or that affect motor vehicle owners[ abilities to diagnose, repair, and maintain their vehicle in the same manner as would the motor vehicle manufacturer. The bill also prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from employing certain barriers that affect the ability of aftermarket parts manufacturers, aftermarket parts remanufacturers, motor vehicle equipment manufacturers, motor vehicle repair facilities, distributors, or service providers to produce or offer compatible aftermarket parts. Additionally, the bill requires motor vehicle manufacturers to provide to motor vehicle owners and certain other entities access to certain data and tools related to the repair of the motor vehicles it manufactures. The bill also prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from making certain mandates in regards to what parts, tools, or equipment must be used on its vehicles. A manufacturer that violates a provision of the bill is subject to a forfeiture of $10,000 per violation. LRB-2114/1 JAM:skw&wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 129 For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB34 | Withdrawal of candidacy for certain offices filled at the general election and providing a penalty. (FE) | Current law provides that any person seeking an elective office who files nomination papers and qualifies to appear on the ballot may not decline nomination. The person[s name must appear on the ballot except in the case of death. Under this bill, a person who files nomination papers with the Elections Commission for an office to be filled at the general election nevertheless does not qualify to appear on the ballot at the partisan primary or general election, and the person[s name is prohibited from appearing on the ballot, if before the last day provided in current law for the Elections Commission to certify candidates[ names to the counties for the partisan primary or general election, the person files a sworn statement with the commission attesting that the person withdraws his or her candidacy. Under current law, independent candidates for president and vice president and candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the state senate and assembly, governor and lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, and district attorney file such nomination papers with the commission. The bill includes all of those offices except district attorney. The bill also requires the Elections Commission to establish and implement a process by LRB-1342/1 MPG:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 34 which the commission verifies the authenticity of such sworn statements filed with the commission. The bill additionally requires that a person withdrawing his or her candidacy for for national or statewide office pay a fee of $1,000 to the Elections Commission. A person withdrawing his or her candidacy for an office that is not elected statewide must pay a fee of $250 to the commission. Under the bill, a person who intentionally makes or files a false statement withdrawing a person[s candidacy is guilty of a Class G felony, the penalty for which is a fine not to exceed $25,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 10 years, or both. 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 |
| SB209 | Limiting liability relating to traffic control devices for manufacturers and others. | This bill provides that the manufacturer, distributor, seller, installer, or owner of a traffic control device is not liable for damages arising from the design, manufacture, distribution, or installation of a traffic control device, if the device complies with specifications established in the traffic control devices manual adopted by the Department of Transportation and and operates as intended. Under the bill, the manufacturer, distributor, seller, installer, and owner enjoy a rebuttable presumption that the traffic control device complied with the traffic control devices manual if the manufacturer, distributor, seller, installer, or owner can demonstrate that the device was designed, manufactured, distributed, and installed in accordance with the applicable standards and guidelines and that any deviations from the specifications were expressly authorized in writing by DOT or the appropriate local authorities. Under the bill, the limitation of liability applies to any claim for personal injury, property damage, or other loss arising out of the use of a traffic control device, including claims of negligence, strict liability, and breach of warranty. The limitation of liability does not apply if the claimant establishes that the traffic control device to which the damages are attributable did not, at the time that the LRB-2085/1 ZDW:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 209 damages occurred, comply with the specifications established in the traffic control devices manual or operate as intended. | In Committee |
| AB195 | Revoking a transfer of real property on death, obtaining evidence of the termination of a decedent’s property interests, disbursing deposits after rescission of real property wholesaler contracts, and filing satisfactions of judgment. | Revoking a transfer of real property on death Under current law, a person may transfer an interest in real property to a beneficiary without probate by designating the beneficiary, called a transfer on death (TOD) beneficiary, in a document that meets certain requirements. The designation of a TOD beneficiary in a document does not affect ownership of the interest in real property until the owner[s death. Currently, an owner of an interest in real property may cancel or change the designation of a TOD beneficiary by executing and recording another document that designates a different TOD beneficiary or no beneficiary. This bill changes this process so that instead a document designating a TOD beneficiary may be revoked only by an instrument that is subsequently acknowledged by the owner and submitted for recording to the office of the register of deeds, and that is (1) a document designating a TOD beneficiary, (2) an instrument that expressly revokes the document designating a TOD beneficiary, or (3) an inter vivos deed containing an express revocation clause. In addition, under the bill, if a document designating a TOD beneficiary is made by more than one owner, (1) revocation by one owner does not affect the document designating a TOD beneficiary as to the interest of another owner and (2) if real property is owned by two or more individuals as joint tenants or by spouses as survivorship marital property, a document designating a TOD beneficiary of that property is revoked only if it is revoked by all of the living joint tenants or spouses. Obtaining evidences of the termination of a decedent[s property interests Under current law, a person may obtain evidence that certain property interests of a decedent have been terminated by providing information to the register of deeds of the county in which the property is located. Currently, to obtain evidence that a decedent[s property interests in real property have been terminated, a person must submit to the register of deeds a copy of the property tax bill for the year preceding the year of the decedent[s death. The bill allows a person to instead submit a copy of the most recent property tax bill. Real property wholesaler contracts; disbursing deposits after rescission Under current law, a real property wholesaler that contracts to sell its interest in a purchase agreement to a third party must provide certain written disclosures to the third party, or the third party may rescind the contract and is entitled to the return of any deposits or option fees paid by the third party. The bill provides that, if the third party rescinds the contract, a person holding deposits or option fees may disburse the deposits or option fees to the third party without any liability on the person[s part. Also under current law, a real property wholesaler that enters into a purchase agreement as a buyer must provide certain written disclosures to the seller, or the seller may rescind the purchase agreement and retain any deposits or option fees paid by the real property wholesaler. The bill provides that, if the seller rescinds the purchase agreement, a person holding deposits or option fees may disburse the deposits or option fees to the seller without any liability on the person[s part. Under current law, Xreal property wholesalerY is defined as a person that enters into a purchase agreement as a buyer and intends to sell the person[s rights as buyer to a third party, and Xpurchase agreementY is defined as a contract for the sale, exchange, option, rental, or purchase of residential real property that includes one to four dwelling units. Filing satisfactions of judgment Under current law, if a judgment debt is paid in whole or in part, a satisfaction may be filed and entered on the judgment and lien docket in the county where the judgment was first docketed. Currently, if the judgment has been entered on the judgment and lien docket in other counties, a certified copy of that satisfaction or a certificate by that clerk of circuit court under official seal may be filed in those other counties to update the judgment and lien dockets in those counties. The bill provides that an original satisfaction signed and acknowledged by the owner or the owner[s attorney may be filed in those other counties, rather than the evidence of satisfaction obtained from the clerk of court in the county where the judgment was first docketed. | In Committee |
| AB179 | Requirements for lighting on police vehicles. | Current law provides that a police vehicle may be equipped with flashing, oscillating, or rotating blue and red lights. On a marked police vehicle, the blue light must be mounted on the passenger side of the vehicle and the red light must be mounted on the driver side of the vehicle. This bill provides that, on a marked police vehicle with an exterior light bar, the blue light must be mounted on the roof of the passenger side of the vehicle and the red light must be mounted on the roof of the driver side of the vehicle. For lights mounted inside the vehicle, blue lights must be displayed on the interior of the passenger side of the vehicle and red lights must be displayed on the interior of the driver side of the vehicle. The bill also authorizes the use of a combination of blue and red lights mounted on the front, sides, or rear of a police vehicle if the vehicle is already equipped with roof or interior lights as required by the bill. | In Committee |
| SB65 | Impoundment of vehicles used in certain reckless driving offenses. (FE) | Under current law, a political subdivision may enact an ordinance authorizing law enforcement officers to impound vehicles used in reckless driving offenses if the person cited for reckless driving is the owner of the vehicle and the person has a prior reckless driving conviction for which a forfeiture was imposed that has not been fully paid. Under this bill, such an ordinance may authorize the impoundment of any vehicle used in a reckless driving offense regardless of ownership of the vehicle or prior record of the operator. The bill also provides that a local ordinance may authorize impounding such a vehicle until outstanding fines and forfeitures owed by the vehicle[s owner are fully paid. Also under the bill, upon impounding a vehicle under such an ordinance, the law enforcement officer must attempt to determine if the vehicle has been reported as stolen, and if so, the officer or the impounding political subdivision must attempt to contact the owner. If the vehicle is reported as stolen, the vehicle must be released to the owner without the payment of a fee or charge. LRB-2000/1 EVM:emw&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 65 For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB39 | Requiring state employees to perform their work at the offices of their employer. | Under this bill, state agencies must require employees to perform their work in person at state agency offices during the employee[s regularly scheduled work hours, beginning July 1, 2025. The bill exempts telehealth services and duties that were performed off site before March 1, 2020. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB91 | Imposing the penalty of life imprisonment for the crime of child trafficking and providing a penalty. (FE) | Under current law, a person who is convicted of the crime of trafficking a child, or who knowingly benefits from the crime of trafficking a child, is guilty of a Class C felony. This bill increases the penalty to a Class A felony if the crime involved at least three victims who were children at the time the crime was committed. A Class A felony carries a penalty of life imprisonment. Under current law, the court must impose a bifurcated sentence on a person who is being sentenced for a felony that was committed on or after December 31, 1999. A bifurcated sentence is a sentence that comprises a term of confinement in prison followed by a term of extended supervision in the community. Under current law, a court that sentences a person who has been convicted of a Class A felony committed on or after December 31, 1999, must determine one of the following: 1) the person is eligible for release to extended supervision after serving a 20-year LRB-2201/1 CMH:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 91 term of confinement in prison; 2) the person is eligible for release to extended supervision on a certain date that is after the person serves a 20-year term of confinement in prison; or 3) the person is not eligible for release to extended supervision. Under this bill, a person is not eligible for release to extended supervision if the person is convicted of a Class A felony violation of trafficking a child. 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 |
| SB92 | Theft crimes and providing a penalty. (FE) | Under current law, the penalty for the crime of property theft varies by the value of the property taken. The penalty ranges from a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property is not more than $2,500 to a Class F felony if the value of the property exceeds $100,000. Similarly, the penalty for the crime of retail theft varies by the value of the merchandise or service that is taken. The penalty ranges from a Class A misdemeanor if the value is not more than $500 to a Class G felony if the value exceeds $10,000. This bill specifies that, if, in a six-month period, a defendant commits more than one violation of property theft or more than one violation of retail theft, the value of items taken at each violation may be aggregated and the crimes may be prosecuted as one property theft crime or one retail theft crime. The penalty for the crime would be determined by the aggregated value of the items taken. 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. LRB-2282/1 CMH:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 92 | In Committee |
| AB86 | Imposing the penalty of life imprisonment for the crime of child trafficking and providing a penalty. (FE) | Under current law, a person who is convicted of the crime of trafficking a child, or who knowingly benefits from the crime of trafficking a child, is guilty of a Class C felony. This bill increases the penalty to a Class A felony if the crime involved at least three victims who were children at the time the crime was committed. A Class A felony carries a penalty of life imprisonment. Under current law, the court must impose a bifurcated sentence on a person who is being sentenced for a felony that was committed on or after December 31, 1999. A bifurcated sentence is a sentence that comprises a term of confinement in prison followed by a term of extended supervision in the community. Under current law, a court that sentences a person who has been convicted of a Class A felony committed on or after December 31, 1999, must determine one of the following: 1) the person is eligible for release to extended supervision after serving a 20-year term of confinement in prison; 2) the person is eligible for release to extended supervision on a certain date that is after the person serves a 20-year term of confinement in prison; or 3) the person is not eligible for release to extended supervision. Under this bill, a person is not eligible for release to extended supervision if the person is convicted of a Class A felony violation of trafficking a child. 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. | Crossed Over |
| AB66 | Dismissing or amending certain criminal charges and deferred prosecution agreements for certain crimes. | Under current law, a prosecutor may dismiss or amend a criminal charge without approval from the court. Under this bill, a prosecutor must get the court[s approval to dismiss or amend a charge if the charge is for any of the following: 1) a crime of domestic abuse or a violation of a domestic violence temporary restraining order or injunction; 2) theft of an automobile; 3) a crime of abuse of an individual at risk or a violation of an individual-at-risk TRO or injunction; 4) first-degree, second-degree, or third-degree sexual assault; 5) a crime against a child; 6) illegal possession of a firearm if the person has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent for, or found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect of, committing, soliciting, conspiring, or attempting to commit a violent felony, as defined under current law; or 7) reckless driving that results in great bodily harm. The court may approve the dismissal or amendment of such a charge only if the court finds the action is consistent with the public[s interest in deterring the commission of these crimes and with the legislature[s intent, expressed in this bill, to vigorously prosecute individuals who commit these crimes. If the court approves any dismissal or amendment in a year, the court must submit an annual report to the legislature detailing each approval. Current law allows a prosecutor to enter into a deferred prosecution agreement with a defendant who is charged or may be charged with a crime. Generally, under a deferred prosecution agreement, the prosecutor agrees to dismiss a charge or not file a charge if the defendant complies with specified conditions. In addition, current law provides specific criteria for a deferred prosecution agreement if the defendant is or may be charged with child sexual abuse if the defendant is the parent of, the guardian of, a close relative of, or residing with the child; with a crime of domestic violence; or with a violation of a domestic violence TRO or injunction. Current law also prohibits a prosecutor from entering into a deferred prosecution agreement with a defendant who is charged or may be charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant or a controlled substance, causing injury to another while operating a vehicle while under the influence, or homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. The bill prohibits a prosecutor from entering into a deferred prosecution agreement with a defendant if a complaint or information is filed that alleges the person committed any of the same crimes listed in items 1 to 7 above. | Crossed Over |
| AB78 | Impoundment of vehicles used in certain reckless driving offenses. (FE) | Under current law, a political subdivision may enact an ordinance authorizing law enforcement officers to impound vehicles used in reckless driving offenses if the person cited for reckless driving is the owner of the vehicle and the person has a prior reckless driving conviction for which a forfeiture was imposed that has not been fully paid. Under this bill, such an ordinance may authorize the impoundment of any vehicle used in a reckless driving offense regardless of ownership of the vehicle or prior record of the operator. The bill also provides that a local ordinance may authorize impounding such a vehicle until outstanding fines and forfeitures owed by the vehicle[s owner are fully paid. Also under the bill, upon impounding a vehicle under such an ordinance, the law enforcement officer must attempt to determine if the vehicle has been reported as stolen, and if so, the officer or the impounding political subdivision must attempt to contact the owner. If the vehicle is reported as stolen, the vehicle must be released to the owner without the payment of a fee or charge. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| AB89 | Theft crimes and providing a penalty. (FE) | Under current law, the penalty for the crime of property theft varies by the value of the property taken. The penalty ranges from a Class A misdemeanor if the value of the property is not more than $2,500 to a Class F felony if the value of the property exceeds $100,000. Similarly, the penalty for the crime of retail theft varies by the value of the merchandise or service that is taken. The penalty ranges from a Class A misdemeanor if the value is not more than $500 to a Class G felony if the value exceeds $10,000. This bill specifies that, if, in a six-month period, a defendant commits more than one violation of property theft or more than one violation of retail theft, the value of items taken at each violation may be aggregated and the crimes may be prosecuted as one property theft crime or one retail theft crime. The penalty for the crime would be determined by the aggregated value of the items taken. 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. | Crossed Over |
| SB29 | Requiring school boards to adopt policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time. | This bill requires each school board to adopt, by July 1, 2026, a policy that generally prohibits pupils from using wireless communication devices during instructional time. For purposes of these policies, the bill requires each school board to define a Xwireless communication deviceY as a portable wireless device that is capable of providing voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties. The bill expressly states that this definition must include cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and gaming devices. Finally, under the bill, each school board must include in its wireless communication device policy exceptions to the general prohibition against using wireless communication devices during instructional time 1) for emergencies and perceived threats, 2) to manage a pupil[s health care, 3) for a use included in an individualized education program or 504 plan, and 4) for a use authorized by a teacher for educational purposes. The bill also authorizes a school board to include other exceptions if the school board determines that doing so is beneficial for pupil education or well-being. LRB-1382/1 FFK:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 29 | In Committee |
| AB2 | Requiring school boards to adopt policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time. | This bill requires each school board to adopt, by July 1, 2026, a policy that generally prohibits pupils from using wireless communication devices during instructional time. For purposes of these policies, the bill requires each school board to define a “wireless communication device” as a portable wireless device that is capable of providing voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties. The bill expressly states that this definition must include cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and gaming devices. Finally, under the bill, each school board must include in its wireless communication device policy exceptions to the general prohibition against using wireless communication devices during instructional time 1) for emergencies and perceived threats, 2) to manage a pupil’s health care, 3) for a use included in an individualized education program or 504 plan, and 4) for a use authorized by a teacher for educational purposes. The bill also authorizes a school board to include other exceptions if the school board determines that doing so is beneficial for pupil education or well-being. | Crossed Over |
| SB6 | Impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses. | Under this bill, in addition to the penalties available under current law for the following offenses, the vehicle used in the offense may be immediately impounded and remain impounded for 90 days or, for a violation occurring on a highway under the jurisdiction of a political subdivision, a shorter period established by the political subdivision: 1. Operating a vehicle without a license, with certain exceptions, or with a revoked operating privilege. 2. Speeding at a rate higher than 25 miles per hour above the speed limit. 3. Fleeing from a law enforcement officer. 4. Racing on a highway. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB143 | Allowing an unlicensed person to use a motor vehicle and providing a penalty. | Under current law, a person who owns or is in control of a motor vehicle is prohibited from allowing another person to operate the vehicle if the vehicle operator is not authorized to operate a motor vehicle. Current law also prohibits a person from renting a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to another person who is not authorized to operate a motor vehicle. A violation of either prohibition is a forfeiture of not more than $100. This bill increases the penalty for both violations to a fine not to exceed $1,000 for a first offense and not to exceed $10,000 for a second or subsequent offense. The bill also provides that the prohibitions apply irrespective of whether the person permitting the operation of a motor vehicle had actual knowledge of the vehicle operator[s authorization to operate a motor vehicle. 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. | In Committee |
| AB170 | Prohibiting the Department of Justice from using the legal services of nongovernmental employees. (FE) | This bill prohibits the Department of Justice from using the legal services of any person who is not a state employee or federal employee or agent to assist in the investigation or prosecution of any civil or criminal cause or matter unless DOJ uses a specific process under current law for contracting for legal services on a contingent fee basis or that person is a legal intern who earns no more than $10,000 annually from their internship employer. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB167 | Possession of a firearm on school grounds by school employees and fees for licenses to carry a concealed weapon. (FE) | Both federal law and state law prohibit a person from possessing a firearm on the grounds of a school. Federal and state law provide several identical exceptions to the prohibition, such as for law enforcement and for persons in accordance with a contract between the person and the school. Federal law provides another exception for a person who is licensed to possess a firearm by the state if the state requires a background check to ensure the person is qualified for the license. Since the Department of Justice requires a background check before it issues a person a license to carry a concealed weapon, a licensee is allowed under federal law to LRB-1593/1 CMH:wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 167 possess a firearm on the grounds of a school. State law, however, does not provide an identical exception, so a licensee is prohibited under state law from possessing a firearm on the grounds of a school. This bill creates a state exception that is similar to the federal exception. Under the bill, a person who has a license issued by DOJ may possess a firearm on the grounds of a school if the person is employed by the school and the school board or governing entity has adopted a policy that allows employees who are licensees to possess a firearm. Under current law, a person who applies to DOJ for a license to carry a concealed weapon must pay an application fee and a person who is renewing a license must pay a renewal fee. DOJ must set the fee amount on the basis of the cost it incurs in licensing, but the fee can be no more than $37 for an initial license and $12 for a license renewal. In addition, the person must pay for a background check for each initial application and renewal application; that fee amount is currently $10. The bill waives the initial application fee, renewal fee, and background check fee for teachers who apply for a license. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB151 | A presumption that equalizing physical placement to the highest degree is in the child’s best interest. | Under current law, a court must set a physical placement schedule in an action affecting the family that allows a child to have regularly occurring, meaningful periods of physical placement and that maximizes the amount of time for a child with each parent and that is based on the best interest of the child. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in Landwehr v. Landwehr, 2006 WI 64, 291 Wis. 2d 49, 715 N.W.2d 180, has stated that this standard does not require equal placement for a child with both parents. This bill removes the current standard for determining a physical placement schedule and instead creates a presumption that equal placement of a child with both parents is in the child[s best interest. The presumption is rebutted if a court finds by a preponderance of the evidence, after considering all of the statutory best- interest factors, that equalizing physical placement time between parents would not be in a child[s best interest. | In Committee |
| AB1 | Changes to the educational assessment program and the school and school district accountability report. (FE) | Under current law, the Department of Public Instruction is required to annually publish a school and school district accountability report, commonly known as school and school district report cards, for the previous school year. To measure school performance and school district improvement for purposes of the report cards, particularly measures related to pupil achievement in reading and math, DPI uses data derived from pupil performance on assessments administered in the previous school year, including assessments commonly referred to as the Wisconsin Student Assessment System, which includes the Wisconsin Forward Exam, PreACT, the ACT with Writing, and Dynamic Learning Maps. Under the bill, beginning with report cards published for the school year in which the bill becomes law, for the index system to identify school and school district performance and improvement, also known as the accountability rating categories, DPI must use the same cut scores, score ranges, and corresponding qualitative descriptions that DPI used for report cards published in the 2019-20 school year. In addition, beginning with the WSAS administered in the school year in which the bill becomes law, DPI must do the following: 1. For the Wisconsin Forward exam in English Language Arts and Mathematics, align cut scores, score ranges, and pupil performance categories to the cut scores, score ranges, and pupil performance categories set by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. 2. For the PreACT and ACT with Writing in English, Reading, and Mathematics, use the same cut scores, score ranges, and pupil performance categories that DPI used for the same assessments administered in the 2021-22 school year. The bill specifically requires DPI to use the terms “below basic,” “basic,” “proficient,” and “advanced” for pupil performance categories on these assessments. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Vetoed |
| SB51 | Flags flown at state and local government buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule. | This bill prohibits any flag other than the U.S. flag, the state flag, the official POW/MIA flag recognized by Congress, and the official flags of each branch of the U.S. armed forces from being flown, hung, or displayed from any flagpole or building, structure, or facility, including the state capitol, that is owned or occupied entirely by a state agency or authority or by a city, village, town, or county. However, the bill authorizes the legislature to make exceptions for state flagpoles and facilities by joint resolution adopted by a three-fourths majority vote of all members elected to each house. Similarly, a city, village, town, or county may make exceptions for its flagpoles and facilities by a three-fourths majority vote of all members elected to its governing body. The bill also repeals an administrative rule that includes requirements similar to those of the bill but that authorizes the governor to make exceptions. The bill delays its requirements for state flagpoles and facilities until January 1, 2027. LRB-1545/1 MPG:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 51 | In Committee |
| AB46 | Flags flown at state and local government buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule. | This bill prohibits any flag other than the U.S. flag, the state flag, the official POW/MIA flag recognized by Congress, and the official flags of each branch of the U.S. armed forces from being flown, hung, or displayed from any flagpole or building, structure, or facility, including the state capitol, that is owned or occupied entirely by a state agency or authority or by a city, village, town, or county. However, the bill authorizes the legislature to make exceptions for state flagpoles and facilities by joint resolution adopted by a three-fourths majority vote of all members elected to each house. Similarly, a city, village, town, or county may make exceptions for its flagpoles and facilities by a three-fourths majority vote of all members elected to its governing body. The bill also repeals an administrative rule that includes requirements similar to those of the bill but that authorizes the governor to make exceptions. The bill delays its requirements for state flagpoles and facilities until January 1, 2027. | In Committee |
| AB104 | Prohibiting gender transition medical intervention for individuals under 18 years of age. | This bill prohibits health care providers from engaging in, causing the engagement in, or making referrals for, certain medical intervention practices upon an individual under 18 years of age if done for the purpose of changing the minor[s body to correspond to a sex that is discordant with the minor[s biological sex. The prohibitions under the bill do not apply to any of the following: provider providing a service in accordance with a good faith medical decision of a parent or guardian of a minor born with a medically verifiable genetic disorder of sex development; 2) the treatment of any infection, injury, disease, or disorder that has been caused by or exacerbated by the performance of a gender transition medical procedure, whether or not that procedure was performed in accordance with state and federal law; or 3) any procedure undertaken because the minor suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the minor in imminent danger of death or impairment of a major bodily function unless surgery is performed. Under the bill, the Board of Nursing, the Medical Examining Board, and the Physician Assistant Affiliated Credentialing Board are required to investigate any allegation that any person licensed or certified by the respective boards has violated any of the prohibitions on engaging in, causing the engagement in, or making certain referrals for the medical intervention practices described in the bill. Upon a finding by the Board of Nursing, the Medical Examining Board, or the Physician Assistant Affiliated Credentialing Board that the holder of a license or certificate has violated any of these prohibitions, the bill requires the Board of Nursing, the Medical Examining Board, or the Physician Affiliated Credentialing Board to revoke that person[s license or certificate. | Crossed Over |
| SB157 | Prohibiting gender transition medical intervention for individuals under 18 years of age. | This bill prohibits health care providers from engaging in, causing the engagement in, or making referrals for, certain medical intervention practices upon an individual under 18 years of age if done for the purpose of changing the minor[s body to correspond to a sex that is discordant with the minor[s biological sex. The prohibitions under the bill do not apply to any of the following: provider providing a service in accordance with a good faith medical decision of a parent or guardian of a minor born with a medically verifiable genetic disorder of sex development; 2) the treatment of any infection, injury, disease, or disorder that has been caused by or exacerbated by the performance of a gender transition medical procedure, whether or not that procedure was performed in accordance with state and federal law; or 3) any procedure undertaken because the minor suffers from a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the minor in imminent danger of death or impairment of a major bodily function unless surgery is performed. LRB-1359/1 SWB&JPC:cjs 1) a health care 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 157 Under the bill, the Board of Nursing, the Medical Examining Board, and the Physician Assistant Affiliated Credentialing Board are required to investigate any allegation that any person licensed or certified by the respective boards has violated any of the prohibitions on engaging in, causing the engagement in, or making certain referrals for the medical intervention practices described in the bill. Upon a finding by the Board of Nursing, the Medical Examining Board, or the Physician Assistant Affiliated Credentialing Board that the holder of a license or certificate has violated any of these prohibitions, the bill requires the Board of Nursing, the Medical Examining Board, or the Physician Affiliated Credentialing Board to revoke that person[s license or certificate. | In Committee |
| SB161 | A presumption that equalizing physical placement to the highest degree is in the child’s best interest. | Under current law, a court must set a physical placement schedule in an action affecting the family that allows a child to have regularly occurring, meaningful periods of physical placement and that maximizes the amount of time for a child with each parent and that is based on the best interest of the child. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in Landwehr v. Landwehr, 2006 WI 64, 291 Wis. 2d 49, 715 N.W.2d 180, has stated that this standard does not require equal placement for a child with both parents. This bill removes the current standard for determining a physical placement schedule and instead creates a presumption that equal placement of a child with both parents is in the child[s best interest. The presumption is rebutted if a court finds by a preponderance of the evidence, after considering all of the statutory best- interest factors, that equalizing physical placement time between parents would not be in a child[s best interest. LRB-2146/1 SWB:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 161 | In Committee |
| AB74 | Parental notification of alleged sexual misconduct by a school staff member. (FE) | This bill requires each school board, governing body of a private school, and operator of a charter school to notify a pupil[s parent or guardian if the school board, governing body, or operator receives a credible report alleging sexual misconduct by a school staff member and the pupil is identified as an alleged victim, target, or recipient of the misconduct. Under the bill, a school board, governing body, or operator must notify the pupil[s parent or guardian by no later than the end of the day on which the school board receives the report containing the alleged sexual misconduct. Under the bill, a report is considered to be received by a school board or operator of a charter school when it is received by an assistant principal, principal, assistant school district superintendent, school district superintendent, or school district administrator, and is considered to be received by the governing body of a private school when it is received by an assistant principal, principal, superintendent, executive director, or other individual who acts as the administrative head of the private school. Under current law, it is a Class I felony for a school staff member to commit an act of sexual misconduct against a pupil. Under current law and the bill, Xsexual misconductY means 1) communications made intentionally to sexually degrade, sexually humiliate, sexually arouse, or sexually gratify the pupil or the perpetrator or 2) intentional touching by the perpetrator or, upon the perpetrator[s instruction, by the use of a body part or object, if the purpose of the intentional touching is to sexually degrade, sexually humiliate, sexually arouse, or sexually gratify the pupil or the perpetrator. The bill also requires school boards to annually provide information about how parents and guardians may access records related to school employee discipline under the state public records law. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| SB97 | Parental notification of alleged sexual misconduct by a school staff member. (FE) | This bill requires each school board, governing body of a private school, and operator of a charter school to notify a pupil[s parent or guardian if the school board, governing body, or operator receives a credible report alleging sexual misconduct by a school staff member and the pupil is identified as an alleged victim, target, or recipient of the misconduct. Under the bill, a school board, governing body, or operator must notify the pupil[s parent or guardian by no later than the end of the day on which the school board receives the report containing the alleged sexual misconduct. Under the bill, a report is considered to be received by a school board or operator of a charter school when it is received by an assistant principal, principal, assistant school district superintendent, school district superintendent, or school district administrator, and is considered to be received by the governing body of a private school when it is received by an assistant principal, principal, superintendent, executive director, or other individual who acts as the administrative head of the private school. Under current law, it is a Class I felony for a school staff member to commit an act of sexual misconduct against a pupil. Under current law and the bill, Xsexual misconductY means 1) communications made intentionally to sexually degrade, sexually humiliate, sexually arouse, or sexually gratify the pupil or the perpetrator or 2) intentional touching by the perpetrator or, upon the perpetrator[s instruction, LRB-2255/1 FFK:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 97 by the use of a body part or object, if the purpose of the intentional touching is to sexually degrade, sexually humiliate, sexually arouse, or sexually gratify the pupil or the perpetrator. The bill also requires school boards to annually provide information about how parents and guardians may access records related to school employee discipline under the state public records law. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB27 | Requiring state employees to perform their work at the offices of their employer. (FE) | Under this bill, state agencies must require employees to perform their work in person at state agency offices during the employee[s regularly scheduled work hours, beginning July 1, 2025. The bill exempts telehealth services and duties that were performed off site before March 1, 2020. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | 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 |
| AB105 | The distribution of certain material on the Internet. | This bill prohibits business entities from knowingly and intentionally publishing or distributing material harmful to minors on the Internet on a website that contains a substantial portion of such material, unless the business entity performs a reasonable age verification method to verify the age of individuals attempting to access the website. XMaterial harmful to minorsY is defined in the bill to include material 1) that is designed to appeal to prurient interests, 2) that principally consists of descriptions or depictions of actual or simulated sexual acts or body parts including pubic areas, genitals, buttocks, and female nipples, and 3) that lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors. In the bill, a Xreasonable age verification methodY includes various methods whereby the business entity may verify that an individual seeking to access the material is not a minor. Under the bill, persons that perform reasonable age verification methods may not knowingly retain identifying information of the individual attempting to access the website after the individual[s access has been granted or denied. The bill also requires a business entity that knowingly and intentionally publishes or distributes material harmful to minors on the Internet from a website that contains a substantial portion of such material to prevent persons from accessing the website from an internet protocol address or internet protocol address range that is linked to or known to be a virtual private network system or provider. In addition, this bill prohibits business entities from knowingly and intentionally publishing or distributing obscene material or an obscene depiction of a purported child on the Internet. XObscene materialY is defined to mean a writing, picture, film, or other recording that the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find appeals to the prurient interest if taken as a whole, describes or shows sexual conduct in a patently offensive way, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational, or scientific value if taken as a whole. XObscene depiction of a purported childY is defined to mean a visual representation that appears to depict an actual child in the form of a photograph, film, motion picture, or digital or computer-generated image or picture, that the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find appeals to prurient interests if taken as a whole, describes or shows sexually explicit conduct in a patently offensive way, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational, or scientific value if taken as a whole. A person that violates the provisions of the bill may be subject to civil liability for damages and the payment of court costs and reasonable attorney fees. Sovereign immunity may not be raised as an affirmative defense to a civil action brought alleging a violation of a provision of the bill. | Crossed Over |
| AB102 | Designating University of Wisconsin and technical college sports and athletic teams based on the sex of the participants. | This bill requires each University of Wisconsin institution and technical college that operates or sponsors an intercollegiate or club athletic team or sport to designate the athletic team or sport as one of the following based on the sex of the participating students: 1) males or men; or 2) females or women. The bill defines XsexY as the sex determined by a physician at birth and reflected on the birth certificate. The bill also requires a UW institution or technical college to prohibit 1) a male student from participating on an athletic team or in a sport designated for females, and 2) a male student from using locker rooms designated for females. | Crossed Over |
| AB100 | Designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants. | This bill requires each school board, independent charter school, and private school participating in a parental choice program (educational institution) that operates or sponsors an interscholastic, intramural, or club athletic team or sport to designate the athletic team or sport based on the sex of the participating pupils. The bill defines XsexY as the sex determined at birth by a physician and reflected on the birth certificate. The bill also requires an educational institution to prohibit a male pupil from 1) participating on an athletic team or in an athletic sport designated for females and 2) using a locker room designated for females. Finally, the bill requires the educational institution to notify pupils and parents if an educational institution intends to change a designation for an athletic team or sport. CORRECTED COPY | Crossed Over |
| SB141 | Allowing an unlicensed person to use a motor vehicle and providing a penalty. | Under current law, a person who owns or is in control of a motor vehicle is prohibited from allowing another person to operate the vehicle if the vehicle operator is not authorized to operate a motor vehicle. Current law also prohibits a person from renting a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to another person who is not authorized to operate a motor vehicle. A violation of either prohibition is a forfeiture of not more than $100. This bill increases the penalty for both violations to a fine not to exceed $1,000 for a first offense and not to exceed $10,000 for a second or subsequent offense. The bill also provides that the prohibitions apply irrespective of whether the person permitting the operation of a motor vehicle had actual knowledge of the vehicle operator[s authorization to operate a motor vehicle. 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. LRB-2361/1 ZDW:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 141 | In Committee |
| AR7 | Recognizing the achievements of women athletes in Wisconsin. | Relating to: recognizing the achievements of women athletes in Wisconsin. | 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 |
| AB144 | Eliminating a judgeship from district IV of the court of appeals and establishing an additional judgeship for district III of the court of appeals. | This bill reduces the number of judgeships in district IV of the court of appeals upon the expiration of the term of the judge whose current judicial term ends July 31, 2026. The bill also establishes an additional judgeship in district III of the court of appeals, effective beginning August 1, 2026. Under the bill, as of August 1, 2026, each of the districts of the court of appeals would have four judges. The bill provides that the initial election for the fourth judge for district III of the court of appeals will be held at the spring election of 2026 for a term beginning on August 1, 2026, and ending on July 31, 2032. | In Committee |
| SB130 | The distribution of certain material on the Internet. | This bill prohibits business entities from knowingly and intentionally publishing or distributing material harmful to minors on the Internet on a website that contains a substantial portion of such material, unless the business entity performs a reasonable age verification method to verify the age of individuals attempting to access the website. XMaterial harmful to minorsY is defined in the bill to include material 1) that is designed to appeal to prurient interests, 2) that principally consists of descriptions or depictions of actual or simulated sexual acts or body parts including pubic areas, genitals, buttocks, and female nipples, and 3) that lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors. In the bill, a Xreasonable age verification methodY includes various methods whereby the business entity may verify that an individual seeking to access the material is not a minor. Under the bill, persons that perform reasonable age verification methods may not knowingly retain identifying information of the individual attempting to access the website after the individual[s access has been granted or denied. The bill also requires a business entity that knowingly and intentionally publishes or distributes material harmful to minors on the Internet from a website that contains a substantial portion of such material to prevent persons from accessing the LRB-2322/1 JAM:... 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 130 website from an internet protocol address or internet protocol address range that is linked to or known to be a virtual private network system or provider. In addition, this bill prohibits business entities from knowingly and intentionally publishing or distributing obscene material or an obscene depiction of a purported child on the Internet. XObscene materialY is defined to mean a writing, picture, film, or other recording that the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find appeals to the prurient interest if taken as a whole, describes or shows sexual conduct in a patently offensive way, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational, or scientific value if taken as a whole. XObscene depiction of a purported childY is defined to mean a visual representation that appears to depict an actual child in the form of a photograph, film, motion picture, or digital or computer-generated image or picture, that the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find appeals to prurient interests if taken as a whole, describes or shows sexually explicit conduct in a patently offensive way, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational, or scientific value if taken as a whole. A person that violates the provisions of the bill may be subject to civil liability for damages and the payment of court costs and reasonable attorney fees. Sovereign immunity may not be raised as an affirmative defense to a civil action brought alleging a violation of a provision of the bill. | In Committee |
| AB130 | Exempting certain persons from PFAS enforcement actions under the spills law. (FE) | Under current law provisions known as the Xspills law,Y a person that possesses or controls a hazardous substance or that causes the discharge of a hazardous substance must notify the Department of Natural Resources immediately, restore the environment to the extent practicable, and minimize the harmful effects from the discharge. If action is not being adequately taken, or the identity of the person responsible for the discharge is unknown, DNR may take emergency action to contain or remove the hazardous substance; the person that possessed or controlled the hazardous substance that was discharged or that caused the discharge of the hazardous substance must then reimburse DNR for expenses DNR incurred in taking such emergency actions. The spills law allows DNR to enter property to take emergency action if entry is necessary to prevent increased environmental damages, and to inspect any record relating to a hazardous substance for the purpose of determining compliance with the spills law. DNR may also require that preventive measures be taken by any person possessing or having control over a hazardous substance if existing control measures are inadequate to prevent discharges. The bill exempts the following persons from all of these provisions under the spills law, if the person grants DNR permission to remediate the land at DNR[s expense: 1. A person that spread biosolids or wastewater residuals contaminated by PFAS in compliance with any applicable license or permit. 2. A person that owns land upon which biosolids or wastewater residuals contaminated by PFAS were spread in compliance with any applicable license or permit. 3. A fire department, public-use airport, or municipality that responded to emergencies that required the use of PFAS or that conducted training for such emergencies in compliance with applicable federal regulations. 4. A solid waste disposal facility that accepted PFAS. 5. A person that owns, leases, manages, or contracts for property on which the PFAS contamination did not originate, unless the person also owns, leases, manages, or contracts for the property on which the PFAS discharge originated. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB131 | Programs and requirements to address PFAS. | This bill creates several new programs and requirements relating to PFAS, which is defined in the bill to mean any perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance. Municipal PFAS grant program The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to create a municipal PFAS grant program, which applies only to types of PFAS for which there is a state or federal standard, a public health recommendation from the Department of Health Services, or a health advisory issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Under the bill, the municipal PFAS grant program provides all of the following grants: 1. Grants to municipalities (defined under current law as a city, town, village, county, county utility district, town sanitary district, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation district, or metropolitan sewage district) for PFAS testing at municipal water systems and municipal wastewater treatment facilities, or for reimbursement for such testing if performed at properties owned, leased, managed, or contracted for by municipalities and if there are promulgated standards for those types of PFAS. 2. Grants to nonmunicipal entities regulated as public or community water systems, distributed in equal shares up to $1,800, to test their drinking water supply for PFAS, if required to do so by DNR, or for reimbursement for such testing. 3. Grants to privately owned landfills, in equal shares up to $15,000, to test for the presence of PFAS in leachate. 4. Grants to municipalities to test for PFAS levels at municipally owned, leased, managed, or contracted locations where PFAS may be present, including testing for PFAS levels in leachate at landfills. If the property to be tested is not owned by the municipality, DNR may not issue a grant unless the property owner gives the municipality written consent to enter the property and conduct testing. These grants are not available to municipalities that receive a grant under this program to test for PFAS at municipal water systems and municipal wastewater treatment facilities. For these grants, DNR may require matching funds of up to 20 percent from the applicant. 5. Grants to municipalities and privately owned landfills to dispose of PFAS- containing biosolids or leachate at facilities that accept such biosolids or leachate or to purchase and install on-site treatment systems to address PFAS contained in biosolids or leachate. For these grants, DNR may require matching funds of up to 20 percent from the applicant and the grants may not be used for costs associated with landspreading. 6. Grants for capital costs or debt service, including for facility upgrades or new infrastructure, to municipalities that are small or disadvantaged or in which rates for water or wastewater utilities will increase by more than 20 percent as a direct result of steps taken to address PFAS contamination. When issuing these grants, DNR must give priority to projects that are necessary to address an exceedence of an applicable state or federal standard. 7. Grants to municipalities for capital costs or other costs related to PFAS that are not otherwise paid from the segregated environmental improvement fund, including costs for addressing landfills or other contaminated lands owned, leased, managed, or contracted for by municipalities or costs incurred by fire departments; grants to municipalities for the preparation and implementation of pollutant minimization plans; and grants to municipalities for costs incurred by public utilities or metropolitan sewerage districts for pretreatment or other PFAS reduction measures in certain circumstances. For these grants, DNR may require matching funds of up to 20 percent from the applicant. For all of the grants provided under the municipal PFAS grant program, DNR may not require a grant recipient to take any action to address PFAS unless PFAS levels exceed any applicable standard under state or federal law. The bill also prohibits DNR from publicly disclosing the results of any PFAS testing conducted under this grant program unless DNR notifies the grant recipient at least 72 hours before publicly disclosing any test result, with certain exceptions. Current law provides that whenever a state agency is authorized to provide state funds to any county, city, village, or town for any purpose, funds may also be granted by that agency to any federally recognized tribal governing body for the same purpose. Innocent landowner grant program The bill also requires DNR to create an innocent landowner grant program, which applies only to types of PFAS for which there is a state or federal standard, a public health recommendation from the Department of Health Services, or a health advisory issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Under the program, DNR may provide grants to an eligible person or to a person who is applying on behalf of multiple eligible persons that are located in the same geographic region, if the applicant will be the entity performing any authorized activities. Under the program, an Xeligible personY is 1) a person that spread biosolids or wastewater residuals contaminated by PFAS in compliance with any applicable license or permit, 2) a person that owns land upon which biosolids or wastewater residuals contaminated by PFAS were spread in compliance with any applicable license or permit, 3) a fire department, public-use airport, or municipality that responded to emergencies that required the use of PFAS or that conducted training for such emergencies in compliance with applicable federal regulations, 4) a solid waste disposal facility that accepted PFAS, and 5) a person that owns, leases, manages, or contracts for property on which the PFAS contamination did not originate, unless the person also owns, leases, manages, or contracts for the property on which the PFAS discharge originated. The total amount of grants awarded to each eligible person may not exceed $250,000 and DNR may require grant recipients to provide matching funds of not more than 5 percent of the grant amount. Under current law provisions known as the Xspills law,Y a person that possesses or controls a hazardous substance or that causes the discharge of a hazardous substance must notify DNR immediately, restore the environment to the extent practicable, and minimize the harmful effects from the discharge. If action is not being adequately taken, or the identity of the person responsible for the discharge is unknown, DNR may take emergency action to contain or remove the hazardous substance; the person that possessed or controlled the hazardous substance that was discharged or that caused the discharge of the hazardous substance must then reimburse DNR for expenses DNR incurred in taking such emergency actions. The spills law allows DNR to enter property to take emergency action if entry is necessary to prevent increased environmental damages, and to inspect any record relating to a hazardous substance for the purpose of determining compliance with the spills law. DNR may also require that preventive measures be taken by any person possessing or having control over a hazardous substance if existing control measures are inadequate to prevent discharges. Spills law exemptions Under the bill, if a person is eligible for a grant under the innocent landowner grant program, the person is exempt from all of the provisions under the spills law described above with respect to PFAS contamination, if the person grants DNR permission to remediate the land at DNR[s expense. If a person is not eligible for a grant under the innocent landowner grant program, the person is exempt from all of the provisions under the spills law described above, based on the results of any PFAS testing conducted on samples taken from lands not owned by the state, unless PFAS levels violate any applicable state or federal law, including any standard promulgated under state or federal law. Limitations on DNR actions relating to PFAS Under the bill, DNR may not prevent, delay, or otherwise impede any construction project or project of public works based on a presence of PFAS contamination unless DNR determines that 1) the project poses a substantial risk to public health or welfare, 2) there is a substantial risk that the project will create worsening environmental conditions, 3) the entity proposing to complete the project is responsible for the original contamination, as a result of conduct that was reckless or was done with the intent to discharge PFAS into the environment, or 4) DNR is specifically required under the federal Clean Water Act to prevent, delay, or otherwise impede the project. XPublic worksY is defined to mean the physical structures and facilities developed or acquired by a local unit of government or a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state to provide services and functions for the benefit and use of the public, including water, sewerage, waste disposal, utilities, and transportation, and privately owned landfills that accept residential waste. In addition, under the bill, if DNR seeks to collect samples from lands not owned by the state based on permission from the landowner, such permission must be in writing, and DNR must notify the landowner that such permission includes the authority to collect samples, to test those samples, and to publicly disclose the results of that testing. The landowner may revoke such permission at any time prior to the collection of samples. Under the bill, DNR also may not publicly disclose such PFAS testing results unless it notifies the landowner of the test results at least 72 hours before publicly disclosing them. The bill also requires DNR, or a third-party contract by DNR, to respond in a timely manner to requests from any person to conduct PFAS testing on samples taken from the person[s property if practicable and if funds are available to do so, if there is a reasonable belief that PFAS contamination may be present on the property, and if existing information such as public water supply testing data is not available. The bill also requires DNR, in the 2025-27 fiscal biennium, to increase its voluntary PFAS testing activities. Firefighting foam The bill requires DNR to survey or resurvey local fire departments about their use and possession of PFAS-containing firefighting foam, send communications and information regarding PFAS-containing firefighting foam, and contract with a third party to voluntarily collect PFAS-containing firefighting foam. Well compensation grant program Under current law, an individual owner or renter of a contaminated private well, subject to eligibility requirements, may apply for a grant from DNR to cover a portion of the costs to treat the water, reconstruct the well, construct a new well, connect to a public water supply, or fill and seal the well. The bill provides that a grant for costs to treat the water may be used to cover the cost of a filtration device and up to two replacement filters. In addition, under the bill, if DNR determines that a claimant who is applying for a grant under the well compensation grant program on the basis of PFAS contamination would be eligible for a grant under the innocent landowner grant program created under the bill, and funding under that program is available, DNR must refer the claimant[s application to that program instead of processing it under the well compensation grant program. If the claimant is denied under the innocent landowner grant program, DNR must refer the claim back to the well compensation grant program. Portable water treatment system pilot project The bill requires DNR to contract with an entity to conduct a pilot project in which PFAS-contaminated surface water is partially or fully diverted to a portable treatment system and treated water is returned to the surface water. DNR and the entity must conduct tests to evaluate the success of the pilot project. Remedial action at sites contaminated by PFAS The bill allows DNR, or a contracted third party, to begin response and remedial actions, including site investigations, at any PFAS-contaminated site where a responsible party has not been identified or where the responsible party qualifies for a grant under the innocent landowner grant program. The bill directs DNR to prioritize response and remedial actions at sites that have the highest levels of PFAS contamination and sites with the greatest threats to public health or the environment because of PFAS. Assistance for testing laboratories The bill requires DNR and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System to enter into a memorandum of understanding to ensure that the state laboratory of hygiene provides guidance and other materials, conducts training, and provides assistance to laboratories in this state that are certified to test for contaminants other than PFAS in order for them to become certified to test for PFAS, and to assist laboratories certified to test for PFAS in this state to reduce their testing costs and shorten the timeline for receiving test results. Under the bill, the Board of Regents, in coordination with DNR, may provide grants to laboratories in this state that are certified to test for PFAS, or that are seeking such certification, to assist with up to 40 percent of the costs of purchasing equipment necessary for testing for PFAS. The bill requires the state laboratory of hygiene to prepare a report on these efforts and provide the report to the legislature. PFAS studies and reporting The bill requires DNR and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System to enter into a memorandum of understanding to 1) study and analyze the cost, feasibility, and effectiveness of different methods of treating PFAS before they are released into a water system or water body; 2) conduct a cost-benefit analysis of different options for disposing of biosolids or sludge that contains or may contain PFAS; 3) study and analyze the cost, feasibility, and effectiveness of different destruction and disposal methods for PFAS; 4) study and analyze the cost, feasibility, and effectiveness of different methods for remediating PFAS that leave the contaminated medium in place and methods that remove the contaminated medium; 5) study and analyze the migration of PFAS into the bay of Green Bay; 6) study and analyze the migration of PFAS into the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers and their tributaries; 7) conduct any additional studies related to PFAS, as approved by the Joint Committee on Finance; and 8) create a comprehensive, interactive map showing all available PFAS testing data and, for each data point, whether it exceeds any applicable state or federal standard for PFAS. Such data may not contain any personally identifiable information unless the entity to which the data applies is a municipal entity that is required to test and disclose its results under state law. DNR reporting requirements The bill requires DNR to report to the legislature once every six months for a period of three years to provide a detailed description of DNR[s expenditures under the bill and a detailed description of DNR[s progress in implementing the provisions of the bill. Clean Water Fund Program and Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Under current law, the Department of Administration and DNR administer the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP), which provides financial assistance to municipalities, and to the private owners of community water systems that serve municipalities, for projects that will help the municipalities comply with federal drinking water standards. DNR establishes a funding priority list for SDWLP projects, and DOA allocates funding for those projects. Also under current law, DNR administers the Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP), which provides financial assistance to municipalities for projects to control water pollution, such as sewage treatment plants. Under the bill, if DNR, when ranking SDWLP or CWFP projects or determining an applicant[s eligibility for assistance under those programs, considers whether an applicant that intends to extend service outside municipal boundaries because of water contamination is XsmallY or Xdisadvantaged,Y DNR must determine the applicant to be small or disadvantaged if the area receiving the extended service would normally be determined to be small or disadvantaged, regardless of whether the existing service area would normally be determined to be small or disadvantaged. Public water utility projects Under current law, a public utility may not engage in certain construction, expansion, or other projects unless the Public Service Commission grants a certificate of authority (CA) for the proposed project. Under the bill, if a water public utility or a combined water and sewer public utility (water utility) fails to obtain a CA before commencing a project for which one is required, PSC may not investigate, impose a penalty against, or bring an action to enjoin the water utility if 1) the water utility undertook the project in response to a public health concern caused by PFAS, the presence of which was unknown to the water utility until shortly before it commenced the project, and the water utility provides evidence showing that the utility has exceeded or is likely to exceed the applicable state or federal standard for that type of PFAS; 2) the water utility promptly notifies PSC of the work and, within 30 days after commencing the work, submits the appropriate application and supporting documentation to PSC; and 3) the total cost of the project is not greater than $2,000,000. In the PSC administrative code, the bill adds an emergency resulting from water supply contamination to the circumstances under which PSC authorization is not necessary prior to a utility beginning necessary repair work. The current administrative code limits this to an emergency resulting from the failure of power supply or from fire, storm, or similar events. Use of revenue for PFAS source reduction measures The bill authorizes a municipal public utility or metropolitan sewerage district to use revenues from its water or sewerage services for up to half of the cost of pretreatment or other PFAS source reduction measures for an interconnected customer or other regular customer if the costs incurred are less than the costs of the upgrades otherwise required at the endpoint treatment facility and if the costs are approved by the governing body of the municipality or the metropolitan sewerage district. Test wells for community water systems Under rules promulgated by DNR relating to community water systems (a system for providing piped water for human consumption to the public and that serves at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents), DNR must preapprove any test wells that will be converted into permanent wells and any test wells that will pump at least 70 gallons per minute for more than 72 hours. DNR rules require test wells to be drilled for permanent wells for community water systems to determine geologic formation information and water quality and quantity data. DNR rules also allow DNR to designate special well casing depth areas within which wells must be drilled to a greater depth and meet other requirements to avoid contamination. This bill provides that test wells for community water systems must also be approved by DNR if they are located in special well casing depth areas that have been designated based in whole or in part on the presence of PFAS. | In Committee |
| AB28 | Special registration plates with white lettering on a black background. (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 wishing to have registration plates with white lettering on a black background. The bill requires that plates issued to members of the special group have a black background and white lettering displaying the word XWisconsinY and the registration number assigned to the vehicle. 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 transportation fund. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB61 | Excluding expenditures funded by referenda from shared costs for the purpose of determining equalization aid for school districts. (FE) | Under current law, a school district[s shared cost is one of the factors used to calculate a school district[s equalization aid. Generally, under current law, a school district[s shared cost is the sum of the school district[s expenditures from its general fund and its debt service fund. Under this bill, expenditures from either a school district[s general fund or debt service fund that are authorized by 1) an operating referendum held after the date on which this bill becomes law to exceed the school district[s revenue limit by more than $50,000,000 or 2) a capital referendum held after the date on which this bill becomes law to borrow more than $50,000,000 are excluded from the school district[s shared cost, unless the school district was a negative tertiary school district in the previous school year. A school district is a negative tertiary school district if its equalized valuation exceeds the tertiary guaranteed valuation per member. LRB-1974/1 KMS:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 61 For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB18 | Changes to the educational assessment program and the school and school district accountability report. (FE) | Under current law, the Department of Public Instruction is required to annually publish a school and school district accountability report, commonly known as school and school district report cards, for the previous school year. To measure school performance and school district improvement for purposes of the report cards, particularly measures related to pupil achievement in reading and math, DPI uses data derived from pupil performance on assessments administered in the previous school year, including assessments commonly referred to as the Wisconsin Student Assessment System, which includes the Wisconsin Forward Exam, PreACT, the ACT with Writing, and Dynamic Learning Maps. Under the bill, beginning with report cards published for the school year in which the bill becomes law, for the index system to identify school and school district performance and improvement, also known as the accountability rating categories, DPI must use the same cut scores, score ranges, and corresponding qualitative descriptions that DPI used for report cards published in the 2019-20 LRB-0976/4 FFK:cjs&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 18 school year. In addition, beginning with the WSAS administered in the school year in which the bill becomes law, DPI must do the following: 1. For the Wisconsin Forward exam in English Language Arts and Mathematics, align cut scores, score ranges, and pupil performance categories to the cut scores, score ranges, and pupil performance categories set by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. 2. For the PreACT and ACT with Writing in English, Reading, and Mathematics, use the same cut scores, score ranges, and pupil performance categories that DPI used for the same assessments administered in the 2021-22 school year. The bill specifically requires DPI to use the terms Xbelow basic,Y Xbasic,Y Xproficient,Y and XadvancedY for pupil performance categories on these assessments. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB15 | Increased penalties for crimes against adults at risk; restraining orders for adults at risk; freezing assets of a defendant charged with financial exploitation of an adult at risk; sexual assault of an adult at risk; and providing a penalty. | SEXUAL ASSAULT OF AN ADULT AT RISK Under this bill, any act of sexual misconduct that is currently a second degree sexual assault is a first degree sexual assault if the victim is an adult at risk. Under current law, if a person engages in any of the specified acts of sexual misconduct, he or she is guilty of a Class C felony. Under the bill, he or she is guilty of a Class B felony if the victim is an adult at risk, regardless of whether or not he or she knew the victim[s status as an adult at risk. FREEZING OF ASSETS Under current law, there is a procedure for a court to freeze or seize assets from a defendant who has been charged with a financial exploitation crime when the victim is an elder person. The procedure allows a court to freeze the funds, assets, or property of the defendant in an amount up to 100 percent of the alleged value of the property involved in the defendant[s pending criminal proceeding for purposes of preserving the property for future payment of restitution to the crime victim. This bill allows the court to apply the same procedure to freeze or seize assets when the crime victim an adult at risk. PHYSICAL ABUSE OF AN ADULT AT RISK Under current law, there is a set of penalties that apply to physical abuse of an elder person, which range from a Class I felony to a Class C felony depending on the severity of the conduct. This bill applies those same penalties to physical abuse of an adult at risk. INCREASED PENALTIES This bill allows a term of imprisonment that is imposed for a criminal conviction to be increased in length if the crime victim was an adult at risk. Under the bill, a maximum term of imprisonment of one year or less may be increased to two years; a maximum term of imprisonment of one to 10 years may be increased by up to four years; and a maximum term of imprisonment of more than 10 years may be increased by up to six years. Under the bill, the term of imprisonment may be lengthened irrespective of whether the defendant knew that the crime victim was an adult at risk. RESTRAINING ORDERS FOR AN ADULT AT RISK Under current law, a person seeking a domestic violence, individual-at-risk, or harassment restraining order must appear in person in the courtroom at a hearing to obtain a restraining order. This bill allows an adult at risk who is seeking a domestic violence, individual- at-risk, or harassment restraining order to appear in a court hearing by telephone or live audiovisual means. Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, LRB-0059/1 MJW:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 15 the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report. | In Committee |
| SB55 | Prohibiting the Department of Justice from using the legal services of nongovernmental employees. (FE) | This bill prohibits the Department of Justice from using the legal services of any person who is not a state employee or federal employee or agent to assist in the investigation or prosecution of any civil or criminal cause or matter unless DOJ uses a specific process under current law for contracting for legal services on a contingent fee basis or that person is a legal intern who earns no more than $10,000 annually from their internship employer. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AR5 | Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2025. | Relating to: celebrating Saint Patrick[s Day on March 17, 2025. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AB60 | Referendum questions for certain referenda that affect property taxes. (FE) | Under current law, a county, city, village, town, school district, or technical college district may exceed its property tax levy limit if the electors of that political subdivision or district approve the increase at a referendum. The ballot question must indicate the dollar amount of the increase in the levy limit. Under this bill, the ballot question must also provide a good faith estimate of the annual dollar amount difference in property taxes on a median-valued, single-family residence located in the political subdivision or district that would result from passage of the referendum. Also under current law, in certain cases when local governmental units authorize the issuance of bonds, the local governmental unit must adopt a resolution stating the purpose of the bonding and the maximum amounts of borrowing. The local governmental unit, in certain cases, is required or authorized to seek approval of the bonding authorization at a referendum. Among other things, the referendum question must contain a statement of the purpose for which bonds are to be issued and the maximum amount of the bonds to be issued. Under the bill, the question must also provide all of the following: 1. The estimated interest rate and amount of the interest accruing on the bonds. 2. Any fees that will be incurred if the bonds are defeased. 3. A good faith estimate of the dollar amount difference in property taxes on a median-valued, single-family residence located in the local governmental unit that would result from passage of the referendum. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | 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 |
| SB117 | Designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants. | This bill requires each school board, independent charter school, and private school participating in a parental choice program (educational institution) that operates or sponsors an interscholastic, intramural, or club athletic team or sport to designate the athletic team or sport based on the sex of the participating pupils. The bill defines XsexY as the sex determined at birth by a physician and reflected on the birth certificate. The bill also requires an educational institution to prohibit a male pupil from 1) participating on an athletic team or in an athletic sport designated for females and 2) using a locker room designated for females. Finally, the bill requires the educational institution to notify pupils and parents if an educational institution intends to change a designation for an athletic team or sport. CORRECTED COPY LRB-1553/2 FFK:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 117 | In Committee |
| SB116 | Designating University of Wisconsin and technical college sports and athletic teams based on the sex of the participants. | This bill requires each University of Wisconsin institution and technical college that operates or sponsors an intercollegiate or club athletic team or sport to designate the athletic team or sport as one of the following based on the sex of the participating students: 1) males or men; or 2) females or women. The bill defines XsexY as the sex determined by a physician at birth and reflected on the birth certificate. The bill also requires a UW institution or technical college to prohibit 1) a male student from participating on an athletic team or in a sport designated for females, and 2) a male student from using locker rooms designated for females. | In Committee |
| AB56 | Requiring the display of the national motto in public schools and on public buildings. (FE) | This bill requires, within 6 months of the effective date of the bill, that each public building in this state display the national motto, XIn God We Trust,Y in a location that is visible to the public if the building is open to the public, and in a location where notices for employees are regularly posted if it is a building that is not open to the public. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the bill also requires that the national motto, XIn God We Trust,Y be displayed in each public school classroom, including charter school classrooms. Under current law, each school board and governing body of a private school must display the U.S. flag in the schoolroom or from a flagstaff on the school grounds during the school hours of each school day. Under the bill, the required displays in both public buildings and public schools must 1) be at least 11 inches by 14 inches, 2) be on a poster, in a framed document, or inscribed on a wall, and 3) be presented in English in a legible font. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB29 | Impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses. | Under this bill, in addition to the penalties available under current law for the following offenses, the vehicle used in the offense may be immediately impounded and remain impounded for 90 days or, for a violation occurring on a highway under the jurisdiction of a political subdivision, a shorter period established by the political subdivision: 1. Operating a vehicle without a license, with certain exceptions, or with a revoked operating privilege. 2. Speeding at a rate higher than 25 miles per hour above the speed limit. 3. Fleeing from a law enforcement officer. 4. Racing on a highway. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB83 | Governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device. | Under this bill, no state agency and no local governmental unit may restrict 1) the use or sale of a motor vehicle on the basis of the energy source used to power the motor vehicle, including use for propulsion or use for powering other functions of the motor vehicle, or 2) the use or sale of any other device on the basis of the energy source that is used to power the device or that is consumed by the device. | In Committee |
| SB79 | A disclaimer of parental rights and payments allowed in connection with an adoption. | This bill provides a method by which a mother, father, or alleged or presumed father may disclaim his or her parental rights with respect to a child under the age of one who is not an Indian child in writing as an alternative to appearing in court to consent to the termination of his or her parental rights. The bill also allows payments to be made to a licensed out-of-state private child placing agency for services provided in connection with an adoption. Disclaimer of parental rights Subject to certain exceptions, current law generally requires a birth parent to appear in court to consent to the termination of his or her parental rights. This bill adds an exception that allows a mother, father, or alleged or presumed father to avoid appearing in court if he or she files with the court an affidavit disclaiming his or her parental rights with respect to a child under the age of one and if no participant in the court proceeding knows or has reason to know that the child is an Indian child. A minor may use such an affidavit of disclaimer only after the TPR LRB-0053/1 EHS:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 79 petition has been filed, he or she has been offered legal counseling, and he or she has been appointed a guardian ad litem and only if the guardian ad litem approves the disclaimer. The affidavit must comply with certain requirements, including that it must be witnessed and notarized and must include a statement that the parent understands the effect of an order to terminate parental rights and that he or she voluntarily disclaims any rights that he or she may have to the child. The bill requires the court to review the affidavit and make findings on whether it meets all of the requirements. Under the bill, the affidavit containing a disclaimer of parental rights may be executed before the birth of the child by the father or alleged or presumed father but not the mother and may be executed by either parent 120 hours or more after the birth until the child[s first birthday; however, the affidavit may not be executed by either parent from birth until 120 hours after the birth or on or after the child[s first birthday. Under the bill, if executed by the father or alleged or presumed father before the child[s birth, the disclaimer is revokable for any reason until 72 hours after execution or 120 hours after the birth, whichever is later. If executed by the mother, the disclaimer is revocable for any reason until 72 hours after execution. If not revoked by the applicable time limit, the disclaimer is irrevocable unless obtained by fraud or duress. Under the bill, no action to invalidate a disclaimer, including an action based on fraud or duress, may be commenced more than three months after the affidavit was executed. If parental rights to a child are terminated based upon such a disclaimer of parental rights, the bill prohibits a court from entering an order granting adoption of the child until three months have passed since the affidavit was executed. The bill requires the agency making the placement of the child for adoption, whether the agency is the Department of Children and Families, the county department of human services or social services, or a licensed child welfare agency, to offer both counseling and legal counseling to the person disclaiming his or her parental rights, at the agency[s expense, prior to execution of the affidavit. The person must acknowledge in the affidavit that he or she has been offered these counseling and legal counseling sessions and whether or not he or she accepted them. Payments relating to adoption This bill allows payments to be made to an out-of-state private child placing agency that is licensed in the state in which it operates for services provided in connection with an adoption and, where applicable, in compliance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, as certified to DCF. Under the bill, a private child placing agency means a private corporation, agency, foundation, institution, or charitable organization, or any private person or attorney, that facilitates, causes, or is involved in the placement of a child from one state to another state. Current law LRB-0053/1 EHS:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 79 allows payments for such services only to a child welfare agency licensed in this state. | In Committee |
| SB82 | Governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device. | Under this bill, no state agency and no local governmental unit may restrict 1) the use or sale of a motor vehicle on the basis of the energy source used to power the motor vehicle, including use for propulsion or use for powering other functions of the motor vehicle, or 2) the use or sale of any other device on the basis of the energy source that is used to power the device or that is consumed by the device. | In Committee |
| SB75 | Venue for actions in which there is a governmental party. | This bill provides that when certain governmental parties are parties to or intervene in an action filed in a county in which there is a first or second class city, any party to the action may seek to have the clerk of the circuit court in which the case has been filed assign venue at random. Under the bill, a governmental party means 1) the legislature, either house of the legislature, or a committee of the legislature or of either house of the legislature, or any member of the legislature acting in his or her official capacity; 2) the elections commission or the ethics commission, or any commissioner thereof, acting in his or her official capacity; or 3) if acting in his or her official capacity, the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, or superintendent of public instruction, a secretary or deputy secretary of a department, a commissioner or deputy commissioner of an independent agency, the president or vice president of the United States, or any U.S. senator or representative in Congress from this state. The bill provides that if an action is filed in a county in which there is a first or second class city and a governmental party is a party to the action, including as an intervenor, any party to the action has the option to elect random venue LRB-1911/1 SWB:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 75 assignment. A plaintiff seeking to exercise the option for random venue assignment must file a notice not later than five days after the summons and complaint are filed. If the party seeking to exercise the option for random venue assignment is not the plaintiff, that party must file notice not later than five days after the service of a summons and complaint upon that party. In an action in which a governmental party files a motion to intervene, the notice must be filed not later than five days after that governmental party[s motion to intervene is granted. Under the bill, upon receipt of a notice from a party seeking random venue assignment, the clerk of the circuit court in which the case is filed must select a circuit at random, excluding the circuit in which the case was originally filed, and then assign the selected circuit as the venue for the case. The clerk of courts for the county where the action was initially filed must notify the clerk of courts for the county where the action is assigned of the venue assignment. The court to which the action is assigned must then issue an order to notify the parties of the venue assignment. If a case is assigned under the provisions of the bill, no party may seek to exercise the random venue assignment option again in the case, and neither a court, acting on its own, nor any party or intervenor may move for any subsequent change of venue. | In Committee |
| SB53 | Requiring the display of the national motto in public schools and on public buildings. (FE) | This bill requires, within 6 months of the effective date of the bill, that each public building in this state display the national motto, XIn God We Trust,Y in a location that is visible to the public if the building is open to the public, and in a location where notices for employees are regularly posted if it is a building that is not open to the public. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the bill also requires that the national motto, XIn God We Trust,Y be displayed in each public school classroom, including charter school classrooms. Under current law, each school board and governing body of a private school must display the U.S. flag in the schoolroom or from a flagstaff on the school grounds during the school hours of each school day. Under the bill, the required displays in both public buildings and public schools must 1) be at least 11 inches by 14 inches, 2) be on a poster, in a framed document, or inscribed on a wall, and 3) be presented in English in a legible font. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-1631/1 FFK & MIM:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 53 | In Committee |
| AB67 | Venue for actions in which there is a governmental party. | This bill provides that when certain governmental parties are parties to or intervene in an action filed in a county in which there is a first or second class city, any party to the action may seek to have the clerk of the circuit court in which the case has been filed assign venue at random. Under the bill, a governmental party means 1) the legislature, either house of the legislature, or a committee of the legislature or of either house of the legislature, or any member of the legislature acting in his or her official capacity; 2) the elections commission or the ethics commission, or any commissioner thereof, acting in his or her official capacity; or 3) if acting in his or her official capacity, the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, or superintendent of public instruction, a secretary or deputy secretary of a department, a commissioner or deputy commissioner of an independent agency, the president or vice president of the United States, or any U.S. senator or representative in Congress from this state. The bill provides that if an action is filed in a county in which there is a first or second class city and a governmental party is a party to the action, including as an intervenor, any party to the action has the option to elect random venue assignment. A plaintiff seeking to exercise the option for random venue assignment must file a notice not later than five days after the summons and complaint are filed. If the party seeking to exercise the option for random venue assignment is not the plaintiff, that party must file notice not later than five days after the service of a summons and complaint upon that party. In an action in which a governmental party files a motion to intervene, the notice must be filed not later than five days after that governmental party[s motion to intervene is granted. Under the bill, upon receipt of a notice from a party seeking random venue assignment, the clerk of the circuit court in which the case is filed must select a circuit at random, excluding the circuit in which the case was originally filed, and then assign the selected circuit as the venue for the case. The clerk of courts for the county where the action was initially filed must notify the clerk of courts for the county where the action is assigned of the venue assignment. The court to which the action is assigned must then issue an order to notify the parties of the venue assignment. If a case is assigned under the provisions of the bill, no party may seek to exercise the random venue assignment option again in the case, and neither a court, acting on its own, nor any party or intervenor may move for any subsequent change of venue. | In Committee |
| AB70 | A disclaimer of parental rights and payments allowed in connection with an adoption. | This bill provides a method by which a mother, father, or alleged or presumed father may disclaim his or her parental rights with respect to a child under the age of one who is not an Indian child in writing as an alternative to appearing in court to consent to the termination of his or her parental rights. The bill also allows payments to be made to a licensed out-of-state private child placing agency for services provided in connection with an adoption. Disclaimer of parental rights Subject to certain exceptions, current law generally requires a birth parent to appear in court to consent to the termination of his or her parental rights. This bill adds an exception that allows a mother, father, or alleged or presumed father to avoid appearing in court if he or she files with the court an affidavit disclaiming his or her parental rights with respect to a child under the age of one and if no participant in the court proceeding knows or has reason to know that the child is an Indian child. A minor may use such an affidavit of disclaimer only after the TPR petition has been filed, he or she has been offered legal counseling, and he or she has been appointed a guardian ad litem and only if the guardian ad litem approves the disclaimer. The affidavit must comply with certain requirements, including that it must be witnessed and notarized and must include a statement that the parent understands the effect of an order to terminate parental rights and that he or she voluntarily disclaims any rights that he or she may have to the child. The bill requires the court to review the affidavit and make findings on whether it meets all of the requirements. Under the bill, the affidavit containing a disclaimer of parental rights may be executed before the birth of the child by the father or alleged or presumed father but not the mother and may be executed by either parent 120 hours or more after the birth until the child[s first birthday; however, the affidavit may not be executed by either parent from birth until 120 hours after the birth or on or after the child[s first birthday. Under the bill, if executed by the father or alleged or presumed father before the child[s birth, the disclaimer is revokable for any reason until 72 hours after execution or 120 hours after the birth, whichever is later. If executed by the mother, the disclaimer is revocable for any reason until 72 hours after execution. If not revoked by the applicable time limit, the disclaimer is irrevocable unless obtained by fraud or duress. Under the bill, no action to invalidate a disclaimer, including an action based on fraud or duress, may be commenced more than three months after the affidavit was executed. If parental rights to a child are terminated based upon such a disclaimer of parental rights, the bill prohibits a court from entering an order granting adoption of the child until three months have passed since the affidavit was executed. The bill requires the agency making the placement of the child for adoption, whether the agency is the Department of Children and Families, the county department of human services or social services, or a licensed child welfare agency, to offer both counseling and legal counseling to the person disclaiming his or her parental rights, at the agency[s expense, prior to execution of the affidavit. The person must acknowledge in the affidavit that he or she has been offered these counseling and legal counseling sessions and whether or not he or she accepted them. Payments relating to adoption This bill allows payments to be made to an out-of-state private child placing agency that is licensed in the state in which it operates for services provided in connection with an adoption and, where applicable, in compliance with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, as certified to DCF. Under the bill, a private child placing agency means a private corporation, agency, foundation, institution, or charitable organization, or any private person or attorney, that facilitates, causes, or is involved in the placement of a child from one state to another state. Current law allows payments for such services only to a child welfare agency licensed in this state. | In Committee |
| AB55 | Possession of a firearm on school grounds by school employees and fees for licenses to carry a concealed weapon. (FE) | Both federal law and state law prohibit a person from possessing a firearm on the grounds of a school. Federal and state law provide several identical exceptions to the prohibition, such as for law enforcement and for persons in accordance with a contract between the person and the school. Federal law provides another exception for a person who is licensed to possess a firearm by the state if the state requires a background check to ensure the person is qualified for the license. Since the Department of Justice requires a background check before it issues a person a license to carry a concealed weapon, a licensee is allowed under federal law to possess a firearm on the grounds of a school. State law, however, does not provide an identical exception, so a licensee is prohibited under state law from possessing a firearm on the grounds of a school. This bill creates a state exception that is similar to the federal exception. Under the bill, a person who has a license issued by DOJ may possess a firearm on the grounds of a school if the person is employed by the school and the school board or governing entity has adopted a policy that allows employees who are licensees to possess a firearm. Under current law, a person who applies to DOJ for a license to carry a concealed weapon must pay an application fee and a person who is renewing a license must pay a renewal fee. DOJ must set the fee amount on the basis of the cost it incurs in licensing, but the fee can be no more than $37 for an initial license and $12 for a license renewal. In addition, the person must pay for a background check for each initial application and renewal application; that fee amount is currently $10. The bill waives the initial application fee, renewal fee, and background check fee for teachers who apply for a license. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB30 | Required instruction in civics in the elementary and high school grades, high school graduation requirements, and private school educational program criteria. (FE) | Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, this bill requires school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program to include in their respective curricula instruction in civics that includes the following topics and pupil development goals: 1. An understanding of pupils[ shared rights and responsibilities as residents of this state and the United States and of the founding principles of the United States. 2. A sense of civic pride and desire to participate regularly with government at the local, state, and federal levels. 3. An understanding of the process for effectively advocating before governmental bodies and officials. 4. An understanding of the civic-minded expectations of an upright and LRB-1842/1 FFK:wlj&cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 30 desirable citizenry that recognizes and accepts responsibility for preserving and defending the benefits of liberty inherited from previous generations and secured by the U.S. Constitution. 5. Knowledge of other nations[ governing philosophies, including communism, socialism, and totalitarianism, and an understanding of how those philosophies compare with the philosophy and principles of freedom and representative democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States. The bill also requires school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program to annually report to the Department of Public Instruction regarding how they are meeting the civics instruction requirement created under the bill. DPI must then compile the information and submit it to the legislature. Finally, under current law, a school board may grant a high school diploma to a pupil only if the pupil meets specific statutory requirements, including earning a certain number of credits in various subjects in the high school grades and passing a civics test comprised of questions that are identical to those that are asked as part of the process of applying for U.S. citizenship. Currently, a pupil must earn at least three credits of social studies, including state and local government. The bill specifies that the social studies credits also must include one-half credit of civics instruction. This graduation requirement first applies to pupils who graduate in the 2030-31 school year. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| AB3 | Incorporating cursive writing into the state model English language arts standards and requiring cursive writing in elementary grades. (FE) | This bill requires the state superintendent of public instruction to incorporate cursive writing into the model academic standards for English language arts. The bill also requires all school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program to include cursive writing in its respective curriculum for the elementary grades. Specifically, each elementary school curriculum must include the objective that pupils be able to write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| AB4 | Required instruction in civics in the elementary and high school grades, high school graduation requirements, and private school educational program criteria. (FE) | Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, this bill requires school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program to include in their respective curricula instruction in civics that includes the following topics and pupil development goals: 1. An understanding of pupils’ shared rights and responsibilities as residents of this state and the United States and of the founding principles of the United States. 2. A sense of civic pride and desire to participate regularly with government at the local, state, and federal levels. 3. An understanding of the process for effectively advocating before governmental bodies and officials. 4. An understanding of the civic-minded expectations of an upright and desirable citizenry that recognizes and accepts responsibility for preserving and defending the benefits of liberty inherited from previous generations and secured by the U.S. Constitution. 5. Knowledge of other nations’ governing philosophies, including communism, socialism, and totalitarianism, and an understanding of how those philosophies compare with the philosophy and principles of freedom and representative democracy essential to the founding principles of the United States. The bill also requires school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program to annually report to the Department of Public Instruction regarding how they are meeting the civics instruction requirement created under the bill. DPI must then compile the information and submit it to the legislature. Finally, under current law, a school board may grant a high school diploma to a pupil only if the pupil meets specific statutory requirements, including earning a certain number of credits in various subjects in the high school grades and passing a civics test comprised of questions that are identical to those that are asked as part of the process of applying for U.S. citizenship. Currently, a pupil must earn at least three credits of social studies, including state and local government. The bill specifies that the social studies credits also must include one-half credit of civics instruction. This graduation requirement first applies to pupils who graduate in the 2030-31 school year. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | Crossed Over |
| SB16 | Participation in interscholastic athletics and application of the public records and open meetings laws to interscholastic athletic associations. | This bill prohibits a school district from being a member of an interscholastic athletic association unless the association elects to be governed by the state[s public records and open meetings laws. An interscholastic athletic association that elects to be governed by the public records and open meetings laws is subject to those laws. Under the bill, an interscholastic athletic association can be either a nonprofit, unincorporated association or a nonstock, nonprofit corporation if the unincorporated association or corporation coordinates athletic events or contests for students enrolled in grades 9 to 12 in public schools. The bill includes exceptions for records of an interscholastic athletic association pertaining to individual referees or individual pupils. | In Committee |
| SB13 | Incorporating cursive writing into the state model English language arts standards and requiring cursive writing in elementary grades. (FE) | This bill requires the state superintendent of public instruction to incorporate cursive writing into the model academic standards for English language arts. The bill also requires all school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program to include cursive writing in its respective curriculum for the elementary grades. Specifically, each elementary school curriculum must include the objective that pupils be able to write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. | In Committee |
| SB40 | Flags flown, hung, or displayed from a flagpole or the exterior of state and local buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule. | This bill prohibits, with certain exceptions, any flag other than the U.S. flag and the flag of the state of Wisconsin from being flown, hung, or displayed from a flagpole or the exterior of any state office building or facility, including the state capitol, or from any local government building or school building. The bill also repeals an administrative rule that includes a similar requirement but authorizes the governor to direct otherwise. | In Committee |
| SJR9 | Honoring the life and public service of Justice David T. Prosser Jr. | Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Justice David T. Prosser Jr. | In Committee |
| SB3 | Requiring local approval for certain wind and solar projects before Public Service Commission approval. | Current law prohibits a person from beginning construction of a large electric generating facility (LEGF) unless the Public Service Commission grants a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for the proposed facility. An LEGF is defined as a facility with a nominal operating capacity of 100 megawatts or more. In addition, a public utility may not engage in certain construction, expansion, or other projects unless PSC grants a certificate of authority (CA) for the proposed project. The bill defines a “solar project” and “wind project” as an area of land on which, respectively, solar photovoltaic panels or devices used for collecting wind energy, along with any associated equipment and facilities, are installed in order to generate electricity and which altogether is designed for nominal operation at a capacity of 15 megawatts or more. Under this bill, before PSC may approve a CA or a CPCN for the construction of a solar project or wind project, the person seeking the certificate must seek approval from each city, village, and town in which the solar project or wind project LRB-0775/1 SWB&EHS:emw&cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 3 is to be located. The bill requires a city, village, or town to approve or disapprove a proposed solar project or wind project by adopting a resolution to that effect no later than 90 days after receiving a request for such approval. If the city, village, or town fails to act within that time period, the project is considered approved. The bill allows this deadline to be extended for certain reasons. Current law limits the authority of political subdivisions to regulate solar and wind energy systems, allowing political subdivisions to impose restrictions only if they meet certain conditions. The bill provides that those limitations do not apply to the approval or disapproval of a solar project or a wind project by a city, town, or village. Current law also imposes procedures for political subdivisions that receive applications for approval relating to wind energy systems. Those procedures do not apply to approval or disapproval of a wind project under the bill. Under the bill, PSC may not issue a CPCN or CA for a solar project or wind project unless each city, village, and town in which the project is proposed to be located has adopted a resolution approving the project. | In Committee |
| AB7 | Requiring local approval for certain wind and solar projects before Public Service Commission approval. | Current law prohibits a person from beginning construction of a large electric generating facility (LEGF) unless the Public Service Commission grants a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) for the proposed facility. An LEGF is defined as a facility with a nominal operating capacity of 100 megawatts or more. In addition, a public utility may not engage in certain construction, expansion, or other projects unless PSC grants a certificate of authority (CA) for the proposed project. The bill defines a Xsolar projectY and Xwind projectY as an area of land on which, respectively, solar photovoltaic panels or devices used for collecting wind energy, along with any associated equipment and facilities, are installed in order to generate electricity and which altogether is designed for nominal operation at a capacity of 15 megawatts or more. Under this bill, before PSC may approve a CA or a CPCN for the construction of a solar project or wind project, the person seeking the certificate must seek approval from each city, village, and town in which the solar project or wind project is to be located. The bill requires a city, village, or town to approve or disapprove a proposed solar project or wind project by adopting a resolution to that effect no later than 90 days after receiving a request for such approval. If the city, village, or town fails to act within that time period, the project is considered approved. The bill allows this deadline to be extended for certain reasons. Current law limits the authority of political subdivisions to regulate solar and wind energy systems, allowing political subdivisions to impose restrictions only if they meet certain conditions. The bill provides that those limitations do not apply to the approval or disapproval of a solar project or a wind project by a city, town, or village. Current law also imposes procedures for political subdivisions that receive applications for approval relating to wind energy systems. Those procedures do not apply to approval or disapproval of a wind project under the bill. Under the bill, PSC may not issue a CPCN or CA for a solar project or wind project unless each city, village, and town in which the project is proposed to be located has adopted a resolution approving the project. | In Committee |
| AB19 | Increased penalties for crimes against adults at risk; restraining orders for adults at risk; freezing assets of a defendant charged with financial exploitation of an adult at risk; sexual assault of an adult at risk; and providing a penalty. | SEXUAL ASSAULT OF AN ADULT AT RISK Under this bill, any act of sexual misconduct that is currently a second degree sexual assault is a first degree sexual assault if the victim is an adult at risk. Under current law, if a person engages in any of the specified acts of sexual misconduct, he or she is guilty of a Class C felony. Under the bill, he or she is guilty of a Class B felony if the victim is an adult at risk, regardless of whether or not he or she knew the victim[s status as an adult at risk. FREEZING OF ASSETS Under current law, there is a procedure for a court to freeze or seize assets from a defendant who has been charged with a financial exploitation crime when the victim is an elder person. The procedure allows a court to freeze the funds, assets, or property of the defendant in an amount up to 100 percent of the alleged value of the property involved in the defendant[s pending criminal proceeding for purposes of preserving the property for future payment of restitution to the crime victim. This bill allows the court to apply the same procedure to freeze or seize assets when the crime victim an adult at risk. PHYSICAL ABUSE OF AN ADULT AT RISK Under current law, there is a set of penalties that apply to physical abuse of an elder person, which range from a Class I felony to a Class C felony depending on the severity of the conduct. This bill applies those same penalties to physical abuse of an adult at risk. INCREASED PENALTIES This bill allows a term of imprisonment that is imposed for a criminal conviction to be increased in length if the crime victim was an adult at risk. Under the bill, a maximum term of imprisonment of one year or less may be increased to two years; a maximum term of imprisonment of one to 10 years may be increased by up to four years; and a maximum term of imprisonment of more than 10 years may be increased by up to six years. Under the bill, the term of imprisonment may be lengthened irrespective of whether the defendant knew that the crime victim was an adult at risk. RESTRAINING ORDERS FOR AN ADULT AT RISK Under current law, a person seeking a domestic violence, individual-at-risk, or harassment restraining order must appear in person in the courtroom at a hearing to obtain a restraining order. This bill allows an adult at risk who is seeking a domestic violence, individual- at-risk, or harassment restraining order to appear in a court hearing by telephone or live audiovisual means. 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. | 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 |
| SJR4 | The freedom to gather in places of worship during a state of emergency (second consideration). | To amend section 18 of article I of the constitution; Relating to: the freedom to gather in places of worship during a state of emergency (second consideration). | 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 |
| AJR1 | Requiring photographic identification to vote in any election (second consideration). | To create section 1m of article III of the constitution; Relating to: requiring photographic identification to vote in any election (second consideration). | In Committee |
| Bill | Bill Name | Motion | Vote Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 24 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 23 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 22 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 21 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 20 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 19 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 18 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 17 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 16 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 15 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 14 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 13 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 12 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 11 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 10 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 9 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 8 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 7 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 6 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 5 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 4 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 3 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 2 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB50 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 1 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 laid on table | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| SB45 | State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in | 07/02/2025 | Yea |
| AB17 | Creating an employee ownership conversion costs tax credit, a deduction for capital gains from the transfer of a business to employee ownership, and an employee ownership education and outreach program. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 06/24/2025 | Yea |
| AB63 | Financing the operating costs and certain out-of-state projects of nonprofit institutions and compensation of employees of the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 06/24/2025 | Yea |
| SB108 | Sharing minors’ safety plans. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 1 laid on table | 06/24/2025 | Yea |
| SB108 | Sharing minors’ safety plans. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 laid on table | 06/24/2025 | Yea |
| SB106 | Psychiatric residential treatment facilities, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 1 laid on table | 06/24/2025 | Yea |
| SB106 | Psychiatric residential treatment facilities, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. | Assembly: Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 laid on table | 06/24/2025 | Yea |
| SB283 | Public protective services hearing protection assistance. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 1 laid on table | 06/24/2025 | Yea |
| SB283 | Public protective services hearing protection assistance. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 laid on table | 06/24/2025 | Yea |
| AB279 | Talent recruitment grants. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Amendment 1 laid on table | 06/24/2025 | Yea |
| AB279 | Talent recruitment grants. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 laid on table | 06/24/2025 | Yea |
| AJR50 | Recognizing the United States Army’s 250th birthday. | Assembly: Adopted | 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) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 06/18/2025 | 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) | Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in | 05/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB23 | Establishment of a Palliative Care Council. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 05/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB43 | Permitting pharmacists to prescribe certain contraceptives, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 05/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB137 | Maximum life and allocation period for Tax Incremental District Number 9 in the village of DeForest and the total value of taxable property that may be included in tax incremental financing districts created in the village of DeForest. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 05/13/2025 | Yea |
| 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) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 05/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB73 | Statutory recognition of specialized treatment court and commercial court dockets. | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 04/22/2025 | Yea |
| AB164 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and federal Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment grants. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 04/22/2025 | Yea |
| AB165 | Local guaranteed income programs. | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 04/22/2025 | Yea |
| AB166 | Academic and career planning services provided to pupils and requiring the reporting of certain data on college student costs and outcomes. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 04/22/2025 | Yea |
| AB162 | Workforce metrics. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 04/22/2025 | Yea |
| AB168 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 04/22/2025 | Yea |
| AB169 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 04/22/2025 | Yea |
| AB167 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and requiring approval by the Joint Committee on Finance of certain federally authorized unemployment benefits. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 04/22/2025 | Yea |
| AB102 | Designating University of Wisconsin and technical college sports and athletic teams based on the sex of the participants. | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/20/2025 | Yea |
| AB100 | Designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants. | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/20/2025 | Yea |
| AB103 | School board policies related to changing a pupil’s legal name and pronouns. | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/20/2025 | Yea |
| AB104 | Prohibiting gender transition medical intervention for individuals under 18 years of age. | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/20/2025 | Yea |
| AB105 | The distribution of certain material on the Internet. | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/20/2025 | Yea |
| AB24 | County sheriff assistance with certain federal immigration functions. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 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) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 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) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 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) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/18/2025 | Yea |
| AB14 | The suspension of a rule of the Elections Commission. | Assembly: Referred to Campaigns and Elections | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB15 | The suspension of a rule of the Elections Commission. | Assembly: Referred to Campaigns and Elections | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB16 | Repealing an administrative rule of the Department of Natural Resources related to the possession of firearms. | Assembly: Referred to Environment | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB13 | The suspension of a rule of the Elections Commission. | Assembly: Referred to Campaigns and Elections | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB66 | Dismissing or amending certain criminal charges and deferred prosecution agreements for certain crimes. | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB66 | Dismissing or amending certain criminal charges and deferred prosecution agreements for certain crimes. | Assembly: Decision of the Chair upheld | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB75 | Department of Justice collection and reporting of certain criminal case data. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB85 | Recommendation to revoke extended supervision, parole, or probation if a person is charged with a crime. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB85 | Recommendation to revoke extended supervision, parole, or probation if a person is charged with a crime. (FE) | Assembly: Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 laid on table | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB89 | Theft crimes and providing a penalty. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB91 | The requirement that first class cities and first class city school districts place school resource officers in schools. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB91 | The requirement that first class cities and first class city school districts place school resource officers in schools. (FE) | Assembly: Decision of the Chair upheld | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| 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) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 03/13/2025 | Yea |
| AB1 | Changes to the educational assessment program and the school and school district accountability report. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 02/19/2025 | Yea |
| AB5 | Requiring school boards to make textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials available for inspection by school district residents. | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 02/19/2025 | Yea |
| AB3 | Incorporating cursive writing into the state model English language arts standards and requiring cursive writing in elementary grades. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 02/19/2025 | Yea |
| AB4 | Required instruction in civics in the elementary and high school grades, high school graduation requirements, and private school educational program criteria. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 02/19/2025 | Yea |
| AB4 | Required instruction in civics in the elementary and high school grades, high school graduation requirements, and private school educational program criteria. (FE) | Assembly: Decision of the Chair upheld | 02/19/2025 | Yea |
| AB2 | Requiring school boards to adopt policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time. | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 02/19/2025 | Yea |
| AB6 | Requiring a school board to spend at least 70 percent of its operating expenditures on direct classroom expenditures and annual pay increases for school administrators. (FE) | Assembly: Read a third time and passed | 02/19/2025 | Yea |
| AB6 | Requiring a school board to spend at least 70 percent of its operating expenditures on direct classroom expenditures and annual pay increases for school administrators. (FE) | Assembly: Decision of the Chair upheld | 02/19/2025 | Yea |
| SJR2 | Requiring photographic identification to vote in any election (second consideration). | Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in | 01/14/2025 | Yea |
| AR1 | Notifying the senate and the governor that the 2025-2026 assembly is organized. | Assembly: Adopted | 01/06/2025 | Yea |
| SJR1 | The session schedule for the 2025-2026 biennial session period. | Assembly: Concurred in | 01/06/2025 | Yea |
| AR2 | Establishing the assembly committee structure and names for the 2025-2026 legislative session. | Assembly: Adopted | 01/06/2025 | Yea |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WI | Wisconsin Assembly District 24 | Assembly | Republican | In Office | 01/06/2025 | |
| WI | Wisconsin Senate District 08 | Senate | Republican | Out of Office | 05/03/2023 | 01/07/2025 |
| WI | District 24 | House | Republican | Out of Office | 01/05/2009 | 01/16/2024 |