AB 253 Wisconsin Assembly · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Relating to: independence accounts. (FE)

This bill creates "independence accounts" allowing individuals to save up to $15,000 annually from their gross earnings without that money counting toward Medicaid asset limits. It specifically excludes assets acquired through inheritance when determining eligibility for benefits. The department must seek federal approval to implement this change, though the program would take effect if federal authorities approve. The bill directly affects people applying for or receiving Medicaid benefits in the state.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Assembly Passage
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced May 8, 2025 Signed Apr 9, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
38
Key actions
8
Committee
5
Amendments
2
Apr 9, 2026
Signed into law
Report approved by the Governor on 4-8-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 225
lower
Mar 17, 2026
Upper · Passed
Read a third time and concurred in
upper
Mar 16, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
upper
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read a third time and passed
lower
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Assembly Amendment 1 adopted
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on calendar 1-20-2026 by Committee on Rules
lower
Sep 15, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee on Rules
lower
Sep 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care, Ayes 14, Noes 0
lower
Sep 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Report Assembly Amendment 1 adoption recommended by Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care, Ayes 14, Noes 0
lower
Aug 27, 2025
Introduced
Assembly Amendment 1 offered by Representative Brooks
lower
May 8, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Representatives Brooks, Kaufert, Allen, Knodl, Murphy, Mursau, Subeck, Wichgers and Behnke; cosponsored by Senators Jacque and Feyen
lower
9 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors