AB 673 Wisconsin Assembly · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Relating to: banning the use of genetic software from foreign adversaries in medical and research facilities, the storage of any human genome sequencing data within the borders of a foreign adversary, and providing a penalty. (FE)

AB 673 bans medical and research facilities receiving state or federal funds from using genetic software or sequencers developed by foreign adversaries (as defined by federal regulations). It also prohibits storing human genome data of state residents in foreign adversary countries, with exceptions for certain clinical trials. The law applies to facilities, companies, and nonprofits handling genetic data, requiring them to keep such data inaccessible to foreign adversaries. Violations carry a $10,000 penalty per offense, enforced by the state Attorney General.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status vetoed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Nov 2025

Committee Review

Feb 2026

Assembly Passage

Jan 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

Vetoed

Mar 2026

Introduced Nov 19, 2025 Vetoed Mar 27, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Bill Text → Text as Enrolled · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was finalized into law with specific definitions and enforcement details added. The most significant change is the explicit inclusion of six specific countries (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela) in the definition of a 'foreign adversary,' replacing a vague reference to a federal list. Additionally, the penalty for violations was clarified to apply to both prohibited device usage and data storage, and the data storage exemption was updated to reference specific federal regulations.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed and clarified by explicitly listing specific countries as foreign adversaries rather than relying solely on a federal list, and the applicability of the data storage exemption was tied to specific federal regulations.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'foreign adversary' was changed from a reference to a federal list to an explicit list of six specific countries: China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela.

A new exemption was added for human genome data collected in clinical trials or biomedical research studies that comply with specific federal regulations (28 CFR Part 202).

ENFORCEMENT

The penalty section was clarified to explicitly state that the $10,000 forfeiture applies to violations of both the device usage prohibition and the data storage prohibition.

TECHNICAL

Standard legal formatting elements, such as the official act title, publication date placeholders, and effective date clauses, were added to finalize the text as law.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 18, 2026 · Assembly Jan 22, 2026

How they voted

20–14

Passed

Total votes 34

Feb 18, 2026

D Democratic16

2 Yea 14 Nay

87% Nay

R Republican18

18 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 27, 2026

Vetoed

Report vetoed by the Governor on 3-27-2026

lower

Feb 18, 2026

Upper · Passed

Read a third time and concurred in, Ayes 20, Noes 13

upper

Feb 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2

upper

Feb 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report concurrence recommended by Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs, Ayes 3, Noes 2

upper

Jan 22, 2026

Lower · Passed

Read a third time and passed, Ayes 53, Noes 44

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Lower · Passed

Assembly Amendment 1 adopted

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Introduced

Point of order that Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 not germane under Assembly Rule 54 (3)(f) well taken

lower

Jan 22, 2026

Introduced

Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Representative McGuire

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Assembly Amendment 1 offered by Representative Moses

lower

Jan 20, 2026

Lower · Passed

Placed on calendar 1-22-2026 by Committee on Rules

lower

Jan 16, 2026

Committee

Referred to committee on Rules

lower

Jan 16, 2026

Lower · Passed

Report passage recommended by Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Ayes 10, Noes 5

lower

Nov 19, 2025

Introduced

Introduced by Representatives Moses, Dallman, Callahan, Kreibich, Kurtz, Piwowarczyk, Mursau, Neylon, Dittrich, Knodl, Green, Behnke and Brill; cosponsored by Senators Testin, Tomczyk, Jacque and Nass

lower

13 primary · 0 co-sponsors