AB 961 Wisconsin Assembly · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Relating to: warning labels for explicit content, creating an explicit content label warning surcharge, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE)

AB 961 requires distributors of explicit content (such as publishers and digital platforms) to display specific warning labels on all adult-oriented material. For print publications, labels must appear on the cover in 20-point bold Arial font; for digital content, labels must appear before access, remain visible for 10 seconds, and occupy two-thirds of the screen. The labels must include standardized language warning: "WARNING: This material contains explicit content that may be harmful or offensive. Viewer discretion is advised. Not intended for minors." Violations incur fines, with 50% of fines funding a state appropriation via a surcharge.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Assembly Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 29, 2026 Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes · Assembly Feb 19, 2026

How they voted

6034
Passed
Total votes 94
Feb 19, 2026
D Democratic41
7 Yea 34 Nay
82% Nay
R Republican53
53 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
30
Key actions
4
Committee
3
Amendments
8
Mar 23, 2026
Amended
Failed to concur in pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
upper
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read a third time and passed, Ayes 61, Noes 34
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Lower · Passed
Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 adopted
lower
Feb 19, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 offered by Representative Goeben
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 offered by Representative Goeben
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Amendment 3 offered by Representative Goeben
lower
Feb 12, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Representative Goeben
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Committee
Referred to committee on Rules
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Children and Families, Ayes 7, Noes 2
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Report Assembly Amendment 1 adoption recommended by Committee on Children and Families, Ayes 9, Noes 0
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Amendment 2 offered by Representative Billings
lower
Feb 10, 2026
Introduced
Assembly Amendment 1 offered by Representative Goeben
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Introduced
Introduced by Representatives Goeben, Brill, Dittrich, Billings, Sinicki, O'Connor, Kreibich, Piwowarczyk, Behnke, Udell, Armstrong, Fitzgerald, Emerson, Murphy, Knodl and Stubbs; cosponsored by Senators Jacque and Wall
lower
16 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors