SJR 4 Wisconsin Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Relating to: the freedom to gather in places of worship during a state of emergency (second consideration).

SJR 4 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect religious gatherings during emergencies. It would amend the state constitution to prohibit state or local governments from closing places of worship or banning gatherings there during a declared state of emergency, including public health crises. This directly affects religious organizations and government entities with emergency authority. The amendment requires voter approval in the November 2026 election, with the ballot question asking if the constitution should be changed to prevent closures of places of worship during emergencies. It is a proposed constitutional change, not a law.
Bill status failed 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 5, 2025 Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
7
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Amendments
1
Mar 23, 2026
Amended
Failed to adopt pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
upper
Jan 9, 2026
Upper · Passed
Report adoption recommended by Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs, Ayes 3, Noes 2
upper
Feb 5, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Senators Tomczyk, Nass, Bradley, Cabral-Guevara, Felzkowski, James, Kapenga and Quinn; cosponsored by Representatives Tusler, Green, Allen, Armstrong, Behnke, Brill, Brooks, Callahan, Dittrich, Donovan, Franklin, Goeben, Gundrum, Gustafson, Hurd, B. Jacobson, Knodl, Kreibich, Maxey, Murphy, Nedweski, O'Connor, Penterman, Piwowarczyk, Tittl and Wichgers
upper
8 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors