AB 763 caps the annual percentage rate (APR) for most consumer loans at 36%, affecting licensed lenders regulated by the Department of Financial Institutions. It requires these lenders to report detailed data on high-rate loans, including the number of loans above 18% APR, repossession rates, and default outcomes. The bill also clarifies who qualifies as a lender to prevent evasion, such as disguising loans as property sales or leasebacks. These changes aim to increase transparency and limit excessive interest charges for borrowers.
SB 702 requires producers of covered batteries (like portable and medium-sized rechargeable batteries that can be easily removed) to fund and manage recycling programs through designated "battery stewardship organizations." Starting January 1, 2027, producers must mark batteries with their brand and, by January 1, 2029, include chemistry details for proper recycling. Consumers cannot dispose of covered batteries in regular trash after January 1, 2028, and must instead use designated collection sites. The bill excludes medical device batteries, lead-acid batteries, and certain alkaline batteries from these requirements.
SB 760 modifies Wisconsin's payday loan regulations to increase borrower protections. It requires lenders to verify a borrower's ability to repay before issuing a loan (Section 7) and caps total debt from all lenders at $1,500 or 35% of monthly income (Section 14). The bill prohibits loans maturing in under 90 days (Section 16g) and mandates clear disclosures about payment plans and interest costs (Section 5). These changes directly affect payday lenders and borrowers by restructuring loan terms, limiting debt accumulation, and requiring transparency in financing terms.
AB 764 reforms payday loan regulations in the state. It defines "payday loan" as short-term, unsecured loans with terms under six months and requires lenders to verify borrowers' repayment ability before issuing loans. The bill caps total debt from all lenders at $1,500 or 35% of a borrower's monthly income, bans loans with maturity dates under 90 days, and mandates that all loans use precomputed interest (interest calculated upfront). These changes directly affect payday lenders and borrowers by imposing new underwriting standards, debt limits, and loan term requirements.
SB 685 allocates specific annual funds for conservation programs under Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship 2000 program and major land acquisitions initiative. The bill creates four new funding streams: $5 million for department property development, $4 million for nonprofit land acquisition grants, $1 million for habitat restoration grants, and $2 million for local conservation assistance. These funds will be drawn from forestry activity revenues to support land conservation, habitat restoration, and local park development. The bill also specifies debt limits for the stewardship program, including a $1.046 billion cap for the program's funding.
SB 690 prohibits local governments from using eminent domain (condemnation) to acquire land specifically for recreational trails, bicycle ways, bicycle lanes, or pedestrian paths. The bill amends multiple statutes governing land acquisition for parks and recreation, explicitly adding that condemnation authority cannot be used for these trail-related purposes. This affects counties, cities, and park authorities that previously could use condemnation for such projects under existing laws. The key change is a clear restriction on eminent domain use for trail development, not a ban on trails themselves.
SB 693 creates a specific $200,000 grant from the environmental fund for the Town of Norway in Racine County to improve water quality. The bill appropriates this funding for water abatement projects and requires the Department of Natural Resources to award the grant by June 30, 2026. This is a targeted fiscal measure with no broader policy changes, directly benefiting Norway's local water management efforts. The existing statutory section for this grant is repealed effective July 1, 2027.
AB 708 extends the lifespan of tax incremental districts (TIDs) used for housing improvements by up to three years after a city pays off project costs. It directly affects cities that have established TIDs for housing development, allowing them to continue using tax increment financing beyond the district's original expiration. The bill requires cities to submit extension resolutions to the Department of Revenue and obtain joint review board approval for extensions longer than one year. This change aims to provide more flexibility for cities to complete housing projects without losing access to dedicated funding streams.
AB 703 allocates $200,000 from the environmental fund to the Town of Norway in Racine County for water pollution cleanup projects. The bill creates a new funding category (20.370 (6) (fx)) specifically for this grant, requiring the Department of Natural Resources to award it by June 30, 2026. This direct appropriation affects Norway's local water management efforts, using funds collected for nonpoint source pollution abatement. The bill repeals the prior funding mechanism for this purpose on July 1, 2027.
AB 748 exempts home producers of shelf-stable food products (like pickled fruits/vegetables and baked goods) from state licensing requirements, directly affecting small-scale home cooks and cottage food businesses. The bill creates a registration system requiring producers to register with the department, maintain liability insurance, and label products with their registration number, preparation date, and a "made in a private home" statement. It limits annual sales to under $40,000 and mandates specific labeling for allergens, while requiring inspections for producers with sales between $10,000-$40,000. Producers must sell directly to consumers (e.g., farmers' markets or home delivery) and comply with new safety labeling and insurance rules. The bill replaces prior licensing rules with this structured framework for home food sales.
AB 702 creates a new income tax credit for individuals incurring unreimbursed medical expenses related to in vitro fertilization (IVF), directly affecting those who pay for IVF consultations, procedures, or prescribed drugs out-of-pocket. The credit allows a maximum $5,000 annual reduction against state income tax for eligible individuals with adjusted gross income under $100,000 (single) or $200,000 (joint filers). It excludes expenses covered by insurance, travel, lodging, or health savings accounts, and prohibits claiming the same expenses under other tax provisions. The credit must be claimed using forms provided by the state tax department when filing annual returns.
AB 749 requires all public high schools to include instruction about organ and blood donation in at least one grade between 9 and 12. The law mandates that this instruction cover the purpose of donations, the statewide and nationwide need for them, and how students can participate. This applies to all high school curricula starting with the 2026-27 school year. The bill directly affects high school students and school districts by adding this specific health education requirement to their curriculum.
