Wisconsin Bills

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 166: Relating to: consumer data protection and providing a penalty. (FE)

SB 166 creates a new legal framework for consumer data protection by defining key terms like "personal data," "consent," "biometric data," and "dark patterns" in Wisconsin law. It directly affects businesses that collect personal data from Wisconsin residents (defined as individuals acting in personal, not commercial, contexts) by establishing standards for how they must handle such data. The bill’s key mechanism is setting clear definitions - such as requiring explicit consent for data processing, banning "dark patterns" that trick users, and excluding deidentified data or public records from coverage - to enable future enforcement. It does not yet impose new restrictions or penalties but provides the foundational definitions needed for implementing data protection rules.

Topics ✓ Technology

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 56: Relating to: congratulating Knights of Columbus Council 499 for achieving a century of compassionate commitment to service of the Church, their community, and their fellow man.

This is a ceremonial joint resolution (AJR 56) expressing legislative congratulations to Knights of Columbus Council 499 for completing 125 years of community service. It honors the council's history since 1900, including founding the first Knights of Columbus council in Wisconsin, and recognizes their ongoing volunteer work supporting local schools, disability services, and disaster relief. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is purely a formal expression of appreciation. The bill was introduced in 2025 but withdrawn from committee and laid on the table without further action.

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 285: Relating to: talent recruitment grants. (FE)

SB 285 creates a state grant program to incentivize households earning at least $55,000 annually to relocate from outside Wisconsin to participating municipalities. Municipalities, counties, or qualifying nonprofits can apply for grants to fund recruitment programs, with each receiving up to $500,000 annually. Grant funds are disbursed in two installments, tied to meeting specific household relocation goals outlined in the program plan. Recipients must report on outcomes like household income, costs, and economic impact, including tax revenue and spending changes. The program requires applicants to cover at least 20% of program costs and ensures funds target new residents relocating from outside the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 296: Relating to: enumeration of projects in the Authorized State Building Program, modifications to building program project budgets, selection of project architects and engineers, single prime contracting, agency cooperation with energy conservation contractors, timeline for claims before the Claims Board, and making a transfer to the state building trust fund. (FE)

SB 296 updates Wisconsin's state building program rules. It requires state agencies to list projects in the official building program (with a $2 million minimum cost threshold), mandates quarterly budget reports for cost overruns, and sets a 6-month deadline for resolving contractor claims involving state buildings. The bill also allows waivers for projects over $200 million, changes how architects/engineers are selected for larger projects, and encourages partnerships with energy service companies to improve facility efficiency. These changes directly affect state agencies, construction contractors, and energy providers managing public building projects.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 254: Relating to: regulation of the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company.

AB 254 amends statutes governing the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company’s regulation of water reservoirs. It defines "capital invested" as paid-in capital plus bond par value and sets rules for tolls charged to owners/operators of water power facilities on the Chippewa or Flambeau rivers that benefit from the reservoirs. Tolls must cover operational costs, taxes, depreciation, a 6% annual return on capital invested, and working capital, but cannot fund original reservoir construction. The bill requires semiannual toll adjustments based on benefits received and grants the state the right to take over the reservoirs at fair market value without compensating for business goodwill.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 293: Relating to: sunset of the community-oriented policing-house grant program.

AB 293 extends the expiration date of Wisconsin's community-oriented policing grant program from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027. This bill directly affects local law enforcement agencies that receive these grants, ensuring continued eligibility for funding through 2027. The key provision amends Wisconsin Act 19 to update the sunset date in the relevant statute. The change delays the program's termination by two years without altering its structure or funding levels.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 6: Relating to: recognizing that the Wisconsin State Legislature supports nuclear power and fusion energy as clean energy sources that are critical to safely meeting Wisconsin’s growing energy demands and declaring the legislature’s commitment to the continuation and expansion of nuclear power and nuclear technologies, the development of nuclear technologies and fusion energy, and employing the leadership and resources necessary to support the development of and investment in nuclear power, fusion energy, and related technologies in the state.

AJR 6 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature declaring support for nuclear and fusion energy as critical clean energy sources. It states the legislature's commitment to advancing nuclear power, fusion technology, and related innovations to meet energy demands, reduce carbon emissions, and create high-paying jobs - citing current nuclear plants powering 1.2 million homes and avoiding 6.4 million tons of carbon emissions annually. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally endorses expanding nuclear energy development. The bill was introduced in February 2025, referred to committees, and ultimately laid on the table in June 2025 without further action.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 17: Relating to: special circumstances battery to a community service officer and providing a penalty.

SB 17 amends Wisconsin law to make intentionally causing physical injury or threatening injury to a community service officer (or their family) a Class H felony under specific conditions. It directly affects community service officers by expanding protections to include them alongside judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers. The key provisions require that the perpetrator knew the victim's status as an officer or family member and that the act was in response to the officer's official duties. This bill creates a clearer legal standard for prosecuting threats or violence against community service officers during their work. The measure is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 26: Relating to: battery or threat to jurors and providing a penalty.

AB 26 corrects a misleading title and focuses on background check procedures, not juror protection. The bill requires agencies (like child welfare departments) to verify final court dispositions for certain serious crimes within 5 years by contacting courts, if background checks indicate potential violations. It specifically targets offenses including battery (e.g., sections 940.20, 940.202) and threats listed in statutes. This affects agencies conducting background checks for employment or services, ensuring they confirm pending or recent convictions before making decisions.

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 251: Relating to: cost-sharing caps on prescription drugs and medical supplies to treat asthma under health insurance policies and plans. (FE)

SB 251 requires specific health insurance plans - including those offered by state/local governments - to cover asthma prescription drugs and related medical supplies (like inhalers) without deductibles. It caps patient out-of-pocket costs at $25 per month for asthma medications and $50 per month for related supplies, preventing higher costs as treatment needs increase. This applies to limited service health organizations, preferred provider plans, and defined network plans covering asthma treatment. The bill takes effect for new policy years starting after its enactment, ensuring consistent affordability for covered asthma care.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 233: Relating to: grants to child advocacy centers. (FE)

AB 233 amends Wisconsin law to expand funding for child advocacy centers by adding two new recipients: the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center in Sheboygan County and a statewide "Child Advocacy Centers of Wisconsin" entity. It authorizes $17,000 annually per center for education, training, and quality assurance activities related to child maltreatment response. The bill directly affects existing centers (like those in Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Racine Counties) and the newly added entities by securing their grant funding from the Department of Justice’s existing appropriation. The policy change specifies concrete funding recipients and mechanisms without altering eligibility criteria for current centers.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 108: Relating to: a nuclear power siting study and time limits for taking final action on certain certificate of public convenience and necessity applications. (FE)

AB 108 requires the Public Service Commission to conduct a study identifying potential sites for nuclear power and fusion energy facilities, including advanced reactors, by a specific deadline. It also mandates that the Commission must make a final decision on applications for large nuclear facilities within 150 days of the application being deemed complete, or automatically approve the project. This directly affects applicants seeking permits for advanced nuclear power plants and the Commission's approval process. The bill aims to streamline approvals for new nuclear energy projects while establishing a formal study to identify suitable locations.

Topics ✓ Energy

Bill results