Wisconsin Bills

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 361: Relating to: eliminating criminal defenses of adequate provocation, self-defense, or not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect if the claim is based on the victim’s gender identity or sexual orientation.

AB 361 eliminates specific criminal defenses in cases where a defendant claims they acted due to the victim's gender identity or sexual orientation. The bill amends statutes to prevent defendants from using "adequate provocation," "self-defense," or "not guilty by reason of mental disease" as justifications if the claim relates to the victim's actual or perceived gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. This specifically blocks defenses in situations like when the victim made a romantic advance without force or when the defendant and victim dated. The law applies to offenses committed on its effective date and directly affects defendants in criminal cases involving these specific circumstances.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Karen Kirsch (D) Maureen McCarville (D) Alex Joers (D) Francesca Hong (D) Tara Johnson (D)

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 364: Relating to: a virtual reality technology pilot program for school districts. (FE)

AB 364 establishes a three-year pilot program to test virtual reality (VR) learning technology in three public school districts (one rural, one suburban, and one urban). The program requires a VR platform aligned with state math and science standards for grades 6-12, proven through third-party research to improve Algebra 1 outcomes and use 3D models to teach abstract concepts. The state education department will select districts via competitive bidding, fund at least 16,000 students to use the technology, and provide 3,200 VR headsets, along with teacher training and monthly progress reports to legislators. The pilot aims to evaluate if this VR approach enhances student engagement and learning in STEM fields.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 365: Relating to: local and private regulation of accessory dwelling units. (FE)

AB 365 requires cities, towns, and homeowners' associations to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - small secondary homes on existing properties - as a "permitted use" without special permits on eligible parcels. It prohibits local governments and HOAs from charging extra fees (beyond standard building permits), imposing stricter design rules than for main homes, requiring separate utilities or parking, or banning ADUs via deed restrictions. The bill permits size limits (capping ADUs at 75% of the main home's square footage on single-family parcels) but bans all other restrictive rules. It directly affects local zoning authorities, municipal ordinances, and HOA covenants governing residential properties.

Topics ✓ Housing

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 79: Relating to: recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month.

AJR 79 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month in Wisconsin. It formally acknowledges the state’s historical support for LGBTQ rights - including being the first to pass anti-discrimination laws in 1982 - and highlights ongoing community efforts, though it does not create new policies or affect specific groups. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal force or binding requirements.

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 73: Relating to: recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month.

SJR 73 is a symbolic resolution recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the state's history of LGBTQ equality efforts and the ongoing importance of Pride Month. The resolution highlights Wisconsin's 1982 anti-discrimination law, its LGBTQ legislative representation, and the significance of Pride Month for fostering inclusion. It has no direct impact on individuals or existing laws, as it is purely a ceremonial recognition.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 339: Relating to: aid for comprehensive school mental health services and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 339 creates a state-funded program to reimburse school districts and charter schools for comprehensive mental health services provided to students during school and after-school hours, starting in the 2025-26 school year. Eligible services include mental health literacy programs, parent training, community partnerships, mental health navigators, and telehealth setup costs, while excluding direct treatment services, insurance deductibles, and regular school operating expenses. The program allocates $83.8 million for each of the next two fiscal years, with reimbursement capped at either $100,000 per school or $100 per enrolled student. This funding aims to expand accessible mental health support within schools without requiring new taxes or fees.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 271: Relating to: right to bodily autonomy, elimination of certain abortion-related regulations, and coverage of abortion under certain health care coverage plans. (FE)

SB 271 establishes a fundamental right to abortion under Wisconsin law (253.094), stating individuals have the right to bodily autonomy and access abortion at any pregnancy stage if medically necessary. It mandates abortion coverage in all state health plans offering maternity care (40.51(9m)), repeals parental consent requirements for minors (46.245), and eliminates gestational age limits and "medical emergency" restrictions (253.107, 253.10). The bill directly affects patients seeking abortion care, healthcare providers, and insurers offering state-sponsored health plans. It removes existing regulatory barriers while requiring coverage for abortion services without new funding mandates.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 355: Relating to: right to bodily autonomy, elimination of certain abortion-related regulations, and coverage of abortion under certain health care coverage plans. (FE)

AB 355 removes specific restrictions on abortion access and requires certain health insurance plans to cover abortion care without cost-sharing. It directly affects patients seeking abortion services and health insurers offering coverage under specified plans. Key provisions eliminate mandatory waiting periods and counseling requirements, while mandating coverage for abortion services in state-regulated health insurance plans. This policy change aims to improve access by removing regulatory barriers and ensuring insurance coverage.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 376: Relating to: rehired annuitants. (FE)

AB 376 repeals key sections of Wisconsin retirement law that required retirees (annuitants) rehired by state agencies to suspend their retirement payments. Specifically, it removes provisions (40.26(1m), 40.26(5m), and 40.26(6)) that mandated annuity suspension when retirees returned to state employment. The bill also amends related statutes to clarify that rehired retirees no longer automatically trigger payment suspension under previous rules. This change directly affects state retirees who return to work for participating employers and the state agencies that employ them. The policy shift simplifies the process by eliminating the requirement to suspend retirement benefits upon rehiring.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 370: Relating to: crime victim notification cards. (FE)

AB 370 creates standardized crime victim notification cards to help victims stay informed about court proceedings involving offenders. The bill directs the Director of State Courts to design these free cards, which victims can fill out with their contact information and details about the inmate or probationer. County courts and victim-witness offices must provide the cards to victims, who can then send completed cards to the relevant court to receive updates. The bill also protects victims' mailing addresses in court records from public inspection under state law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 301: Relating to: rehired annuitants. (FE)

SB 301 revises Wisconsin's retirement rules for state retirees who return to work. It removes the previous requirement that rehired retirees must work a minimum percentage of full-time hours (one-third for those retired before July 1, 2011; two-thirds for others) to remain covered by the retirement system. Instead, the bill requires rehired retirees to file a written election to be included as participating employees, which triggers the suspension of their retirement annuity. The bill also repeals outdated provisions related to time limits for applying for retirement benefits after rehire.

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 372: Relating to: crime victim notification cards. (FE)

SB 372 creates standardized crime victim notification cards to help victims of crime stay informed about court proceedings involving offenders. The bill requires the director of state courts to design these cards, which victims can complete with their contact information and the offender's details, and send to the relevant court clerk. County courts and victim/witness offices must provide these cards at no cost to victims, and the law protects victim mailing addresses from public inspection under state law. This directly affects crime victims in Wisconsin who need to receive updates about offender sentencing or probation modifications.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill results