Wisconsin Bills

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 258: Relating to: license eligibility and restriction extensions relating to ignition interlock devices.

AB 258 modifies Wisconsin's license restrictions for drivers required to use ignition interlock devices after DUI convictions. It extends license revocation periods by 180 days for specific violations detected by the device, including three or more violations within 60 days, tampering, or unauthorized removal. The bill also creates a process for drivers to dispute violations using documentation (e.g., device malfunctions) and requires electronic reporting from interlock providers to the department. This directly affects individuals subject to ignition interlock orders under existing DUI-related license restrictions.

Barbara Dittrich (R) Dan Knodl (R) Dave Murphy (R) Rick Gundrum (R) John Spiros (R)

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 383: Relating to: price transparency in hospitals, restricting certain debt collection actions against patients, and providing a penalty. (FE)

SB 383 requires hospitals to publish clear pricing information for "shoppable services" (like surgeries and imaging) in a machine-readable format, including standard charges, negotiated rates with insurers, and discounted cash prices. This applies to all hospitals not specifically exempted (e.g., psychiatric or correctional facilities) and aims to help patients compare costs before receiving care. The bill also includes restrictions on certain aggressive debt collection practices against patients and establishes penalties for noncompliance with transparency requirements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 219: Relating to: limitations on ownership of real property in this state by foreign persons. (FE)

SB 219 limits foreign-owned entities from owning more than 50 acres of agricultural land in the state, targeting corporations, trusts, or partnerships with over 25% foreign ownership. It also prohibits foreign-owned entities from owning real property within 10 miles of military installations, with exceptions for inheritance, treaty rights, and agricultural research leases. Owners exceeding these limits must sell excess land within three years, and violations result in land forfeiture to the state. The bill affects foreign investors, corporations, and trusts holding agricultural land or property near military bases, aiming to restrict foreign control of sensitive land uses.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 141: Relating to: provisional social worker certificates and licenses.

AB 141 creates a temporary "provisional" pathway for social work licensure in Wisconsin, directly affecting individuals who have taken but not passed the required national social work exam. It allows these applicants to obtain a provisional certificate or license (valid for 36 months) while completing supervised practice, requiring 37.5 hours of supervision (including 25 hours of in-person one-on-one) over their first 2,000 hours of practice. The bill specifies that provisional credentials cannot be renewed and transition to full certification only after verified completion of supervised practice and meeting other requirements under Section 457.08(6). This change streamlines the process for entry-level social workers to gain practical experience while working toward full licensure.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 140: Relating to: provisional social worker certificates and licenses.

SB 140 creates a provisional certification pathway for social workers who haven’t passed the national licensing exam. It allows individuals to obtain a temporary certificate (valid for 36 months) after applying, paying fees, and passing a state law exam, enabling them to practice under supervision while completing required training. The bill requires 37.5 hours of supervised practice (including 25 hours of in-person one-on-one supervision) within the first 2,000 hours of practice, with no renewal option for provisional status. This directly affects new social work professionals seeking licensure after failing the national exam, streamlining their transition to full certification upon completing supervision. The bill modifies existing statutes to establish these provisional requirements and their conversion to permanent credentials.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 360: Relating to: small law enforcement agency grant pilot program. (FE)

AB 360 creates a grant program to help small law enforcement agencies (those with 25 or fewer full-time officers) address staffing shortages. Agencies can apply for grants to cover costs of preparatory training for future officers and up to six months of on-the-job training for new recruits, provided they have high vacancy rates (20%+) or upcoming retirements. Recipients must commit to working at the agency for one year after training, and agencies may exclude new recruits from staffing maintenance requirements for six months. The program runs for 18 months after all funds are distributed, with repayment required if commitments aren't met.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 318: Relating to: small law enforcement agency grant pilot program. (FE)

SB 318 creates a temporary pilot program to provide training grants to small law enforcement agencies (those employing 25 or fewer full-time equivalent officers). Agencies qualify if they face imminent retirements, have 20%+ vacancies, or need to train new officers. Grants cover preparatory training for future officers and up to six months of on-the-job training costs for new recruits. Recipients must commit to working at the agency for one year after training, with repayment required if they leave early; the program ends 18 months after all funds are distributed.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 218: Relating to: limitations on ownership of real property in this state by foreign persons. (FE)

AB 218 limits foreign ownership of agricultural land in the state to 50 acres (down from 640 acres), affecting foreign corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trusts with over 25% foreign ownership. It also prohibits foreign entities from owning real property within 10 miles of military installations, with limited exceptions for inheritances, treaty rights, or debt collection. The bill requires entities exceeding these limits to divest or forfeit land within 3 years, and mandates reporting for exceptions. These changes apply to land acquired after the bill’s effective date, not retroactively.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 334: Relating to: requiring bicycle and pedestrian facilities in highway projects and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

AB 334 requires state highway departments to include bicycle and pedestrian facilities in all new highway projects funded by state or federal money (such as those under statutes §20.395 or §20.866). The bill mandates this unless specific exceptions apply, such as if facility costs exceed 20% of the total project cost, if the location is too constrained, if there's no demonstrated need (e.g., low population/traffic), or if a community refuses to maintain the facilities. It grants the transportation secretary authority to review and approve such exceptions on a case-by-case basis. This directly affects state highway projects and transportation planning decisions across the state.

Topics ✓ Transportation

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 343: Relating to: requiring bicycle and pedestrian facilities in highway projects and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

SB 343 requires state highway departments to include bike paths and pedestrian pathways in all new highway construction or reconstruction projects funded by state or federal money. It creates specific exceptions allowing projects to skip these features only if the cost exceeds 20% of the total project budget, if they would cause excessive harm in a tight space, if there's no community need, or if a local community refuses to maintain them. The bill directs the state transportation department to create rules defining these exceptions, with a requirement for a senior official to review cost-based exceptions. This policy directly affects state highway planning and project developers working with state or federal funds.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 390: Relating to: correction bill for 2025 Wisconsin Act 15 and making an appropriation.

SB 390 adds a $6 fee for new vehicle registration plates (excluding replacements) effective October 1, 2025, on top of existing registration fees. This affects all vehicle owners purchasing new plates, as the fee applies to all new plate issuances starting that date. The bill also increases a $2.6 million appropriation for Wisconsin's public protective services hearing protection program under section 85.65. These changes correct and clarify provisions in 2025 Wisconsin Act 15 related to vehicle registration fees.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 382: Relating to: requirements for children born alive following abortion or attempted abortion and providing a penalty.

AB 382 requires health care providers to provide the same medical care to a child born alive during or after an abortion or attempted abortion as they would to any other newborn at that gestational age, including immediate hospital transport. It mandates reporting failures to comply with these requirements to law enforcement and imposes a Class H felony penalty for violations (excluding prosecution of the mother). The bill also allows affected individuals to sue for civil damages equal to three times the abortion cost plus emotional distress, while guaranteeing confidentiality for the woman involved and prohibiting contracts from being used as a defense in such lawsuits. This legislation directly affects abortion providers and hospitals performing such procedures, focusing on post-procedure medical obligations rather than restricting abortion access.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results