SB 332 prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of undetectable firearms (those not detectable by standard metal detectors or security scanners) and unmarked firearm frames/receivers (the core components of a gun). It creates new felony penalties: Class G for possessing undetectable firearms, Class H for sharing manufacturing plans, and Class I for possessing unmarked frames/receivers. The law applies to the general public but includes exemptions for law enforcement officers, military personnel, and licensed manufacturers acting within their official duties. This directly affects individuals who own or attempt to build such firearms, aiming to enhance public safety through stricter firearm tracking and detection requirements.
AB 261 requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to only employ surgical technologists who hold national certification from an accredited body or meet specific exceptions (like prior employment before 2028, military training, or federal service). It creates new certification standards, including mandatory completion of an accredited educational program and national certification, with a 24-month temporary employment window for those finishing education. The law excludes certain practices (like cardiac radiology or dental auxiliaries) from its requirements and takes effect January 1, 2028. This directly affects healthcare facilities hiring surgical technologists and the professionals seeking those roles.
SB 260 establishes certification requirements for surgical technologists working in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers. It mandates that individuals performing surgical technology tasks must either complete an accredited educational program and hold national certification, have been employed before December 31, 2027, or meet specific military or federal service criteria. The law includes a 24-month grace period for those completing education but not yet certified, and excludes cardiac radiology, dental auxiliaries, and optometry from these rules. The bill takes effect January 1, 2028, directly affecting healthcare facilities and surgical technologists seeking employment.
AB 332 requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks at intersections with traffic signals or when pedestrians have begun crossing on a green signal. It applies to all vehicles, including those turning, and affects pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of e-scooters or mobility devices. The bill clarifies that drivers must yield and remain stopped until the pedestrian or device has safely crossed, whether at signaled intersections or unmarked crosswalks. It also specifies that pedestrians may not suddenly enter a vehicle's path, and drivers must yield to all crossing users during turns on red signals.
AB 352 prohibits the release of certain balloons (like single-use helium balloons) into the atmosphere, directly affecting event organizers, balloon vendors, and anyone hosting public gatherings. The bill grants environmental agencies rule-making authority to define specific balloon types and exceptions (e.g., for medical or religious purposes), and establishes fines for violations. Key provisions include banning releases that could harm wildlife or contribute to litter, while allowing agencies to develop detailed implementation rules. The legislation aims to reduce environmental harm from balloon debris without specifying exact penalties or enforcement timelines.
SB 153 expands a grant program for counties and tribes to create treatment and diversion programs for individuals with substance use disorders or mental illness who are charged with or convicted of crimes related to these conditions. The bill requires programs to use evidence-based practices, integrate mental health services, include case management, and collaborate with courts, prosecutors, and treatment providers. It also modifies sentencing rules to exempt participants in approved programs from losing good time in jail. This bill directly affects individuals facing charges related to substance use or mental health, as well as local governments and service providers.
AB 435 restructures funding and governance for Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 conservation program. It establishes a new Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Board with specific member appointments (including assembly/senate representatives, environmental groups, tribal representatives, and outdoor recreation stakeholders) and creates two new grant programs: one for nonprofit conservation organizations ($5 million annually) and a tribal co-management program ($3 million annually). The bill also adjusts debt limits for the program and modifies how funds are allocated from the capital improvement fund to support state parks, local recreation, and boating facilities. This directly affects conservation organizations, tribal governments, local municipalities, and outdoor recreation businesses receiving program funding.
SB 447 requires schools, child care centers, and nursery schools to include clear written information about immunization waiver options in enrollment materials. Specifically, it mandates that these institutions inform families in writing about their right to seek waivers for health, religious, or personal conviction reasons when notifying them of immunization requirements. The bill also requires schools to provide a simple procedure for submitting waiver requests alongside required health forms during enrollment. This directly affects schools and childcare providers by changing their enrollment documentation, and it impacts parents or guardians who may seek waivers for their children.
SB 441 clarifies and expands access for election observers at all stages of voting, including recounts, absentee voting, and vote tabulation. It requires election officials to designate observation areas at least 3 feet but no more than 8 feet from voting tables and ensures uniform, nondiscriminatory access to all election processes. The bill also mandates that recounts be conducted publicly with observers allowed to view materials but not handle ballots. These changes directly affect election officials (clerks, inspectors, canvassers) and election observers, with violations carrying fines up to $1,000 or 90 days in jail.
SB 453 changes the earliest date nomination papers can be circulated for spring elections from December 1 to November 16. This adjustment applies to local elections in towns, villages, and counties, affecting candidates seeking office and election officials who manage nomination deadlines. The bill amends multiple statutes (including those governing nomination paper circulation, filing deadlines, and special election timing) to implement this November 16 start date. It does not alter voting requirements or eligibility but updates procedural election schedules. This is a technical timing change affecting local spring election processes.
SB 455 permanently revokes driving privileges for individuals with four or more convictions for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (DUI), with a 15-year gap between convictions allowing reinstatement. It prohibits applicants from obtaining an occupational license (for essential work driving) during the first 180 days after the permanent revocation takes effect. After 10 years of the revocation period, individuals may apply for full license reinstatement under separate procedures. The bill specifically targets repeat DUI offenders by tightening license eligibility rules without altering ignition interlock device requirements for those who previously held licenses.
AB 431 creates a "special motion to strike" process to quickly dismiss lawsuits that target individuals or groups for speaking out on public issues, such as criticizing government actions or participating in public debates. If a plaintiff sues for speech protected under free speech or petition rights, the defendant can file this motion; the court will dismiss the case unless the plaintiff proves they are likely to win. If the motion succeeds, the winning defendant typically recovers attorney fees, unless the motion was frivolous or delayed the case. This bill directly affects people engaging in public discourse, including activists, journalists, and community members, by making it harder for opponents to use lawsuits to silence them.
