SB 463 would repeal Section 104.001 of the statutes, which currently allows local governments (like cities or counties) to establish their own minimum wage rates higher than the state minimum. This bill directly affects local jurisdictions that have enacted or plan to enact higher local minimum wage ordinances. The key mechanism is the removal of this statutory provision, effectively preventing cities or counties from setting their own minimum wage rates above the state level. If passed, it would eliminate the legal basis for local minimum wage ordinances across the state.
SB 454 creates a new income tax subtraction for Wisconsin taxpayers who earn qualified overtime compensation, directly affecting workers receiving overtime pay that meets federal tax definitions. It allows individuals to subtract up to $12,500 (or $25,000 for joint filers) of qualifying overtime income from their taxable income each year. The benefit phases out for higher earners: for single filers, the subtraction decreases by $100 for every $1,000 their modified federal adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000, and for joint filers, the threshold is $300,000. The bill specifies that "qualified overtime" excludes tips and aligns with federal definitions under the Internal Revenue Code.
SB 407 creates a grant program to fund Rogers Behavioral Health's new integrated mental health facility in the Chippewa Valley. The bill requires Rogers to submit detailed certification plans for all service levels (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care) to meet state licensing requirements before receiving funds. It also mandates that the facility accept Medical Assistance recipients (Wisconsin's Medicaid program), admit involuntary patients within two years, and provide annual reports to the Department of Health Services for five years. This bill directly affects Rogers Behavioral Health and mental health patients in the Chippewa Valley region seeking comprehensive care.
SB 65 clarifies legal terminology for vehicle impoundment in reckless driving cases by changing "citation" to "citation charge" in the law and adding "or making an arrest" to the arrest process. It does not alter penalties, enforcement procedures, or eligibility for impoundment. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers issuing citations and drivers cited for reckless driving under current impoundment rules. This is a procedural adjustment to existing legal language, not a substantive policy change.
SB 131 defines "driving miles" as the actual road distance required to travel between locations, replacing vague distance measurements in family law. It updates multiple statutes to require this specific calculation when determining if a parent relocating more than 100 miles with a child needs court approval or notice. The bill directly affects parents seeking to move with a child beyond 100 driving miles of the other parent, clarifying the distance standard for relocation requirements under existing custody and placement laws.
SB 530 removes restrictions that previously limited Wisconsin counties from holding advisory referendums on most issues. It amends statute 59.52(25) to eliminate the exception requiring specific approval for advisory votes, except for those about capital expenditures funded by property taxes, and repeals the related statute 66.0144. This change directly affects county boards, allowing them to seek voter input on a broader range of local policy matters through non-binding advisory votes. The bill makes no changes to binding referendums or voting outcomes, only expanding the scope of advisory input available to local governments.
SB 77 amends Wisconsin statute 943.10(1m) to criminalize intentionally entering a place without consent when intending to commit theft or specific battery-related offenses (under statutes 940.19 or 940.195). It classifies this as a Class F felony, directly affecting individuals who enter premises unlawfully with such criminal intent. The key provision raises the penalty for these specific acts by defining them as a felony rather than a lesser offense. This change applies to locations like homes, businesses, or vehicles where entry occurs without permission for the purpose of committing theft or battery. The bill focuses solely on the legal penalty structure, not broader policy impacts.
AB 558 bans "warrior-style training" for law enforcement officers in the state, directly affecting law enforcement agencies, officers, and training organizations. The bill prohibits agencies from providing, arranging, reimbursing, or contracting for such training - defined as any program that dehumanizes individuals or encourages aggressive conduct that increases the likelihood of deadly force. It specifically exempts aikido training, allowing agencies to provide or reimburse for it. The law amends state statutes to enforce these restrictions on training content and funding.
SB 27 requires all state agency employees to perform their regular work duties at the agency's physical office during scheduled work hours, beginning July 1, 2025. This applies to employees of state agencies, including the University of Wisconsin System, legislature, courts, and other public bodies listed in the bill. Exceptions include telehealth services and work that was already performed off-site before March 1, 2020. The bill does not affect remote work arrangements established prior to the pandemic or certain health-related duties.
SB 29 requires all school boards to adopt written policies prohibiting student use of wireless communication devices (like cell phones and tablets) during instructional time. School boards must submit these policies to the Department of Justice and Legislative Council by October 1, 2026, and annually thereafter. The bill mandates that school boards provide each enrolled student with a copy of the policy and allows districts to implement stricter rules than the minimum requirements. It directly affects public school students and administrators by establishing clear, consistent device-use rules across school districts. The policy changes focus on creating standardized guidelines for device use during class, not on enforcement methods or student consequences.
SB 151 requires employers to respond in writing to unemployment insurance agencies' requests about benefit claims within 12 business days. It directly affects employers who receive unemployment claims filed against them, giving them a clear deadline to provide information on eligibility disputes. The bill also clarifies that agencies may directly seek information from employees about their eligibility, employment, or wages. This change streamlines the process for verifying claims by setting a specific timeframe for employer responses, starting for claims filed after the bill's effective date.
SJR 86 is a ceremonial resolution that commemorates the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary on October 13, 2025, marking the date the Continental Congress authorized the first naval vessels in 1775. The resolution recognizes the Navy's historical service and legacy, with specific acknowledgment of Wisconsin's naval contributions, including shipbuilding history and vessels named after the state. It does not create new laws or affect any policies or groups - it is purely symbolic. The Wisconsin Legislature formally resolves to celebrate this milestone.
