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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SB 62 modifies how Wisconsin's Health and Educational Facilities Authority (WHEFA) finances projects for nonprofit institutions like hospitals, schools, and research organizations. It creates new provisions to fund working capital for operating expenses and expands WHEFA's ability to make loans for facility projects, requiring security arrangements like mortgages. The bill also allows WHEFA to fund out-of-state projects only if they include a substantial Wisconsin component, as determined by the authority. These changes directly affect participating nonprofit institutions by altering how they access financing for operations and facilities. The bill adjusts salary limits for WHEFA staff but focuses primarily on restructuring the authority's financing mechanisms.
AB 259 creates a new misdemeanor offense for entering or remaining on a campground without permission from the operator. It directly affects visitors who enter or stay on licensed campground property without consent. The law allows campground operators to issue written requests for individuals to leave, and failing to comply results in fines up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail. This bill specifically applies to campgrounds and camping resorts licensed under state law, clarifying that standard trespass laws do not cover campground occupants or guests.
AB 83 prohibits state and local governments from restricting the sale or use of motor vehicles based on their energy source (e.g., gasoline, electric, or hydrogen). It also extends this rule to other energy-powered devices, such as power tools or generators, if their significant functions rely on that energy source. The law explicitly allows government agencies to prioritize electric vehicles for their own fleets when purchasing. This ensures public policies do not discriminate against specific vehicle or device types based on energy use.
