Wisconsin Bills

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 403: Relating to: requiring universal changing stations in certain buildings, creating a tax credit for installation of the stations, and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 403 requires certain buildings (like public facilities and commercial properties) to install universal changing stations for diaper changes or other needs. It creates a tax credit to help offset the cost of installing these stations for building owners or operators. The bill also includes state funding (an appropriation) to support the implementation of this requirement. This directly affects property owners in covered buildings by mandating new infrastructure while providing financial assistance through the tax credit.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

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

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 321: Relating to: prohibition against undetectable firearms, possessing a frame or receiver of a firearm without a serial number, and providing a penalty.

AB 321 prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of undetectable firearms - those not detectable by standard metal detectors or security scanners - and requires serial numbers on firearm frames or receivers. It directly affects individuals who own or handle such firearms or unmarked firearm components, with specific exemptions for law enforcement, military personnel, and pre-1968 firearms. Violations carry penalties of Class G felony (possession of undetectable firearms), Class H felony (possession of manufacturing plans), or Class I felony (unmarked frames/receivers). The law aims to enhance public safety by making firearms more detectable during security screenings.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 235: Relating to: workforce literacy grant program. (FE)

AB 235 establishes a state-funded grant program to support workforce literacy initiatives. It provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations located in the state that serve adult literacy programs across more than half of the state's counties. Grant funds can be used for workforce readiness training, GED exam preparation, digital literacy skills, and supporting other job-related literacy services. The bill is currently pending passage after a committee recommended approval with a 7-2 vote. This program directly affects nonprofits delivering statewide adult education services and aims to strengthen workforce skills through targeted funding.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 332: Relating to: prohibition against undetectable firearms, possessing a frame or receiver of a firearm without a serial number, and providing a penalty.

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 261: Relating to: certification of surgical technologists.

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.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 260: Relating to: certification of surgical technologists.

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.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 332: Relating to: requiring vehicles to stop for pedestrians at certain intersections and crosswalks.

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.

Topics ✓ Transportation

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 352: Relating to: limiting the release of certain balloons into the atmosphere, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.

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.

Topics ✓ Environment

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 153: Relating to: expanding the treatment alternatives and diversion programs. (FE)

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 435: Relating to: the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship 2000 program and making an appropriation. (FE)

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 447: Relating to: including information about immunization waivers in enrollment or admission materials for schools, child care centers, and nursery schools.

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.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 441: Relating to: election observers and providing a penalty.

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.

Bill results