SB 469 creates a voluntary program allowing individuals to prohibit themselves from purchasing handguns by submitting forms to the Department of Justice. Participants can choose a 1-year (irrevocable), 5-year (first year irrevocable), or 20-year (first year irrevocable) prohibition period. The Department verifies requests, maintains a database of participants, and requires firearms dealers to check this database during background checks. If a person is listed, dealers receive a nonapproval number without disclosure of the reason; otherwise, they get an approval number. The program is funded with $150,000 annually for administration.
SB 477 creates a statewide suicide prevention program within the Department of Health Services, allocating $250,000 annually for its implementation. The program requires public awareness campaigns, training for law enforcement, healthcare providers, school staff, and others who interact with at-risk individuals, and coordination with community groups and crisis services. It mandates county-level advisory groups, enhanced crisis services, and annual reports to the legislature detailing program activities. The bill directly affects state agencies, community organizations, and professionals working with vulnerable populations like youth, rural residents, and Native Americans.
SB 177 updates tax credit eligibility for businesses that clean and provide specific items to commercial or government clients. It creates new industry codes (7213 for linen supply, 7218 for industrial laundries) and clarifies that uniforms, linens, protective workwear, and cleaning supplies qualify for the manufacturing/agriculture tax credit when sold or leased to businesses. The changes apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2025. This bill directly affects laundry businesses serving hospitals, restaurants, and other large organizations that provide these specific items.
SB 507 repeals two sections of state law (108.04 (2) (h) and 108.04 (12) (f)) that previously prevented Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients from receiving unemployment insurance benefits simultaneously. This change would allow individuals receiving SSDI to also qualify for unemployment benefits during periods of job loss. The bill removes the existing legal barrier, enabling these recipients to access both forms of financial support concurrently. It takes effect for unemployment weeks beginning the first Sunday after the bill is published.
SB 446 creates a state grant program to fund immigration-related civil legal services for individuals and families, allocating $300,000 for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The Department of Administration will award grants to community-based organizations (including for-profit groups) that provide such services without regard to a client's immigration status, requiring applicants to have a history of offering these services. The bill also amends county funding rules to allow local governments to provide broader civil legal services to individuals and families through separate county grants, which are not limited to immigration matters.
AB 480 requires most employers to include a salary range (minimum and maximum) and details about benefits like health insurance or retirement plans in all public job postings. Employers must also retain these posting records for two years and allow department or employee review. Penalties include $300-$600 for small businesses (under 50 employees) and $1,000-$2,000 for larger businesses for repeated violations. Third parties (e.g., staffing agencies) posting jobs on behalf of employers must follow the same rules.
AJR 88 is a commemorative resolution recognizing November 10, 2025, as the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. The resolution honors the 29 crew members who died when the ship sank during a storm on Lake Superior on November 10, 1975, including eight Wisconsin residents. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it solely serves to formally acknowledge this historical event and the ongoing impact on families. The resolution was introduced by multiple Wisconsin legislators and referred to committee for consideration.
AB 484 modifies requirements for concealed carry license applicants and renewals in this state. It allows applicants to use copies of previous licenses (from this state, another state, or a local jurisdiction) as proof of training, instead of requiring separate documentation. The bill also mandates specific training topics for renewals, including live ammunition practice, firearm safety and storage, suicide prevention, and de-escalation techniques. License holders must submit proof of completing such training when renewing their licenses.
AB 479 reduces costs for individuals seeking trade licenses by creating a funding mechanism to offset fees for third-party-administered examinations. It allocates $181,900 annually (for 2025-26 and 2026-27) from the General Purpose Revenue fund to lower exam costs required for occupations like electricians or plumbers. The bill directly affects license applicants who must pay these third-party exams, as the funding lowers their out-of-pocket expenses. This is a straightforward appropriation bill with no new regulatory requirements, solely focused on reducing financial barriers for license seekers.
SB 468 reduces costs for trade license applicants by appropriating $181,900 annually to offset fees for third-party-administered examinations required for occupational licenses (e.g., plumbing, electrical work). It directly affects individuals seeking state-licensed trades by lowering their examination expenses through state funding. The bill creates a new statute section (20.165 (2) (b)) authorizing this cost reduction using General Purpose Revenue (GPR) funds. This change applies specifically to exams administered by external providers, not state-run tests.
AJR 100 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 2025 as "Vaccine Injury Awareness Month" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws, programs, or funding; instead, it formally acknowledges the national observance to raise awareness about vaccine-related injuries and support affected individuals and families. The resolution highlights the use of a black ribbon symbol for this awareness month and notes concerns about incomplete vaccine information in medical settings. This is a procedural recognition by the Wisconsin Legislature with no direct policy or regulatory changes.
SB 487 modifies training requirements for concealed carry license applicants and renewers in this state. It expands acceptable proof of training to include out-of-state licenses that document required training, and adds new mandatory training components like suicide prevention, de-escalation techniques, and firearm safety storage practices. The bill requires applicants to submit proof of continuing training (including specific topics like live-fire practice and de-escalation) when renewing licenses. These changes apply to all new applications or renewals submitted on the bill's effective date.
