AB 487 allows the ethics commission, elections commission, and specific joint committees to hold closed sessions to discuss information technology security issues affecting their jurisdictions. The bill requires these committees to later publish redacted summaries of their discussions, removing confidential or proprietary details. It also restricts access to sensitive IT security records, permitting disclosure only to the designated joint committees for oversight purposes. The law clarifies procedures for convening closed sessions and limits business conducted during them to only IT security matters. This creates new transparency requirements while protecting sensitive security information.
SB 536 clarifies that real estate brokers licensed under Wisconsin law can qualify for a sales tax exemption on memberships they purchase. The bill specifies that these memberships must allow brokers to share property listings and compensation offers with other brokers. This change directly affects licensed real estate brokers who use such memberships to collaborate on property sales. The exemption applies only when the membership agreement explicitly enables brokers to exchange listing information and payment terms with other brokers.
AB 420 requires all teacher preparatory programs in the state to include student teaching consisting of full days for a full semester (or equivalent), matching the cooperating school's schedule. It directly affects teacher training programs and applicants seeking teaching licenses, including those from out-of-state programs that must meet this same student teaching standard. The bill allows limited exceptions for calendar differences between institutions and schools, and specifies that the state superintendent must accept U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditations for program approval. The bill was referred to the Education Committee in November 2025 but was laid on the table without further action.
AB 524 raises the legal age for purchasing, selling, or possessing cigarettes, nicotine products, tobacco products, and electronic vaping devices from 18 to 21 years old. The bill prohibits retailers, vendors, and manufacturers from selling these products to anyone under 21, with limited exceptions for parental accompaniment or specific retail settings. It requires stores to display clear signage about the age restriction and mandates training for employees handling these products. The law applies directly to businesses selling tobacco, nicotine, or vaping products across the state, with penalties including fines for violations.
AB 252 requires Wisconsin child welfare agencies to notify the U.S. Department of Defense within 24 hours if they investigate child abuse or neglect involving a child or unborn child whose parent is in the military (active duty, reserves, or Wisconsin National Guard). This affects military-connected families in Wisconsin and child welfare agencies. The law limits the notice to only the child's or expectant mother's name, address, and the fact that an investigation has started - no additional details. It also reinforces confidentiality for all related reports and records, restricting disclosure to authorized personnel only.
AJR 110 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Wisconsin Legislature condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine, specifically targeting the abduction and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia. It declares these actions violate the Genocide Convention and constitute genocide, citing Russia's systematic efforts to separate children from families, facilitate forced adoptions, and re-educate them in occupied territories. The resolution formally holds the Russian government responsible for these acts, which it states aim to destroy Ukraine's cultural identity and future generations. As a joint resolution (not a law), it has no legal effect but serves as a formal statement of condemnation.
SB 497 establishes new rules for compensating owners when outdoor advertising signs are removed or relocated due to highway projects. It directly affects sign owners (including those with signs that don’t meet local rules) and property owners where signs are located. Key provisions require government agencies to provide full appraisals showing compensation amounts, mandate specific payments for the sign itself, loss of other signs, and the right to display signs, and clarify that repositioning signs doesn’t change their "nonconforming" status. The bill also sets appraisal standards (e.g., offers must be within 85-115% of the owner’s appraisal) and allows separate legal appeals for compensation disputes. This bill changes how compensation is calculated and paid for signs affected by transportation projects.
SB 160 designates a specific section of U.S. Highway 12 in Lake Delton, Sauk County, as the "Tom Diehl Memorial Highway." The bill requires the state department to officially mark this highway segment in honor of Tom Diehl. This is a ceremonial designation with no new policies or funding impacts, directly affecting only the road signage in that location. It does not alter traffic laws, funding, or regulations.
AB 9 allows representatives from specific federally chartered youth organizations (like those in U.S. Code titles 36, chapters 301, 309, 311, 709, or 803) to provide information to students on public school property. It requires school principals to schedule at least one designated time during the start of each school term for these organizations to share details about their educational and civic programs. The bill directly affects public schools (including charter schools) and students, with the goal of encouraging student participation in these youth organizations. It takes effect for the 2026-27 school year and does not alter existing school policies on other activities.
SB 451 requires school districts to obtain certification from the Department of Public Instruction that they have submitted all required financial reports before adopting resolutions to exceed revenue limits through bonds or budget adjustments. This applies to school boards seeking to raise funds beyond established limits for capital projects (bonds) or budget overages. The bill mandates that districts must be certified compliant with financial reporting requirements (under statutes 119.44(1), 120.08, 120.14, and 121.05) at least 14 days prior to adopting such resolutions. If districts adopt resolutions without this certification, both the resolution and any subsequent referendum would be void. The bill directly affects school districts planning to exceed revenue limits for capital projects or budget adjustments.
SB 599 allows municipal solid waste facilities that received loans under Wisconsin's clean water fund program (s. 281.58) to retain a portion of environmental repair fees collected from waste generators. Specifically, these facilities may keep fees equal to the total principal and interest owed on their loan while the loan remains in repayment. This provision modifies existing fee collection rules (statute 289.67) by creating an exception for facilities using clean water fund loans. The change directly affects municipal waste facilities that have borrowed for wastewater infrastructure, enabling them to offset loan repayment costs through retained fees. The bill does not alter general fee collection requirements for other facilities.
AB 550 requires food manufacturers selling packaged products in the state to include a prominent warning label on any item containing specific ingredients, such as certain artificial colors (e.g., FD&C Yellow No. 5), banned additives (like trans fats or titanium dioxide restricted in the EU), or chemicals listed in federal regulations. The label must state: "WARNING: This product contains an artificial color, chemical, or food additive that is banned in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom," and meet visibility standards. Manufacturers must also post this disclosure on websites for online sales. Violations incur fines of $100-$1,000 for first offenses (or up to 6 months in jail) and higher penalties for repeat violations. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
