This bill establishes a state minimum wage that increases annually from 2026 through 2034, with lower rates for small employers defined as those with 50 or fewer employees. It allows local governments to enact their own minimum wage ordinances and grants the state department authority to set wages for specific job categories like agricultural workers, camp counselors, and tipped employees. The law also gives the department power to exempt certain workers, such as casual domestic helpers and student workers, from minimum wage requirements. Starting in 2031, the minimum wage will be adjusted each year based on changes in the consumer price index to account for inflation.
This bill updates Wisconsin's campaign finance laws by creating new definitions for mass communications, including mass distribution, mass electronic communication, and mass telephoning, each requiring at least 500 pieces of substantially identical material or messages. It modifies how coordinated expenditures are defined for express advocacy and mass communications, specifying that coordination occurs when a candidate or their party exercises control over or engages in substantial discussions regarding the content, timing, or other aspects of a communication. The legislation also establishes reporting requirements for coordinated mass communications made during the 60-day period before an election, requiring political committees to report expenditures and candidate committees to report them as contributions. These changes directly affect political action committees, independent expenditure committees, and candidates by clarifying what constitutes coordinated spending and how such spending must be reported under existing contribution limits and source restrictions.
This bill would remove state and local government restrictions on contracting with companies that boycott Israel, allowing public entities to award contracts without regard to such boycotts. It repeals specific statutes that previously prohibited state agencies from doing business with firms engaging in boycotts of Israel and amends procurement rules to eliminate related compliance requirements. The legislation directly affects state and local government purchasing decisions by eliminating legal barriers to contracting with companies involved in boycotts of Israel. This change would align state procurement practices with a more neutral stance on international business relationships, though the bill did not advance in the 2026 legislative session.
This bill requires hospitals in Wisconsin to offer free postpartum home visits to new mothers and their infants upon request, provided the birth occurred within the last 14 days. The visits can be conducted by trained doulas, licensed midwives, nurse-midwives, or other licensed healthcare providers and must be scheduled within 14 days of the request. Additionally, the bill mandates that state and local disability insurance plans and self-insured health plans covering maternity services must include coverage for these visits without any cost-sharing requirements. The bill also establishes definitions for postpartum home visits and specifies that hospitals cannot charge patients directly for these services.
This bill establishes rules to limit price markups on food and drinks sold at publicly funded stadiums in the state. It defines a stadium as a facility with at least 3,000 seats that receives public financial support, while excluding schools and charter schools from these requirements. The law prohibits stadium operators and concessionaires from charging more than the retail cost of items plus a 20 percent markup. Violations of these pricing limits would be classified as unfair trade practices under state law.
This bill establishes a state assistance program to help smaller municipalities, specifically 3rd and 4th class cities, villages, and towns, upgrade their water infrastructure to meet federal water quality standards. The program would provide up to 50 percent funding for approved construction projects and requires local governments to submit applications for consideration. The Department of Natural Resources would administer the program, set eligibility criteria, prioritize projects, and review project plans before releasing funds. The legislation also allocates $10 million in state funding for the program in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
This bill updates weight limit rules for vehicles carrying maple sap or syrup, allowing them to transport heavier loads on most state roads. It sets specific axle weight limits of 21,000 pounds per axle, 37,000 pounds for closely spaced dual axles, and up to 80,000 pounds total for multi-axle combinations. The exemption from these limits does not apply to vehicles using designated interstate highways. The legislation applies to vehicles moving maple sap or syrup from collection points to storage facilities or primary markets.
This bill establishes a 20 percent purchasing goal for state agencies and local governments to buy products and services from businesses with a principal place of business in Wisconsin. It requires state departments and purchasing agents to attempt to meet this target each fiscal year, while also ensuring the percentage does not fall below the previous year's level. The legislation mandates that agencies collect and publicly report data on vendor locations and evaluate their progress toward meeting these goals. Local governments are given the option to opt out of the reporting requirements through a formal resolution. The bill also defines "local products or services" and includes exemptions for commercial resale items and situations where foreign vendors face similar government purchasing restrictions.
This bill updates Wisconsin statutes to clarify how vacancies on county boards should be filled. It requires the board chairperson to publish a public notice inviting applications when a vacancy occurs, allowing qualified local residents to apply for the position. The bill also establishes rules for appointing interim board members or holding special elections depending on when the vacancy happens during the term. These changes affect county board members, their chairs, and residents seeking to serve on local governing bodies.
This bill defines "qualified applicants" for buyer identification cards as licensed motor vehicle dealers, wholesalers, salvage dealers, school districts, and their employees. The legislation clarifies that dealers licensed in other jurisdictions are also included in this definition. By amending the relevant statute, the bill establishes who is eligible to obtain these identification cards. The measure does not create new programs or change existing procedures beyond this definitional clarification.
This bill would require the University of Wisconsin System to delay the start of fall semester classes until after September 1, with exceptions for medical school, graduate health science, and fourth-year veterinary medicine students. The change is made by amending state statutes to set a specific date for when regular classes can begin. It directly affects students, faculty, and administrators at UW System institutions by establishing a uniform start date for the fall term. The legislation does not address funding, staffing, or curriculum changes, focusing solely on the timing of the academic calendar.
This Senate Joint Resolution honors the life and legacy of Anne Arnesen, a longtime advocate for children and families who passed away in January 2026. The resolution recognizes her contributions as a community leader, school board member, and activist who served in various roles including leading the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families for 22 years. It formally acknowledges her dedication to civil service, women's rights, and social justice through her work with multiple organizations and her years of public service. The bill is a commemorative measure intended to recognize her impact on Wisconsin rather than to change any laws or policies.
