Wisconsin Bills

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

AB 932: Relating to: fixing a cross-reference in a definition of “violent crime” and updating terminology to reflect changes in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (suggested as remedial language by the Department of Justice).

This bill (AB 932) corrects outdated references to the "Federal Bureau of Investigation" in Wisconsin's criminal code to match current federal terminology used by the FBI's reporting systems. It specifically updates the definition of "violent crime" in statutes related to sentencing and reporting, ensuring alignment with the FBI's "National Incident-Based Reporting System." The changes are purely technical - no new penalties or legal standards are created - and were suggested by the Department of Justice as remedial language. This is a procedural update to maintain consistency in legal references, not a substantive policy change.

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

AB 737: Relating to: financing certain infrastructure by special charge approved by a neighborhood improvement district.

AB 737 allows municipalities to establish neighborhood improvement districts that can impose special property charges to fund infrastructure directly related to residential development within those neighborhoods. Property owners in designated districts would pay these charges, which can be collected in installments over time and included in regular tax bills, rather than requiring delinquency. The bill requires districts to specify exactly which infrastructure projects the funds will support and how charges are calculated per parcel, while allowing exemptions from notice requirements if a single owner holds all properties in the district. This legislation affects local property owners and municipalities by creating a new mechanism for financing neighborhood-specific infrastructure improvements through targeted assessments.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 748: Relating to: sales tax exemption certificates for the sale of precious metal bullion. (FE)

SB 748 removes the requirement for sellers to obtain exemption certificates from buyers when selling precious metal bullion. This change directly affects retailers selling bullion and simplifies the sales process by eliminating an administrative step for transactions already exempt from sales tax under existing law. The bill amends tax statutes to clarify that no certificate is needed for these specific exempt sales, streamlining compliance without altering the tax status of bullion purchases.

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 78: Relating to: the distribution and labeling of fertilizers and soil or plant additives produced from manure. (FE)

SB 78 modifies labeling and testing rules for fertilizers and soil additives made from manure compost or vermicompost. It allows producers to use "typical analysis" (an average nutrient analysis) instead of the standard "guaranteed analysis" for claims about plant nutrients and beneficial substances on labels. The bill also exempts these compost-based products from a requirement that mixed fertilizers must contain at least 24% combined nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. This simplifies regulatory compliance for producers of compost-derived soil and plant products.

Topics ✗ Environment

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

AB 459: Relating to: county public works notice and competitive bidding thresholds. (FE)

AB 459 changes the minimum cost threshold for county public works projects that require competitive bidding. Currently, counties must use competitive bidding for projects over $50,000; this bill raises that threshold to $100,000. As a result, counties will no longer need to hold competitive bids for smaller public works projects between $50,000 and $100,000. The bill directly affects county governments by reducing administrative requirements for certain construction and service contracts.

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 576: Relating to: a property tax exemption for prefabricated recreational structures. (FE)

SB 576 creates a property tax exemption for specific prefabricated recreational structures used in licensed campgrounds. It defines these structures as prefabricated units designed to be towed, used primarily for temporary living (like camping or seasonal stays), and located on land not owned by the structure owner. The bill requires the state to reimburse municipalities starting in 2027 for property taxes collected on these structures for 2025 assessments, based on reports from local governments. This directly affects campground owners and renters of these temporary recreational structures, shifting tax responsibility from property owners to the state. The exemption applies to structures meeting the new definition in Section 70.11(49), excluding permanent mobile homes or other taxable property.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

AB 668: Relating to: reports on the competency of involuntarily committed individuals to refuse medication or treatment based upon an examination by an advanced practice registered nurse.

AB 668 amends Wisconsin law to allow advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with psychiatric expertise to conduct examinations determining whether involuntarily committed individuals can refuse medication or treatment. This change directly affects individuals in psychiatric commitment under specific legal standards who refuse care, as it expands the pool of qualified professionals (previously limited to physicians) who can provide the required medical certification. The bill requires any motion to override a patient's refusal to include a written report signed by an APRN or physician stating the individual is not competent to refuse treatment or that treatment is necessary to prevent serious harm. The amendment takes effect September 1, 2026, after a temporary transition period allowing physician-only assessments until that date. This creates a new pathway for competency determinations while maintaining existing court hearing requirements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 529: Relating to: repeal of obsolete tax credits and tax provisions. (FE)

SB 529 repeals outdated tax provisions and updates specific tax rules in Wisconsin's statutes. It removes obsolete tax credits (like those in sections 71.03(7)(d) and 77.54(57d)(a)1) and modifies college savings account deductions, limiting annual tax deductions for contributions to $5,000 per beneficiary (adjusted annually for inflation). The bill also clarifies that income from disaster relief work performed by out-of-state businesses does not increase a business's taxable income in Wisconsin. These changes primarily affect taxpayers claiming college savings deductions or involved in disaster relief work with out-of-state businesses.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 448: Relating to: the use of videoconferencing technology in certain civil actions.

This bill changes rules for objections to video testimony in civil cases. It requires courts to use discretion when ruling on objections (instead of automatically sustaining them) for most civil proceedings, except for expert witness testimony in cases under chapters 51 or 55. The change directly affects defendants and respondents who object to video testimony, and applies to cases where physical courtroom presence isn’t required. Courts must now follow specific criteria in statute 885.56 when deciding such objections.

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 593: Relating to: various changes to insurance laws.

SB 593 amends multiple insurance laws to update licensing, fee collection, and revocation rules for insurance agents and navigators. It requires agents without Social Security numbers to submit sworn statements instead of SSNs when paying annual fees, and adds new grounds for license revocation - including failure to pay child support, delinquent taxes, or unpaid unemployment contributions. The bill also modifies rules around a state healthcare reinsurance program, restricting the commissioner from seeking federal waiver changes without new legislation before 2023. These changes directly affect insurance professionals who apply for or maintain licenses in the state. The bill passed its third reading in November 2025.

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

AB 446: Relating to: consideration of a certain definition of antisemitism for purposes of laws, ordinances, policies, or criminal penalty enhancers concerning discrimination based on race, religion, color, or national origin.

AB 446 requires all state agencies and local governments (including cities, counties, and school districts) to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition of antisemitism when evaluating evidence in discrimination cases based on race, religion, color, or national origin. This applies to both civil policies prohibiting discrimination and criminal cases where bias against a victim's identity is a factor for enhanced penalties. The bill explicitly states it does not affect First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state antidiscrimination laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SB 1113: Relating to: funding for passenger rail operations and making an appropriation.

This bill proposes increasing state funding for passenger rail operations by $10 million and allocating an additional $5.2 million for feasibility studies on rail expansion projects. The funds would be directed to the state department of transportation to support existing passenger rail services and evaluate potential new routes. The legislation directly affects state transportation budgets and passengers who use rail services. It does not create new rail lines but provides resources for operational support and planning future infrastructure development.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Bill results