SB 1002 creates an annual grant program to improve health outcomes for economically disadvantaged minority group members. It authorizes grants of up to $50,000 per year from a specific state fund, requiring grantees to contribute at least 50% of the grant amount in cash or non-cash resources (like donated services or materials). Priority for funding is given to community health organizations that are not federally qualified health centers and those providing maternal and child health services. The bill directly affects community-based health providers serving minority populations in the state.
SB 1017 allocates $2.17 million annually for workforce training programs for child care providers and prospective providers. The bill creates a new funding line (20.437(2)(d)) to support contracts under section 49.137(4) focused specifically on training. This direct funding affects licensed child care facilities and individuals seeking to work in early childhood education. The measure provides concrete financial support for professional development but does not change eligibility rules or service requirements.
SB 1016 creates a new child care subsidy program specifically for custodial parents who work as child care employees in Wisconsin. It establishes separate eligibility rules (under section 49.155(2s)) allowing these parents to qualify for subsidies even if they don't meet standard income or asset requirements, provided they work for a child care provider. The bill appropriates $1.2 million for administrative costs to implement this new program. This directly affects low-income parents employed in the child care sector who need subsidized care for their own children.
SB 1012 reduces Wisconsin's annual interest rate for late tax payments from 12% to 3% and requires the Department of Revenue (DOR) to pay 3% interest on tax overpayments. It applies to individuals and businesses filing income, franchise, and withholding tax returns, modifying multiple tax statutes to implement these rate changes. The bill adjusts when interest accrues during filing extensions, such as for corporate or pass-through entity returns, while maintaining 3% for overpayment refunds. Special provisions exempt certain disaster-related tax extensions from interest charges during and for 30 days after federal extensions.
SB 1005 allows vehicle owners to purchase an annual state park pass when registering or renewing their vehicle, with fees collected added to the conservation fund. It establishes three fee tiers: standard rates, discounted rates for households with existing passes, and reduced rates for senior citizens. Vehicle registration forms will include a section for selecting the park pass option, and the Department of Transportation will share purchaser lists weekly with the Department of Natural Resources. The bill directly affects all vehicle owners in the state during registration or renewal, with fees supporting state parks, recreation areas, and forest lands. Funds collected under this bill will be deposited quarterly into the conservation fund per statute.
SB 998 establishes a framework for creating "tourism promotion improvement districts" where hotels and motels (defined as "businesses" in the bill) can form private associations to fund tourism marketing and infrastructure improvements. To create a district, at least 50% of hotel/motel room owners must petition the local government, and the district’s operating plan must detail boundaries, annual costs, financing sources (including potential bonds), and assessment methods for businesses. Assessments, limited to 5 years for new districts (or 10 for renewals), can fund marketing, events, or infrastructure designed to boost visitor stays, with hosting platforms allowed to collect assessments at no more than a 5% fee. The bill requires public hearings and local government approval before implementation, directly affecting participating hospitality businesses through mandatory funding contributions.
SB 1011 expands eligibility for Wisconsin Shares child care subsidies to families with incomes above 200% of the federal poverty line but below 100% of the state median income for their family size. It creates a new eligibility category (via 20.437(2)(ct)) allowing subsidies for individuals who qualify under specific provisions but not under the standard 200% threshold, and adjusts income calculation rules to include certain child support payments. The bill modifies existing income guidelines in statutes to clarify eligibility for families who previously lost subsidies due to modest income increases. It appropriates an additional $1.25 million for fiscal year 2026-27 to fund these expanded subsidies. The changes directly affect low-to-moderate-income families seeking child care assistance in Wisconsin.
SB 1015 increases the state's earned income tax credit for low-income working families with fewer than three children. It raises the state credit to 34% of the federal basic earned income credit for families with children (effective 2026), and sets it at 15% for individuals without qualifying children. This directly affects eligible taxpayers who qualify for the federal earned income credit but have limited income. The bill amends tax statutes to replace the previous credit rate (applicable through 2025) with these new percentages for future tax years.
SB 1010 requires the state Department of Health Services to compile and share specific data about individuals participating in the federal food stamp program (SNAP) with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service. The data must cover people who received benefits since January 1, 2020, are currently receiving benefits, or applied for them, as specified in a federal letter and executive order. The state must complete this data compilation and share it within six months of the bill's effective date. This bill mandates a data-sharing process between the state and federal government but does not change SNAP eligibility or benefits.
SB 1007 creates new statutes to address agricultural damage caused by elk. It requires the department to include agricultural landowners affected by elk damage on an advisory committee (29.016(4)), mandates elk causing property damage be removed within 48 hours of notice (29.885(3)(e)), and exempts elk damage claims from requiring hunting access (29.889(7m)(au)). The bill directly affects farmers and ranchers whose crops or property are damaged by elk. These provisions aim to streamline damage response and improve representation for impacted landowners.
SB 952 requires state agencies to improve how they deliver services to residents and businesses by establishing new standards for accessibility, efficiency, and customer feedback. It creates a government service delivery coordinator to set guidelines for agencies, including best practices for understanding public needs and measuring satisfaction across channels like websites, phone calls, and in-person visits. Each agency must appoint a lead official to develop improvement plans, collect service data, and align changes with agency strategic goals. The bill mandates annual reports to the legislature on progress, focusing on concrete metrics like wait times and service quality.
AJR 137 is a ceremonial joint resolution designating February 16-22, 2026, as "American Birkebeiner Week" in Wisconsin to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the American Birkebeiner ski race. The resolution recognizes the event’s significance as North America’s largest cross-country ski race, its economic impact on Sawyer and Bayfield Counties (attracting 35,000+ spectators and 100,000 annual trail visitors), and its role in promoting community and active lifestyles through the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. It does not create new laws or alter policies but formally acknowledges the event’s contributions to Wisconsin’s culture and economy. The resolution was introduced in 2026 and referred to committee.
