Wisconsin Bills

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1099: Relating to: filling vacancies on a county board. (FE)

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.

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1173: Relating to: qualified applicants for buyer identification cards. (FE)

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.

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1093: Relating to: commencement of the fall semester at University of Wisconsin System institutions.

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.

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 138: Relating to: honoring the life of Anne Arnesen.

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.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 1132: Relating to: creating the penalty of death or life imprisonment for persons who are convicted of certain child sex offenses, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and providing a penalty. (FE)

This bill proposes to establish the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole for individuals convicted of specific child sex offenses, including certain violations of Wisconsin's child sexual abuse statutes. The legislation directly affects people charged with these crimes by expanding the range of penalties available to courts and restricting parole eligibility for those sentenced under the new provisions. Key mechanisms include creating new statutory sections that define crimes punishable by death, eliminating mandatory parole release for certain inmates, and preventing work release or extended supervision for those serving life sentences under the new sentencing framework. The bill also includes administrative provisions to allow controlled substance permits for executions and clarifies definitions related to crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 1210: Relating to: reducing maximum imprisonment period for felonies that are classified as Class A to Class H and providing a penalty. (FE)

This bill reduces the maximum prison sentences for certain felony offenses in Wisconsin by reclassifying them from higher classes to Class H felonies, which carry shorter potential imprisonment terms. It directly affects individuals convicted of crimes such as prescription drug violations, counterfeit mark trafficking, antitrust violations, and various administrative offenses by lowering their statutory sentencing limits. The legislation also adjusts fine amounts for these offenses, setting specific maximum penalties for individuals and corporations while maintaining the option for jail time in some cases. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions related to inmates serving bifurcated sentences, allowing them to seek sentence modifications under new criteria. The bill was introduced in March 2026 but failed to pass the Senate.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 145: Relating to: establishing a presumption that persons accused of crimes are eligible for pretrial release and ending cash bail in Wisconsin (first consideration).

This bill proposes amending the Wisconsin Constitution to establish a presumption that people accused of crimes are eligible for pretrial release under reasonable conditions, rather than requiring them to pay cash bail. It would allow courts to deny release only if there is a reasonable basis to believe monetary conditions are necessary to ensure court appearance or protect the community, with stricter rules for violent crimes. The amendment also sets specific time limits for denying release before and after hearings for serious offenses like murder or sexual assault, while requiring courts to use clear and convincing evidence to justify keeping someone detained. This measure would shift the legal standard from requiring proof of dangerousness to prove release is unsafe, placing the burden on prosecutors to overcome the presumption of eligibility.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 1125: Relating to: disrupting access to a reproductive health service facility or place of religious worship and providing a penalty.

This bill creates new criminal penalties for intentionally obstructing access to reproductive health service facilities or places of religious worship. It defines prohibited actions as using force, threats, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere with people seeking or providing reproductive health services, or to damage property at these locations. Violations are classified as a Class A misdemeanor for first offenses and a Class I felony for repeat offenses. The law also establishes civil remedies allowing affected individuals or entities to sue for damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees, with the option to receive statutory damages of up to $25,000 per violation. Additionally, the bill modifies existing tort claim limitations to exclude cases covered under this new statute.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 1193: Relating to: decriminalizing prostitution and creating a sex workers’ bill of rights.

This bill decriminalizes prostitution by removing criminal penalties for consenting adults engaging in sex work and establishes a sex workers' bill of rights. It directly affects sex workers, law enforcement agencies, and employers by prohibiting arrests and charges solely for engaging in sex work while granting workers protections against discrimination, harassment, and unsafe working conditions. The legislation reclassifies sex work as legal labor, ensuring sex workers receive minimum wage protections, access to health benefits, and the right to control their work and negotiate contracts. It also mandates that employers, clients, and service beneficiaries maintain safe working environments free from violence and exploitation. The bill defines sex workers as legitimate sole proprietors or businesses and extends existing worker protections to this group.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 140: Relating to: congratulating the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team on winning the Olympic gold medal.

This bill congratulates the U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team on winning the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. It specifically highlights the achievements of Wisconsin-affiliated players and staff, including former and current University of Wisconsin athletes who competed on the team. The resolution formally commends the athletes, coaches, and support staff for their success and wishes them continued success. The bill is a ceremonial measure with no regulatory or policy changes.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 1122: Relating to: certain motor vehicle entry devices, liability for damages to rental vehicles, and providing a penalty.

This bill updates Wisconsin laws regarding rental car theft liability and criminal penalties for devices used to steal vehicles. It defines "negligent vehicle management" to include leaving a rental car running or failing to have the ignition key during a theft, which can affect whether a renter is held financially responsible for damages. The bill also makes it a felony to sell, possess, or use devices that can electronically program or emulate car keys or intercept key fob signals, and requires authorized users to report lost or stolen devices within 48 hours. Additionally, it creates a legal defense for rental companies if they mistakenly charge a renter for damages while the renter had purchased a damage waiver.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 143: Relating to: recognizing June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin.

This bill proposes to officially recognize June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Day in Wisconsin through a legislative proclamation. The resolution acknowledges the historical significance of Juneteenth as a celebration of the end of slavery in the United States and highlights Wisconsin's long history of observing the holiday, which began in Milwaukee in 1971. The measure does not create a new public holiday or change state laws, but rather serves as a formal statement of recognition from the state legislature. It is a commemorative resolution that does not affect government operations or require funding.

Bill results