Wisconsin Bills

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 919: Relating to: eliminating defunct references to certain economic development positions (suggested as remedial language by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation).

SB 919 eliminates outdated references to specific economic development positions in Wisconsin statutes by repealing two sections: 238.03(5) and 238.04(15). This procedural bill, suggested by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, removes language that no longer reflects current positions or practices. It directly affects the statutes themselves, not specific people or organizations, by updating the legal code to remove defunct references. The bill does not create new policies or impact existing programs, only clarifying outdated statutory language.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 952: Relating to: storage of a firearm in a house in which a resident is prohibited from possessing a firearm and providing a penalty.

AB 952 requires anyone living in a household with a person prohibited from possessing firearms (such as someone with certain felony convictions or domestic violence orders) to securely store their own firearms - either in a locked container, a locked location a reasonable person would consider secure, or with a trigger lock engaged. This law directly affects residents in households where one member has a legal restriction on firearm possession. Violating this storage requirement results in penalties: a first offense is a Class A misdemeanor, and repeat violations are classified as Class I felonies. The bill aims to prevent accidental or unauthorized access to firearms in homes where one resident cannot legally own them.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 949: Relating to: pet insurance and granting rule-making authority.

AB 949 clarifies pet insurance rules to prevent consumer confusion. It bans marketing pet wellness programs as insurance and requires clear separation between wellness programs and insurance policies (e.g., separate pricing, distinct terms, and explicit "not insurance" disclosures). The bill also mandates training for insurance agents on policy terms like preexisting conditions and waiting periods, and requires insurers to disclose coverage limitations, exclusions, and policy details upfront. These changes directly affect pet insurance companies, their agents, and pet owners purchasing these products.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 951: Relating to: storage of firearms in retail facility when unattended.

AB 951 requires retail stores that sell firearms to securely store all firearms when the business is unattended. It mandates specific security methods, such as locking firearms in fireproof safes, using reinforced display cases with thick polycarbonate or laminated glass, securing firearms with hardened steel rods through trigger guards, storing them in windowless rooms with deadbolts, or using steel roll-down doors. These provisions apply directly to retailers engaged in the commercial sale or transfer of firearms. The law aims to prevent unauthorized access to firearms during unattended periods, with additional requirements for street-level stores like bollards or roll-down doors. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and referred to the Criminal Justice Committee.

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 874: Relating to: environmental review prerequisites for certain major highway project actions.

AB 874 streamlines environmental review requirements for major highway projects in the state. It defines "categorical exclusion" (a simplified review process for projects with minimal environmental impact) and requires the Department of Transportation to submit a report with a financing plan ensuring construction begins within six years of project approval. The bill mandates that projects must have federal environmental review approval (like a draft impact statement) before the commission can recommend approval. This affects highway projects listed under Section 84.013(1)(a)2m. and aims to accelerate project timelines while maintaining environmental review standards.

Topics ✗ Environment ✓ Transportation

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 864: Relating to: various changes to the state lottery. (FE)

AB 864 updates the state lottery code by creating new definitions for three game types: "break open games" (pull-tab style), "instant games" (scratch-offs), and "lotto games." It adjusts vendor payments to align with these categories and establishes a performance-based compensation program for retailers, capping payments at 1% of revenue for instant and lotto games, and 2% for break open games. The bill also requires retailers to display a sign about top prize claims and allows for shorter retailer contracts. These changes clarify operational and financial arrangements for lottery vendors and retailers.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 904: Relating to: immunity for certain controlled substances offenses for aiders and aided persons.

AB 904 creates immunity from prosecution and parole/probation revocation for people who seek help during a suspected overdose (aiders) and offers treatment-based alternatives instead of jail for the person experiencing the overdose (aided persons). Specifically, aiders who get help immediately after seeing someone overdose cannot lose parole or face charges for drug possession under certain circumstances. Aided persons can avoid prosecution by completing a treatment program or serving 15 days in jail if treatment isn't available, with prosecutors required to offer deferred prosecution tied to treatment. The bill applies to offenses involving controlled substances, paraphernalia, or masking agents directly related to overdose assistance.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 824: Relating to: displaying a human trafficking resource center hotline poster. (FE)

AB 824 requires businesses and facilities that serve the public to display a human trafficking resource center hotline poster. It specifically applies to hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, campgrounds, tattoo shops, job recruitment centers, and community residential facilities. The bill directs the Department of Justice to make the poster available online and encourages its display in these locations. Schools must display the poster in areas accessible only to adult staff. The law modifies existing statutes to define these venues and update display requirements.

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 889: Relating to: immunity for certain controlled substances offenses for aiders and aided persons.

SB 889 creates legal immunity for individuals who assist someone experiencing a drug overdose and for the person receiving that assistance. Aiders (those seeking help during an overdose) cannot lose parole/probation or face prosecution for drug possession charges if they seek help "as soon as practicable" after recognizing the overdose. Aided persons (overdose victims) can avoid prosecution or parole revocation by completing a treatment program or accepting a deferred prosecution agreement that requires treatment. The bill directly affects people involved in overdose situations and shifts consequences from criminal penalties toward treatment for related drug offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 809: Relating to: the opportunity attraction and promotion program administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

SB 809 modifies Wisconsin's Opportunity Attraction and Promotion Program, administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). It creates new rules allowing grants for non-public events (like exclusive conferences) only if they bring national exposure or boost economic growth, with strict limits: no more than 25% of annual funds can support such events, and they must avoid regularly scheduled or rotating events. The bill requires applicants to provide cost-benefit analyses of economic impacts before funding, mandates matching contributions from non-state sources, and adds annual reporting to the legislature. This directly affects event organizers seeking WEDC grants to attract major events to Wisconsin.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 947: Relating to: expanding the Office of School Safety to cover technical colleges and campus safety plans for technical colleges. (FE)

AB 947 requires technical college districts to create and maintain campus safety plans for all buildings regularly used by students. These plans must include individualized safety strategies for each building, emergency response procedures, and input from staff, students, mental health professionals, and local police. The bill also mandates that technical colleges conduct annual safety assessments, provide staff training on campus safety, and share campus maps with local police and the Office of School Safety. The Office of School Safety will develop model safety practices for technical colleges and coordinate data collection, while funding for safety training and upgrades becomes available through existing grant programs. This bill directly affects technical college districts and their staff by expanding safety planning requirements beyond traditional schools.

Topics ✓ Education

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 123: Relating to: proclaiming the month of March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month throughout the state of Wisconsin.

SJR 123 is a symbolic resolution designating March 2026 as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month across Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally encourages all Wisconsin residents to learn about MS and support those affected by the disease. The resolution recognizes the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s work and aims to raise public awareness about MS, which impacts approximately 1 million people in the U.S. and typically affects individuals aged 20-50.

Bill results