AB 975 prohibits probationary license holders and drivers with instruction permits from using cellular or wireless phones while driving, except to report emergencies. The bill amends Wisconsin statute 346.89(4)(a) to explicitly ban phone use for these new drivers, expanding an existing restriction. Violations would be subject to penalties under the statute, though specific penalty details aren't outlined in the bill text. This law directly affects new and learning drivers, aiming to reduce distractions during their early driving experience. The bill was introduced in the 2026 Legislature and referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.
SB 883 allows minors aged 16 or older to operate pizza-dough rollers in workplaces, provided specific safety features are met. The bill requires machines to have enclosed gears, designs preventing finger/hand entanglement, automatic shut-off microswitches if parts are removed, and prohibits minors from setting up, adjusting, repairing, or cleaning the equipment. These provisions align with federal OSHA standards (29 CFR 570.62) and directly affect minor workers in food service businesses and their employers. The law creates a new statutory exception to existing child labor rules for this specific machinery.
AB 989 creates annual grants of up to $50,000 per year to community health organizations serving economically disadvantaged minority groups. The bill requires recipients to provide 50% in matching funds (cash or in-kind) and prioritizes non-federally qualified health centers and providers offering maternal/child health services. These grants, funded from a specific state appropriation account, aim to improve health outcomes for underserved minority populations through direct community health programs. The legislation directly affects community health providers and minority-serving organizations eligible to apply for these state-funded grants.
AB 983 requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to notify local governments, school districts, and tribes before selling surplus land, giving them 60 days to express interest in acquiring it for public use. If they respond, the DOT must offer the land at appraised value for general public use, or at a reduced price if the land is needed for transportation or infrastructure projects. The bill also mandates that buyers provide a plan for the public use and agree to permanent restrictions ensuring the land remains for that purpose. This change affects counties, municipalities, school districts, and federally recognized tribes that may seek to acquire DOT surplus land. The policy directly alters the DOT's land sale process to prioritize public ownership over general public sales.
SB 860 updates Wisconsin's audiology licensing rules by expanding the scope of practice for audiologists. It explicitly allows audiologists to prescribe, sell, and fit hearing aids (including over-the-counter options) and handle devices like cochlear implants and osseo-integrated systems. The bill also clarifies that audiologists cannot perform surgeries, interpret radiographic imaging, or conduct surgical procedures. Additionally, it changes the Hearing and Speech Examining Board composition to require one public member who uses hearing aids, cochlear implants, or osseo-integrated devices, and repeals outdated temporary license rules.
AB 912 amends Wisconsin law to allow audiovisual recordings of children's statements as evidence in court for children aged 12 to 18 (previously 12-16). The bill requires recordings to begin before the child's statement is made and directs courts to consider factors like the child's age and the interests of justice when admitting such evidence. It specifically raises the upper age limit for admissibility from 16 to 18 years old. This change directly affects children involved in legal cases where their recorded statements might be used as evidence. The bill does not alter how recordings are made but adjusts the eligibility criteria and court considerations.
AB 980 requires bicyclists to have a permit to ride on state-owned trails (excluding highways and vehicle admission areas), with fees of $40 for adults, $20 for teens 12+, and free for children under 12. It allows temporary receipts for immediate access while processing permanent permits and exempts organized events and existing trail pass holders. The state Department of Natural Resources may issue permits directly or appoint agents, who can collect a 75-cent fee (with 50 cents retained for agent compensation). The bill creates new fee structures and rule-making authority for permit administration on state trails.
AB 991 allows minors aged 16 or older to operate pizza-dough rollers in restaurants, provided specific safety features are met. The bill directly affects minor workers in food service establishments using these machines and requires employers to ensure the equipment includes enclosed gears, microswitches that stop the machine if parts are removed, and safeguards preventing fingers or clothing from getting caught. Minors may not perform setup, adjustment, repair, oiling, or cleaning of the rollers. The law aligns with federal safety standards (29 CFR 570.62) and focuses solely on this specific equipment, not broader minor employment rules.
AB 986 modifies property tax valuation rules for local governments (like cities and towns) that build qualifying infill housing projects. It defines "qualifying infill housing" as projects adding 2-6 new homes on older residential parcels (with 90% of the area developed for 10+ years), using existing infrastructure, and increasing total units. The bill changes how new construction value affects annual tax levy limits by including 90% of new property value in tax incremental districts (TIDs) and excluding removed improvements from these calculations. This adjustment aims to ease tax levy constraints for municipalities developing such housing without altering tax rates themselves.
AB 965 prohibits operators of AI chatbots designed to simulate ongoing, humanlike relationships with children (under 18 in the state) from making them available without specific safety measures. The bill requires these "companion chatbots" to avoid encouraging self-harm, illegal activity, sexual content, or prioritizing a child’s feelings over safety, while excluding standard customer service tools. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $25,000 per day or private lawsuits by affected children or parents for damages. The law takes effect after January 1, 2027, with a transition period for operators unaware a user is a child.
AB 979 requires cross-country skiers to purchase a permit when skiing on state-owned land (excluding vehicle admission areas), with fees set at $40 for adults, $20 for youth 12+, and free for children under 12. Temporary receipts allow immediate access pending full permit issuance, and a 75-cent issuing fee applies to all permits for those 12+. The bill exempts organized events and existing trail pass holders from the permit requirement. It grants the state department rule-making authority to manage permit issuance and includes a funding appropriation for administration.
AB 981 requires foraging permits for collecting plants or fungi from state-owned land (excluding vehicle admission areas) for food, medicine, or other uses. It sets fees of $40 for adults, $20 for teens 12+ (with $0 for children under 12) and mandates that permit holders carry proof while foraging or possessing collected items. The bill authorizes the department to issue permits directly, through appointed agents, or via contracted third-party systems, and establishes rules for fee collection and permit verification. These changes apply directly to individuals who forage on state lands, creating a regulated system for recreational and personal use.
