Technology

vetoed · Wisconsin · Assembly May 13, 2026

AB 105: Relating to: the distribution of certain material on the Internet.

AB 105 requires business entities (like websites or platforms) distributing material harmful to minors to verify users' ages using approved methods before granting access. It applies specifically to sites containing a "substantial portion" (over one-third) of such material, defined as content with sexual depictions, prurient appeal, or lacking literary/artistic value for minors. The bill exempts bona fide news organizations and internet service providers from these requirements. Violations could result in civil lawsuits seeking damages, while the bill also bans publishing obscene material involving children or obscene content online.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRequires age verification for platforms distributing harmful content, restricting platform operations without clear consumer protection benefits per bill language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Technology

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vetoed · Wisconsin · Assembly May 13, 2026

AB 415: Relating to: use restrictions on state and local government electronic devices.

AB 415 restricts state and local government employees from using electronic devices owned by their agencies to access social media, apps, or AI tools owned by entities located in "foreign countries of concern" (as defined by federal regulations). The bill directly affects government employees and contractors who use official devices for non-law enforcement work, banning access to specific foreign-owned technology. Exceptions allow written waivers from the secretary of administration for limited job-related purposes. This policy change aims to limit government use of technology linked to designated foreign adversaries, with no impact on law enforcement activities. The bill does not create new funding or require agency budget changes.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts government access to foreign-owned tech platforms, directly limiting use of specific foreign AI/social media tools on official devices per bill's explicit ban.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Technology

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vetoed · Wisconsin · Assembly May 13, 2026

AB 673: Relating to: banning the use of genetic software from foreign adversaries in medical and research facilities, the storage of any human genome sequencing data within the borders of a foreign adversary, and providing a penalty. (FE)

AB 673 bans medical and research facilities receiving state or federal funds from using genetic software or sequencers developed by foreign adversaries (as defined by federal regulations). It also prohibits storing human genome data of state residents in foreign adversary countries, with exceptions for certain clinical trials. The law applies to facilities, companies, and nonprofits handling genetic data, requiring them to keep such data inaccessible to foreign adversaries. Violations carry a $10,000 penalty per offense, enforced by the state Attorney General.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBans foreign access to genetic data, requiring secure storage to protect privacy and prevent foreign exploitation, aligning with data privacy/cybersecurity protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Technology

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signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 9, 2026

AB 957: Relating to: Internet crimes against children law enforcement and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 957 increases funding by $400,000 for each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years to support internet crimes against children law enforcement within the Department of Justice. This is a budget adjustment that directly affects the Department of Justice's resources for investigating and prosecuting online crimes targeting minors. The bill does not create new laws or change existing legal standards - it solely allocates additional state funds for enforcement efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $400,000 annually for DOJ's child internet crime enforcement, directly increasing state budget resources for public safety program funding.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds DOJ enforcement of internet crimes against children, directly strengthening criminal justice operations through increased budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAllocates $400k annually for internet crimes against children enforcement, enhancing cybersecurity efforts to protect minors online, aligning with technology safety support.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 2, 2026

AB 657: Relating to: a sales and use tax exemption for nuclear fusion technology projects. (FE)

AB 657 exempts sales and use taxes for specific equipment and materials used exclusively in qualified nuclear fusion technology projects. It covers over 70 listed items, including plasma heating systems, superconductors, diagnostic tools, specialized materials like lithium and tungsten, and safety equipment. The exemption applies to businesses conducting fusion projects focused on energy generation, medical isotope production, research, or other fusion-related applications as defined in the bill. This policy directly reduces costs for companies developing nuclear fusion technology by eliminating taxes on qualifying purchases.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax exemption for fusion projects, reducing business tax burden to promote innovation in energy technology.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts taxes for nuclear fusion energy projects, promoting clean energy infrastructure development and advancement.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly includes medical isotope production as a covered application, enabling healthcare-related diagnostic and treatment tools through tax exemption.70% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyTax exemption for nuclear fusion tech equipment directly supports advancement of this emerging technology sector through financial incentives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

passed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 377: Relating to: establishing English as the official state language, use of artificial intelligence or other machine-assisted translation tools in lieu of appointing English language interpreters, and use of English for governmental oral and written communication and for nongovernmental purposes. (FE)

AB 377 establishes English as the official language of the state and requires all state agencies and local governmental units (like cities, counties, and school districts) to conduct official communications in English. It allows these entities to use artificial intelligence or machine translation tools instead of hiring human interpreters for individuals with language barriers, while still requiring interpreters in specific cases like health/safety emergencies or legal proceedings. The bill permits limited exceptions for non-English communication (e.g., for teaching languages, protecting criminal defendants' rights, or complying with federal law), but prohibits restricting private language use for non-governmental purposes. This law directly affects government operations and individuals seeking services who need language assistance.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExplicitly permits AI/machine translation tools for government communication, directly enabling technology adoption in public services over human interpreters.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Technology

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passed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 652: Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE)

AB 652 updates Wisconsin's unemployment insurance law to improve accessibility and prevent fraud. It creates new "good cause" exceptions for claimants who cannot use electronic systems due to limited internet access, digital literacy challenges, or disabilities. The bill also requires employers to report job declines or missed interviews by claimants, which could affect benefit eligibility unless "good cause" is proven. Additionally, it adds a $5,000 penalty for false initial claims and clarifies rules to prevent duplicate social security disability payments. These changes directly affect unemployed workers filing claims, employers reporting job-related incidents, and the unemployment department processing claims.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates 'good cause' exceptions for digital barriers, improving unemployment benefit access for vulnerable workers, aligning with worker protection.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCreates exceptions for claimants lacking internet access or digital literacy, promoting equitable access to unemployment benefits.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Technology

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passed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 683: Relating to: prohibiting critical telecommunications infrastructure from including equipment manufactured by a foreign adversary. (FE)

AB 683 prohibits telecommunications providers from using equipment manufactured by entities designated as "foreign adversaries" in key network infrastructure (like cell towers or fiber lines). It directly affects telecom companies operating in Wisconsin, requiring them to stop purchasing or leasing such equipment and remove existing installations by following federal removal programs. Providers must annually certify compliance and publicly report locations of affected equipment, including replacement plans, while the state commission will publish a public map and annual report. The bill aligns with federal rules banning equipment from specific foreign entities, focusing on network security without specifying political outcomes.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits foreign adversary telecom equipment to enhance network security, directly aligning with cybersecurity protections under the topic description.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Technology

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signed · Wisconsin · Senate Dec 10, 2025

SB 279: Relating to: grants to law enforcement agencies for data-sharing platforms.

SB 279 creates a grant program for Wisconsin law enforcement agencies to purchase data-sharing platforms that meet specific technical requirements. The bill requires platforms to integrate real-time data from existing systems, eliminate duplicate records, provide advanced search tools, and maintain strict security with role-based access controls. Agencies receiving grants must use funds exclusively for compliant platforms that meet all 11 specified criteria, including secure hosting, scalability, and compatibility with current identity management systems. Grants are available only until June 30, 2027, and directly affect local and state law enforcement agencies seeking to upgrade their data infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires secure data-sharing platforms with role-based access and security protocols, enhancing cybersecurity standards for law enforcement agencies.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Technology

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Oct 31, 2025

AB 2: Relating to: requiring school boards to adopt policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time.

AB 2 requires Wisconsin school boards to adopt policies banning student use of wireless communication devices (like cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices) during instructional time, effective July 1, 2026. The policy must define "wireless communication device," include specific exceptions for emergencies, health needs, individualized education programs, and teacher-approved educational use, and allow boards to add other learning-focused exceptions. It directly affects school boards, which must create and implement these policies, while students are the primary group subject to the restrictions. The bill does not mandate device confiscation but permits it as a consequence for violations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates school policies restricting student device use during instruction to minimize distractions, enhancing learning focus and classroom environment.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts student use of wireless devices (cell phones, tablets) in classrooms during instruction, directly limiting technology access in educational settings.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Technology