SB 176 creates tax exemptions for income received from broadband expansion grants and federal high-cost program funding. It exempts from state income and franchise taxes funds provided by the state, local governments, tribal governments, or the federal government for broadband expansion projects. This directly affects businesses, internet service providers, and organizations receiving these specific grants or federal funding. The exemption applies to both state broadband grants and federal high-cost program funds (under 47 USC 254) used for expanding broadband access in the state, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
