AB 162 Wisconsin Assembly · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Relating to: workforce metrics. (FE)

Wisconsin's AB 162 establishes standardized metrics to track the success of state-funded workforce programs, such as job training and employment services. It requires state agencies operating these programs to report specific outcomes, including the percentage of participants working without government support two and four quarters after program completion, median earnings, and credential attainment. Agencies must publish this data on a single state website and submit annual reports to the legislature, while exempting data involving minors or violating federal confidentiality rules. The bill directly affects all state agencies managing workforce development initiatives, including programs like corrections reentry and Wisconsin Works.

Bill status vetoed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Apr 2025

Committee Review

Aug 2025

Assembly Passage

Apr 2025

Senate Passage

Oct 2025

Vetoed

Oct 2025

Introduced Apr 8, 2025 Vetoed Oct 31, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Bill Text → Text as Enrolled · 7 edits

MODERATE

The bill was converted from a draft proposal into its final enacted form, adding specific reporting requirements and exemptions that were missing in the original text. The final version mandates that state agencies track workforce program performance using federal metrics and publish the data on a single website, while explicitly exempting agencies from reporting on minors or data that would violate federal confidentiality laws. It also clarifies that agencies must submit these reports to the legislature annually.

Scope change

The scope of applicability was expanded by explicitly listing specific programs (such as Transform Milwaukee Jobs and Wisconsin Works) as subject to these metrics, whereas the draft text was less specific.

REQUIREMENT

Added a mandate for agencies to publish performance data on a single, state-maintained website.

Added a requirement for agencies to submit reports to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature at least annually.

DEFINITION

Added a new performance indicator measuring the percentage of participants achieving measurable skill gains toward a credential or employment.

Added a new performance indicator measuring job retention, specifically the percentage of participants employed by the same employer in both the second and fourth quarters after exit.

ENFORCEMENT

Added exemptions preventing agencies from reporting data on minors or information that would violate federal confidentiality requirements.

SCOPE

Explicitly listed specific state programs (e.g., Transform Milwaukee Jobs, Wisconsin Works) as subject to the new metrics.

TECHNICAL

Changed the text from a draft bill format to the official 'Text as Enrolled' format with updated headers and navigation elements.

Floor votes · Assembly Apr 22, 2025

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Oct 31, 2025

Vetoed

Report vetoed by the Governor on 10-31-2025

lower

Oct 14, 2025

Upper · Passed

Read a third time and concurred in, Ayes 18, Noes 15

upper

Aug 19, 2025

Upper · Passed

Report concurrence recommended by Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development, Ayes 3, Noes 2

upper

Apr 22, 2025

Lower · Passed

Read a third time and passed, Ayes 53, Noes 42, Paired 2

lower

Apr 17, 2025

Lower · Passed

Placed on calendar 4-22-2025 by Committee on Rules

lower

Apr 17, 2025

Committee

Referred to committee on Rules

lower

Apr 17, 2025

Lower · Passed

Report passage recommended by Committee on Workforce Development, Labor, and Integrated Employment, Ayes 6, Noes 3

lower

Apr 8, 2025

Introduced

Introduced by Representatives Armstrong, O'Connor, Brooks, Dittrich, Green, Knodl, Kreibich, Murphy and Penterman; cosponsored by Senator Feyen

lower

9 primary · 0 co-sponsors