AB 447 Wisconsin Assembly · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Relating to: the use of videoconferencing technology in certain civil actions.

AB 447 amends Wisconsin law to clarify when courts must address objections to video testimony in certain civil cases. It removes a specific exception that previously required courts to sustain objections about expert witness testimony via video in cases under Chapters 51 or 55 of the statutes. For all such proceedings - including expert testimony objections - the bill requires courts to apply their discretion under existing rules (s. 885.56) rather than automatically sustaining objections. This change directly affects defendants and respondents in civil matters listed under the statute who may object to remote testimony.
Bill status failed 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Sep 19, 2025 Last action Mar 23, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
14
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on calendar 1-22-2026 by Committee on Rules
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Committee
Referred to committee on Rules
lower
Jan 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Report passage recommended by Committee on Judiciary, Ayes 8, Noes 0
lower
Sep 19, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Representatives Novak, Dittrich, Franklin, Gundrum, B. Jacobson, Kaufert, Kitchens, Knodl, Maxey, Melotik, Murphy, Mursau, Nedweski, O'Connor, Piwowarczyk, Subeck, Wichgers and Tranel; cosponsored by Senators James and Marklein
lower
18 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors