SB 357 Wisconsin Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

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)

SB 357 establishes English as the official state language and requires all state agencies and local governments to conduct oral and written communications in English, with limited exceptions (e.g., health/safety, legal proceedings, or census work). The bill allows government entities to use AI or machine translation tools instead of hiring human interpreters for individuals with language barriers. It prohibits state or local governments from restricting people’s ability to learn or use any language for private, non-governmental purposes. The law applies to all state agencies, cities, counties, and school districts, but does not affect federal requirements or private business practices.
Bill status failed 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jun 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jun 27, 2025 Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Amendments
1
Mar 12, 2026
Introduced
Senate Amendment 1 offered by Senator Jacque
upper
Jun 27, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Senators Jacque and Nass; cosponsored by Representatives Murphy, O'Connor, Gundrum, Maxey, Kreibich, Brooks and Behnke
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors