Relating to: the use of videoconferencing technology in certain civil actions.
This bill changes rules for objections to video testimony in civil cases. It requires courts to use discretion when ruling on objections (instead of automatically sustaining them) for most civil proceedings, except for expert witness testimony in cases under chapters 51 or 55. The change directly affects defendants and respondents who object to video testimony, and applies to cases where physical courtroom presence isn’t required. Courts must now follow specific criteria in statute 885.56 when deciding such objections.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Sep 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Nov 2025
Assembly Passage
Jan 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced Sep 29, 2025
Signed Mar 27, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
30
Key actions
5
Committee
2
Mar 27, 2026
Signed into law
Report approved by the Governor on 3-27-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 125
upper
Jan 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read a third time and concurred in
lower
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on calendar 1-22-2026 by Committee on Rules
lower
Nov 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Read a third time and passed
upper
Nov 11, 2025
Upper · Passed
Report passage recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 7, Noes 1
upper
Sep 29, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Senators James and Marklein;
cosponsored by Representatives Novak, Dittrich, Franklin, Gundrum, B. Jacobson, Kaufert, Kitchens, Knodl, Maxey, Melotik, Murphy, Mursau, Nedweski, O'Connor, Piwowarczyk, Subeck, Wichgers and Palmeri
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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