AB 364 establishes a three-year pilot program to test virtual reality (VR) learning technology in three public school districts (one rural, one suburban, and one urban). The program requires a VR platform aligned with state math and science standards for grades 6-12, proven through third-party research to improve Algebra 1 outcomes and use 3D models to teach abstract concepts. The state education department will select districts via competitive bidding, fund at least 16,000 students to use the technology, and provide 3,200 VR headsets, along with teacher training and monthly progress reports to legislators. The pilot aims to evaluate if this VR approach enhances student engagement and learning in STEM fields.
AB 365 requires cities, towns, and homeowners' associations to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - small secondary homes on existing properties - as a "permitted use" without special permits on eligible parcels. It prohibits local governments and HOAs from charging extra fees (beyond standard building permits), imposing stricter design rules than for main homes, requiring separate utilities or parking, or banning ADUs via deed restrictions. The bill permits size limits (capping ADUs at 75% of the main home's square footage on single-family parcels) but bans all other restrictive rules. It directly affects local zoning authorities, municipal ordinances, and HOA covenants governing residential properties.
AJR 79 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month in Wisconsin. It formally acknowledges the state’s historical support for LGBTQ rights - including being the first to pass anti-discrimination laws in 1982 - and highlights ongoing community efforts, though it does not create new policies or affect specific groups. As a symbolic resolution, it has no legal force or binding requirements.
SJR 73 is a symbolic resolution recognizing June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges the state's history of LGBTQ equality efforts and the ongoing importance of Pride Month. The resolution highlights Wisconsin's 1982 anti-discrimination law, its LGBTQ legislative representation, and the significance of Pride Month for fostering inclusion. It has no direct impact on individuals or existing laws, as it is purely a ceremonial recognition.
AB 339 creates a state-funded program to reimburse school districts and charter schools for comprehensive mental health services provided to students during school and after-school hours, starting in the 2025-26 school year. Eligible services include mental health literacy programs, parent training, community partnerships, mental health navigators, and telehealth setup costs, while excluding direct treatment services, insurance deductibles, and regular school operating expenses. The program allocates $83.8 million for each of the next two fiscal years, with reimbursement capped at either $100,000 per school or $100 per enrolled student. This funding aims to expand accessible mental health support within schools without requiring new taxes or fees.
SB 271 establishes a fundamental right to abortion under Wisconsin law (253.094), stating individuals have the right to bodily autonomy and access abortion at any pregnancy stage if medically necessary. It mandates abortion coverage in all state health plans offering maternity care (40.51(9m)), repeals parental consent requirements for minors (46.245), and eliminates gestational age limits and "medical emergency" restrictions (253.107, 253.10). The bill directly affects patients seeking abortion care, healthcare providers, and insurers offering state-sponsored health plans. It removes existing regulatory barriers while requiring coverage for abortion services without new funding mandates.
AB 355 removes specific restrictions on abortion access and requires certain health insurance plans to cover abortion care without cost-sharing. It directly affects patients seeking abortion services and health insurers offering coverage under specified plans. Key provisions eliminate mandatory waiting periods and counseling requirements, while mandating coverage for abortion services in state-regulated health insurance plans. This policy change aims to improve access by removing regulatory barriers and ensuring insurance coverage.
AB 376 repeals key sections of Wisconsin retirement law that required retirees (annuitants) rehired by state agencies to suspend their retirement payments. Specifically, it removes provisions (40.26(1m), 40.26(5m), and 40.26(6)) that mandated annuity suspension when retirees returned to state employment. The bill also amends related statutes to clarify that rehired retirees no longer automatically trigger payment suspension under previous rules. This change directly affects state retirees who return to work for participating employers and the state agencies that employ them. The policy shift simplifies the process by eliminating the requirement to suspend retirement benefits upon rehiring.
AB 370 creates standardized crime victim notification cards to help victims stay informed about court proceedings involving offenders. The bill directs the Director of State Courts to design these free cards, which victims can fill out with their contact information and details about the inmate or probationer. County courts and victim-witness offices must provide the cards to victims, who can then send completed cards to the relevant court to receive updates. The bill also protects victims' mailing addresses in court records from public inspection under state law.
SB 301 revises Wisconsin's retirement rules for state retirees who return to work. It removes the previous requirement that rehired retirees must work a minimum percentage of full-time hours (one-third for those retired before July 1, 2011; two-thirds for others) to remain covered by the retirement system. Instead, the bill requires rehired retirees to file a written election to be included as participating employees, which triggers the suspension of their retirement annuity. The bill also repeals outdated provisions related to time limits for applying for retirement benefits after rehire.
SB 372 creates standardized crime victim notification cards to help victims of crime stay informed about court proceedings involving offenders. The bill requires the director of state courts to design these cards, which victims can complete with their contact information and the offender's details, and send to the relevant court clerk. County courts and victim/witness offices must provide these cards at no cost to victims, and the law protects victim mailing addresses from public inspection under state law. This directly affects crime victims in Wisconsin who need to receive updates about offender sentencing or probation modifications.
AB 258 modifies Wisconsin's license restrictions for drivers required to use ignition interlock devices after DUI convictions. It extends license revocation periods by 180 days for specific violations detected by the device, including three or more violations within 60 days, tampering, or unauthorized removal. The bill also creates a process for drivers to dispute violations using documentation (e.g., device malfunctions) and requires electronic reporting from interlock providers to the department. This directly affects individuals subject to ignition interlock orders under existing DUI-related license restrictions.
