AB 472 creates a tax credit for nuclear energy generation in Wisconsin, directly affecting electric utilities operating nuclear facilities. The bill establishes a credit of $10,000 per megawatt for the first 10 years (decreasing annually to $1,000 by year 19), payable against state taxes for facilities operating in-state and generating electricity. Utilities may transfer or sell these credits to other taxpayers subject to state taxes. The legislation also reclassifies nuclear energy as a "renewable resource" for reporting purposes starting in 2026 and allows utilities to recover certain pre-certification costs through customer rates.
AB 315 modifies grant rules for Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program and land conservation efforts. It creates new provisions requiring governmental units and nonprofits to apply for funding *before* purchasing land to qualify for up to 50% of acquisition costs (reduced to 40% if applying after purchase). The bill maintains a 30% cap on additional costs covered by grants or in-kind contributions. These changes directly affect local governments and conservation groups seeking state funds to acquire land for parks, recreation, or conservation. The bill does not create new funding but adjusts eligibility and percentage limits for existing programs.
AB 644 modifies state aid formulas for school districts that consolidate. It provides consolidated districts that merge in 2026, 2027, or 2028 with a higher initial payment of $2,000 per student in their first year, followed by $150 per student for the next four years. Districts consolidating outside this window receive $150 per student for five years (first year plus four subsequent years). The bill directly affects school districts undergoing consolidation, ensuring adjusted funding during transition periods. It passed the Assembly on November 19, 2025, with 53-44 support.
AB 648 provides supplemental state aid to school districts formed by consolidation after July 1, 2026. It directly affects these newly consolidated districts by determining eligibility based on property tax rates: if their projected tax rate after consolidation exceeds the lowest rate of the original districts, they qualify for aid. The aid amount is calculated as the difference between the projected tax rate and the lowest original rate, multiplied by the district's property valuation. Payments are phased over four years (100% in the first year, then 80%, 60%, and 40% in subsequent years) if state funds are sufficient.
AB 647 creates a 4-year grant program for school districts that enter into whole grade sharing agreements (where districts share entire grade levels, such as all 5th graders). Eligible school boards receive $500 per enrolled student in the shared grade level each school year, starting in 2026-27, with funds distributed annually. The program requires school districts to submit annual reports on grant usage, and the state department must report to the legislature on grant distribution and spending. This directly affects school districts participating in grade-sharing arrangements by providing ongoing funding for shared educational resources.
AB 646 requires the Department of Public Instruction to commission a study on school district consolidation by January 1, 2027. The study must examine school boundaries, facility conditions, population demographics, staffing, finances, and geographic feasibility across all school districts. The resulting report must include specific consolidation recommendations with details on projected enrollment, affected communities, school locations, and property values. This study aims to inform future decisions about district boundaries but does not mandate any immediate consolidation.
AB 156 requires public school districts in the 2026-27 school year to provide age-appropriate child sexual abuse prevention education to all students from 4-year-old kindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum must include specific topics like correct body part names, setting personal boundaries, identifying safe adults, distinguishing safe/unsafe touch, and reporting abuse, using research-based methods. Schools must notify parents about the program schedule and content annually, and parents can opt their child out with a written request. This law directly affects all K-12 students and their families in public schools across the state.
AJR 109 is a symbolic joint resolution honoring Wisconsin's Hispanic and Latino veterans. It formally recognizes their service and sacrifices throughout U.S. military history, including specific references to the Borinqueneers unit and General Richard Cavazos. The resolution expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's gratitude through a formal statement, acknowledging these veterans' contributions without creating new programs or altering laws. This is a commemorative gesture, not a policy change, and directly affects no individuals or entities through legislative action.
AB 652 updates Wisconsin's unemployment insurance law to improve accessibility and prevent fraud. It creates new "good cause" exceptions for claimants who cannot use electronic systems due to limited internet access, digital literacy challenges, or disabilities. The bill also requires employers to report job declines or missed interviews by claimants, which could affect benefit eligibility unless "good cause" is proven. Additionally, it adds a $5,000 penalty for false initial claims and clarifies rules to prevent duplicate social security disability payments. These changes directly affect unemployed workers filing claims, employers reporting job-related incidents, and the unemployment department processing claims.
AB 649 increases state funding for school district consolidation efforts in Wisconsin for fiscal year 2026. It provides $250,000 for feasibility studies on consolidation or whole grade sharing (where schools share grades), $2.7 million in grants for districts that adopt whole grade sharing agreements, and $3 million in supplemental aid for consolidated districts with higher tax rates than their former districts. These funds are added to existing state appropriations under Section 20.865(4)(a). The bill directly affects Wisconsin school districts considering or implementing consolidation or shared-grade arrangements, offering financial support for planning and operational costs.
AB 566 clarifies what qualifies as an investment for Wisconsin's early-stage seed and angel investment tax credits. It defines "investment" to include equity purchases, convertible notes, or similar instruments, as determined by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). This standardizes eligibility for investors and businesses seeking these credits, applying to taxable years beginning January 1, 2025. The bill directly affects investors claiming credits and businesses receiving qualifying early-stage funding.
AB 616 increases state funding by $10 million for fiscal year 2025-26 to reimburse municipalities that must keep their offices open for in-person absentee voting during spring or general elections. It directly affects cities and towns required to maintain office hours under state law for absentee voting access. The bill provides a set reimbursement rate for the required hours, ensuring municipalities aren't burdened by the costs of staffing these locations. This is a funding adjustment, not a policy change to voting procedures.
