AB 154 requires potato farmers planting 5 or more acres in Wisconsin to use officially certified seed potatoes, directly affecting commercial potato growers. The bill allows the department to waive this requirement for specific potato varieties if certified seed is unavailable and poses no serious disease risk, with conditions like geographic restrictions. Violations trigger a 72-hour order to remove and destroy non-compliant seed potatoes, with penalties of up to $5,000 plus $5,000 per acre planted in violation. The bill also permits penalty waivers if violations are corrected by destroying affected potatoes per department orders.
AB 189 creates an optional process for finalizing divorce or legal separation without a court hearing. It allows couples to use a detailed affidavit instead of appearing in court if both are represented by lawyers or trained mediators, have signed a court-approved settlement (stipulation), and submit an affidavit confirming residency, disclosures, no domestic abuse history, and understanding of divorce terms. The affidavit must address specific requirements like public assistance status, military service, and prior abuse cases, and waives the right to a hearing. This applies only to couples who meet all conditions and choose this streamlined option, directly affecting those seeking uncontested divorces. The bill modifies existing statutes to enable this process while maintaining legal safeguards.
AB 33 creates new laws prohibiting the non-consensual creation and distribution of technology-generated intimate images (like deepfakes) using someone's recognizable likeness. It specifically bans posting, sharing, or exhibiting such "synthetic intimate representations" with intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate the person depicted. The bill also prohibits reproducing private intimate images without the depicted person's consent. These provisions directly protect individuals whose likenesses could be used in non-consensual intimate content, targeting harmful uses of AI and digital tools. The law defines "synthetic intimate representation" as technology-generated content using identifiable features to depict intimate scenes, regardless of artificial elements.
AB 161 prohibits state agencies and local governments from restricting the sale, use, or purchase of motor vehicles or other devices based on their energy source (e.g., electric, gasoline, hydrogen). It specifically allows governments to set their own purchasing policies for their own fleets but bans restrictions on consumer or commercial use. The bill directly affects state/local governments, businesses selling vehicles/devices, and residents using such products. It creates a clear rule that energy source cannot be a factor in regulatory decisions.
AB 379 defines which state-issued identification documents qualify as valid proof for voting. It specifies that a driver's license or ID card issued by any state, meeting federal standards under the Real ID Act (P.L. 109-13), satisfies voting ID requirements. The bill does not create new voting rules but clarifies existing eligibility by adding this definition to state statutes. It directly affects voters needing to present ID at polling locations and election officials verifying ID compliance. The bill was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to the Campaigns and Elections Committee in 2025.
AJR 80 is a symbolic resolution declaring May 2025 and May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Months in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the impact of ALS on patients and families while promoting public awareness of the disease. The resolution highlights ALS as a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative condition with no known cure, emphasizing the importance of research and support for those affected. It directly affects Wisconsin residents by designating these months for community education and advocacy efforts focused on ALS.
SB 362 defines acceptable forms of identification for voting by specifying that a state-issued driver's license or identification card meeting federal requirements (as outlined in P.L. 109-13) qualifies. This bill directly affects voters who need to present ID to cast ballots at polling places. The key provision creates a new statutory section (5.02(6m)(a)5.) to formally list these state-issued IDs as valid proof of identity. The bill is procedural and does not alter voting procedures or requirements beyond this specific identification definition.
AB 418 requires long-term care facilities (including nursing homes and assisted living facilities) and hospitals to allow specific visitation during communicable disease outbreaks. It mandates that facilities permit at least one "essential visitor" (designated by the resident or their legal representative) or one "member of the clergy" for compassionate reasons like end-of-life care, grief support, or when a healthcare professional determines the visitor's presence benefits the patient. Facilities may deny visitation only if the visitor refuses to follow health protocols, poses a contagion risk, or the patient objects. The bill also creates a process for residents or families to file complaints if facilities violate these rules.
SJR 84 is a symbolic resolution recognizing Wisconsin's Hispanic veterans, not a law with policy changes. It formally honors the service of Hispanic veterans who have served in the U.S. military, including those living in Wisconsin (estimated at 8,500). The resolution does not create new programs or alter existing policies - it simply expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's recognition of their sacrifices. This is a commemorative measure, consistent with Hispanic Heritage Month observances, and affects no specific individuals or groups through legislative action.
AJR 89 is a symbolic resolution honoring Wisconsin's Hispanic veterans, directly affecting approximately 8,500 Hispanic veterans residing in Wisconsin. The resolution recognizes their service in U.S. military conflicts from the Civil War through recent wars, noting they represent 18.4% of the armed forces and include 61 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. It formally resolves that the Wisconsin Legislature "recognize and honor the bravery and sacrifice" of Hispanic veterans during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). This resolution has no funding, policy changes, or enforcement mechanisms - it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment.
AB 369 creates a state tax credit for businesses that provide child care, allowing them to claim a credit equal to the federal employer-provided child care credit (under IRS Section 45F) on their state tax return. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and directly affects businesses that already claim the federal credit. Key provisions require the state credit to match the federal amount claimed, prohibit claims for out-of-state child care expenses, and mandate adjustments if federal tax increases under Section 45F(d). This bill aligns state tax treatment with the federal credit system without changing the federal rules.
AB 255 requires referral agencies that connect prospective residents to assisted living facilities to disclose key financial details to those residents before making referrals. Specifically, agencies must reveal any business relationships with facilities, the exact fixed referral fee paid by the facility, and that they only list facilities with which they have contracts. Prospective residents can also terminate an agency's services at any time, including stopping the use of their personal information. Violations carry penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, enforced by the state attorney general or local district attorneys. The bill directly affects referral agencies and prospective residents in Wisconsin assisted living facilities.
