SB 294 prohibits retailers and plant providers from labeling plants as "beneficial to pollinators" if the plants were treated with systemic insecticides that carry specific pollinator warnings on their product labels (such as a "pollinator protection box" or bee/honeybee precautionary statements). The bill directly affects nurseries, garden centers, and other businesses selling plants at retail. It creates a clear requirement: if an insecticide label warns about pollinator harm, the plant cannot be marketed as pollinator-friendly. This policy change aims to prevent misleading marketing by aligning product claims with actual pollinator safety.
SB 297 creates a special "Protect Pollinators" vehicle registration plate requiring a voluntary $25 annual or $50 biennial fee for vehicle owners who choose it. Excess funds from these fees, after covering plate production costs, are deposited into the conservation fund to support pollinator protection programs. The plate must display "Protect Pollinators" and cover the entire plate, with the design approved by the Department of Natural Resources. This affects only drivers who opt for this specific plate, with no mandatory participation.
This bill proposes changes to Wisconsin state income tax calculations and education funding, primarily affecting individual taxpayers and school districts. It allows residents to subtract certain qualified tips and overtime compensation from their taxable income, aligning state rules more closely with federal tax deductions for these earnings. Additionally, the legislation increases state aid for school districts, special education programs, and technical colleges while adjusting how surplus refund payments are handled. The bill also updates the definition of "income" for tax purposes to include specific items like capital gains and certain public assistance benefits.
This bill proposes changes to Wisconsin state tax law and education funding, primarily affecting individual taxpayers and school districts. It would allow residents to subtract certain federal deductions for tips and overtime pay from their state income tax, while also increasing funding for special education, school-age parents programs, and technical colleges. The legislation includes specific rules for calculating these tax benefits and defines how various income sources are treated for state tax purposes. Additionally, it establishes a revenue limit for technical college districts and provides for surplus refund payments.
AJR 133 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the legislature to suspend any state agency rule through a joint resolution approved by a majority of all elected members in both houses. If enacted, the legislature could immediately halt the enforcement of agency rules (for a set period or indefinitely) without requiring governor approval or following standard lawmaking procedures. The suspension would make the rule unenforceable during the suspension period, shifting authority from agencies to the legislature regarding rule implementation. This change would require voter approval after legislative passage, as it modifies the state constitution.
AJR 126 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Representative Rudolph L. "Rudy" Silbaugh (1930-2025), who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1991 to 1997. The resolution formally recognizes his 25 years of public service - including his work as a Stoughton alderman, his legislative committee roles, and his advocacy for seniors - and extends condolences to his family. It contains no policy changes or funding provisions, as it is solely a commemorative gesture by the Wisconsin Legislature. This procedural resolution directly affects no constituents or policies, serving only to memorialize Representative Silbaugh's legacy.
AJR 10 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would amend Article I, Section 18 to prohibit state or local governments from closing places of worship or banning gatherings there during a state of emergency (including public health emergencies). If approved by voters, this change would directly affect religious congregations and local officials responsible for emergency orders. The amendment would require that places of worship be treated equally with other businesses during emergencies, preventing restrictions specifically targeting them. This is a voter-approved constitutional change, not a law, and is currently awaiting submission to the November 2026 ballot.
SB 74 ratifies the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing social workers licensed in one participating state to practice in other compact states without reapplying for a new license. The bill creates a commission to manage the compact and amends multiple statutes to align licensing requirements across participating states, ensuring social workers meet standardized qualifications. This directly affects social workers seeking to practice across state lines, child welfare agencies (which must employ licensed social workers per amended statutes), and licensing boards. Key provisions include standardizing definitions for "social worker" and "licensed treatment professional" in statutes governing employment and service delivery. The compact aims to streamline licensure for social workers while maintaining consistent professional standards.
AJR 11 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Jim Soletski (2006-2010). It recognizes his career in the energy industry, service as chair of the Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee, advocacy for Native American relations, and community involvement with groups like JOSHUA. The resolution expresses the legislature's condolences to his family and extends recognition of his public service. Passed by both chambers in October 2025, it was deposited with the Secretary of State as a formal commemoration, with no policy or financial impact.
AJR 102 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit state government entities from discriminating against or giving preferential treatment to individuals or groups based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. It specifically applies to public employment, education, contracting, and administration by state or local government. If approved by voters in November 2026, it would add Section 27 to the state constitution. This is a second consideration of the same proposal previously introduced as AJR 109 in 2023. The amendment requires voter ratification and is not yet law.
This Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 6) is a ceremonial honor recognizing the life and legacy of Bob Uecker, the longtime Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcaster and entertainer. It formally acknowledges his 54-year broadcasting career with the Brewers, his acting roles (including *Mr. Belvedere* and *Major League*), philanthropy, and contributions to baseball and Wisconsin culture. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Wisconsin Legislature’s tribute to Uecker’s "extraordinary contributions" through a symbolic resolution passed on March 20, 2025.
SJR 21 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the late Senator Timothy Francis Cullen, a longtime Wisconsin State Senator and public servant who passed away in December 2024. It commemorates his career, including service as Senate Majority Leader (1982-1986), advocacy for workers' rights and consumer protections, and efforts to promote bipartisan governance and fair redistricting. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely serves to recognize Cullen’s life and public service through formal acknowledgment by the legislature. It was formally passed by both chambers and deposited with the Secretary of State on November 25, 2025.
