AB 1003 modifies Wisconsin law regarding investigations into "immoral conduct" by licensees (such as educators) under the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). It requires DPI to continue an investigation until a licensee permanently surrenders their license and waives appeal rights, and mandates DPI to publicly post the licensee’s name, surrender status, and investigation reason on its website. The bill also requires DPI to provide investigation records within 14 days for open records requests (bypassing standard exemptions) and prohibits agreements that suppress or hide information about confirmed immoral conduct findings. This directly affects licensed professionals under DPI investigation and changes how DPI handles confidentiality, record access, and public transparency during such cases.
AB 1033 defines "wakesurfing" as riding a motorboat's wake, either being towed or not, and establishes new safety rules for the activity. The bill requires wakesurfers to stay at least 200 feet from shorelines, docks, other people in the water, or vessels, and mandates wearing a federally-approved personal flotation device (PFD). It also adds wakesurfing safety education to mandatory boating courses and creates an exception for sanctioned tournaments with adequate lighting. The law directly affects recreational boaters and motorboat operators engaging in wakesurfing, updating existing towing regulations (Section 6) and requiring safety training (Section 8).
SJR 127 is a ceremonial resolution celebrating the 115th anniversary of Scouting America's founding. It expresses the Wisconsin Legislature's support for Scouting America's values - such as duty to God and country, leadership development, and community service - and encourages all citizens and organizations to recognize its contributions. The resolution directs the Senate clerk to send a copy to Scouting America in Wisconsin. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funding, or alter existing policies.
SB 994 prohibits the public affairs network from charging fees for accessing live or archived state government proceedings when the network receives state funding for its operations. This applies directly to the state's public affairs network (which broadcasts government meetings) and the public seeking access to those recordings. The bill modifies existing rules to ensure fee-free access regardless of whether state funds are used, removing a prior condition that required explicit state funding for the fee ban. The key provision guarantees public access to government proceedings without cost under state-funded operations.
This Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 119) is a ceremonial resolution formally congratulating the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh women’s volleyball team for winning the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship. It recognizes their historic first national title, flawless tournament performance (6 wins, no sets dropped), 34-3 overall record, and academic achievements (3.6 team GPA). The resolution serves as symbolic recognition from the Wisconsin Legislature to the team, coaches, and university community, highlighting their athletic and academic excellence. As a non-binding resolution, it has no policy or financial impact and does not affect any individuals or entities beyond expressing legislative commendation.
AB 878 creates a tax credit for businesses that pay certain sales and use taxes on services sold through amusement devices (like arcade games or interactive machines). Specifically, it allows businesses to claim a credit equal to the county and municipal sales taxes paid on those services, reducing their Wisconsin income or franchise tax liability. The credit cannot be claimed directly by partnerships, LLCs, or tax-option corporations, but must be passed through to their owners based on ownership share. Unused credit can be carried forward for up to 20 years to offset future tax bills.
SB 875 requires Wisconsin state highway maps to specifically identify the Platteville Veteran’s Memorial located in Grant County. This procedural bill adds a permanent reference to the memorial's location in state statute (84.02 (5) (d) 2. r.), ensuring it appears on all future official highway maps published after the law takes effect. The bill directly affects state transportation mapmakers and users who rely on these maps for navigation. It makes no policy changes but formally documents the memorial’s location for public reference.
AJR 130 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing January 27, 2026, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Wisconsin. It formally acknowledges the 82nd anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and commemorates the six million Jewish victims and millions of others persecuted during the Holocaust. The resolution encourages Wisconsin residents to engage in educational activities about the Holocaust and the ongoing fight against antisemitism, hatred, and discrimination. It reaffirms the state's commitment to honoring Holocaust survivors and ensuring their legacy endures for future generations. (Note: This is a procedural resolution with no binding policy changes.)
AB 839 amends Wisconsin statute 60.23(32)(b)1 to explicitly include the Town of Three Lakes in Oneida County among towns authorized to create tax incremental districts (TIDs). This allows Three Lakes to establish TIDs - special tax districts used to fund local infrastructure projects using future property tax revenue growth - in the same way cities and villages currently can. The bill directly affects Three Lakes by expanding its local economic development tools, with no broader impact on other towns or counties. It makes a specific statutory change without altering TID rules or creating new policy.
AB 840 regulates data centers in the state by requiring specific operational and environmental standards. It mandates that data centers use closed-loop cooling systems (recycling water instead of using fresh water) and report annual water usage to the department. The bill also requires renewable energy facilities serving data centers to be located on-site and prohibits utility customers from paying for data center infrastructure costs. Additionally, operators must provide financial bonds for construction and restore land if projects are abandoned. These provisions directly affect all data center operators and developers in the state.
AB 892 defines key terms related to digital assets and staking to clarify that these activities are not subject to the state's securities laws. The bill creates specific definitions for "digital asset," "node," "staking" (locking assets to support blockchain security), and "staking as a service" (third-party platforms enabling staking). Crucially, it explicitly states that staking and staking services "do not include" activities covered by securities regulations. This bill directly affects digital asset users, validators, and third-party staking service providers by removing regulatory uncertainty around these activities under current securities law. The bill focuses solely on definitional clarity, not on changing existing securities enforcement.
AB 894 prohibits businesses from selling gift cards or certificates with expiration dates shorter than 5 years (or 5 years after reloading for reloadable cards). It bans hidden inactivity or dormancy fees unless clearly disclosed on the card, limits such fees to once per month, and requires specific fee details to be visible. Consumers can seek double damages or $200 per violation, and businesses face state penalties of $100-$10,000 per violation. The law directly affects gift card buyers and sellers, applying to all gift obligations sold after its effective date.
