This bill creates new authority for the Wisconsin attorney general to investigate and sue individuals or entities for civil rights violations in housing, employment, education, and public accommodations. It allows the attorney general to conduct investigations requiring sworn statements, access to documents, and subpoenas when there is reasonable cause to believe a pattern of rights violations or a denial of rights with public importance has occurred. If violations are found, courts can order injunctive relief, award damages, and impose civil forfeiture penalties of up to $50,000 for first violations or $100,000 for subsequent violations within seven years. The bill also permits the attorney general to accept voluntary compliance agreements instead of pursuing litigation, though violations of such agreements remain subject to penalties.
This bill expands the Wisconsin attorney general's authority to file civil lawsuits on behalf of the state against individuals or entities accused of violating civil rights in housing, employment, education, and public accommodations. It allows the attorney general to investigate these potential violations by requiring sworn statements, accessing relevant documents, and issuing subpoenas to gather information. If a violation is found, the attorney general can seek court orders to stop the illegal conduct, recover investigation costs, and impose civil penalties of up to $50,000 for first offenses or $100,000 for subsequent violations within seven years. The bill also permits the attorney general to accept voluntary compliance agreements as an alternative to litigation, though breaking such agreements would still be treated as a violation subject to penalties.
This bill decriminalizes prostitution by removing criminal penalties for consenting adults engaging in sex work and establishes a sex workers' bill of rights. It directly affects sex workers, law enforcement agencies, and employers by prohibiting arrests and charges solely for engaging in sex work while granting workers protections against discrimination, harassment, and unsafe working conditions. The legislation reclassifies sex work as legal labor, ensuring sex workers receive minimum wage protections, access to health benefits, and the right to control their work and negotiate contracts. It also mandates that employers, clients, and service beneficiaries maintain safe working environments free from violence and exploitation. The bill defines sex workers as legitimate sole proprietors or businesses and extends existing worker protections to this group.
AB 430 amends Wisconsin's fair employment law to clarify when employers and licensing agencies can consider an applicant's pending criminal charge. It prohibits refusing employment or licensing solely because an applicant has a pending charge, unless the charge is directly related to the job or licensed activity. The bill specifically allows decisions based on the charge's relevance to the position (e.g., denying a security job for a theft charge) but blocks blanket denials for unrelated pending cases. This directly affects job seekers and license applicants with pending criminal charges who face hiring or licensing barriers. The law aims to reduce discrimination based on arrest records while permitting relevant, job-related considerations.
AB 446 requires all state agencies and local governments (including cities, counties, and school districts) to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's 2016 definition of antisemitism when evaluating evidence in discrimination cases based on race, religion, color, or national origin. This applies to both civil policies prohibiting discrimination and criminal cases where bias against a victim's identity is a factor for enhanced penalties. The bill explicitly states it does not affect First Amendment rights or conflict with existing federal or state antidiscrimination laws.
This bill amends Wisconsin's fair employment law to prevent employers and licensing agencies from refusing employment or licenses solely because an applicant has a pending criminal charge. It allows such refusal only if the pending charge is substantially related to the specific job or licensed activity (e.g., refusing a security position for a theft charge). The law explicitly prohibits discrimination based on arrest record alone, requiring a direct job-related connection before denying employment or licensing. This directly affects job seekers and licensed professionals facing pending criminal charges who may have been automatically disqualified under previous rules. The change clarifies that pending charges cannot be the sole basis for denial without demonstrating relevance to the position.
AB 87 modifies Wisconsin law to require courts to order immediate restitution payments for human trafficking convictions (specifically under sections 940.302(2) or 948.051) and to enforce these payments through property execution if unpaid. It also changes voting rights restoration rules: a person convicted of a felony regains voting rights only after completing their sentence, paying all fines/costs/restitution, and finishing any court-ordered community service. The bill mandates that the elections commission must inform individuals in writing when their voting rights are restored. This directly affects people convicted of human trafficking (impacting restitution timing) and all felony offenders (impacting voting rights restoration conditions). The law was vetoed by the governor on August 11, 2025.
AB 331 creates a new legal right for individuals who believe their constitutional rights (such as due process or equal protection) were violated by government officials acting under color of law, including police or state employees. It allows victims to sue for damages, court orders to stop violations, and court-ordered attorney fees. The law sets a 6-year deadline to file such lawsuits and applies to both federal and state civil rights violations. It does not apply to cases already covered by existing statutes like 893.80 or 893.82.
SB 355 creates a new legal pathway for individuals whose constitutional rights (under U.S. or state law) were violated by government actors acting "under color of law" (e.g., police, officials). It allows affected people to sue for damages, injunctions, or other relief against the violating party, including government entities. The bill specifically requires courts to award reasonable attorney fees to winning plaintiffs and sets a 6-year deadline to file such lawsuits. This directly affects anyone facing rights violations by government officials, providing a clear legal remedy where none existed previously under the cited statutes.
