AB 1068 modifies Wisconsin's broadband expansion grant program to better support local governments. It repeals outdated sections and updates rules to allow cities, villages, towns, and counties to apply for grants covering broadband infrastructure construction in unserved areas and related planning costs. Key changes include enabling grants for project planning (like feasibility studies) and permitting up to 50% of a broadband director's salary to be covered by grant funds. The bill directly affects local governments seeking to expand high-speed internet access in underserved communities.
SB 936 requires major social media platforms (with $1 billion+ annual revenue) to estimate the age of users who spend significant time on their service. After 25 hours of use within six months, platforms must determine if a user is under 18 with 80% confidence; if unsure, they must treat the user as a minor. For minors, platforms must obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information and disable features like infinite scrolling and profile-based feeds. The bill directly affects minors under 18 using covered platforms in the state, imposing specific data handling and feature restrictions.
SB 1062 creates a new program to help residents in unserved broadband areas pay for connecting to existing broadband infrastructure. It allocates $1.75 million for 2025-26 and $3.5 million for 2026-27 to provide financial assistance grants of up to $4,000 per household. Applicants must participate in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, and priority is given to primary residences. The program is funded through the universal service fund and administered by the Public Service Commission.
SB 956 authorizes three new staff positions within the Department of Justice to strengthen Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) enforcement. It adds 2.0 full-time criminal analyst positions, 1.0 outreach specialist position, and 1.0 digital evidence examiner position. These roles will be funded using existing appropriations designated under section 20.455(2)(a). The bill directly affects the Department of Justice's staffing capacity for ICAC investigations and victim support.
SB 975 regulates virtual currency kiosks - machines that exchange cash for cryptocurrency or vice versa - by requiring operators to obtain licenses and implement strict fraud prevention measures. It mandates a prominent, upfront warning about scams (e.g., impersonating officials), verifies customer identities via ID and photos, and limits daily transactions to $500 with fees capped at $5 or 3% of the amount. Operators must provide refunds for fraudulent transactions reported within 30 days and display customer service contact information. The law directly affects kiosk businesses and their customers, focusing on transparency and reducing scam-related losses through concrete operational rules.
AJR 136 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would add a new Section 1m to Article I of the state constitution, stating: "As a necessary part of a free society, the people have an individual and fundamental right to privacy." This resolution, introduced by multiple assembly members and senators, would establish this privacy right as a fundamental constitutional protection for all residents. The bill requires voter approval at the next general election, as it must be referred to voters following a three-month publication period. It does not create immediate legal requirements but proposes a foundational constitutional change.
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Privacy
SB 954 requires the Department of Justice to create and run a public awareness campaign focused on children's online safety. The campaign will educate parents and caregivers about internet risks for children and share practical steps to prevent exposure to harmful content, using digital platforms (websites, social media, newsletters) and print materials. Schools, as defined by statute, can request free copies of the campaign materials upon request. The bill does not create new funding or penalties, but mandates existing agency resources for this specific outreach effort.
SB 969 bans local governments and data centers from using nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) to hide details about data center development from the public. It specifically prohibits agreements meant to conceal construction plans, location, or operational details, while allowing NDAs solely for protecting trade secrets. The bill defines "data center" as facilities primarily handling digital data storage, management, and processing equipment. This law directly affects local governments approving projects and data center operators, requiring transparency in public review processes.
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Government Transparency
SB 1039 modifies state grant programs to support broadband expansion in underserved areas. It repeals outdated sections of law and amends statutes to allow cities, villages, towns, and counties to apply for grants covering infrastructure construction, project planning (including feasibility reports), and up to 50% of costs for hiring a dedicated broadband director. The bill directly affects local governments seeking to expand high-speed internet access in areas without reliable service. Grants will be funded from specific state appropriations allocated for broadband projects. This bill focuses on streamlining funding mechanisms for local broadband development.
AB 830 requires the state transportation department to include specific goals in its long-range transportation plan, directly affecting how the department develops statewide infrastructure strategies. The bill mandates inclusion of a vision for low-carbon public transit, transportation electrification, cost-effective charging infrastructure, equitable clean transportation incentives, and solutions for underserved rural, low-income, and minority communities. The department must also submit a report within six months detailing progress on these requirements and future plans for implementation. This legislation sets concrete policy standards for sustainable and equitable transportation planning without specifying funding or enforcement mechanisms.
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✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates low-carbon transit, transportation electrification, and clean infrastructure in state transportation planning, advancing renewable energy integration and equitable clean transportation solutions.90% confidence
✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates low-carbon transit, transportation electrification, and clean incentives, directly advancing climate goals and environmental protection in transportation planning.95% confidence
✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates transportation electrification and charging infrastructure, advancing clean tech adoption in public transit planning.85% confidence
✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates inclusion of low-carbon public transit, electrification, and equitable clean transportation goals in statewide plan, advancing sustainable infrastructure.95% confidence
