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 957 requires Wisconsin public school districts to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal wireless communication devices (like cell phones, tablets, and laptops) during the school day, with exceptions for emergencies, health care needs, special education plans, and teacher-approved educational use. School boards must create these policies by July 1, 2027, and submit them to the Department of Justice by October 1, 2027, with annual updates thereafter. The policy must define "wireless communication device" to include cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices, and must include specific requirements for student notification and documentation. This bill directly affects all public school districts and students in Wisconsin, requiring implementation of device restrictions starting in the 2027-2028 school year.
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.
Tags
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.
Tags
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.
Topics
✓ 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
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 966 requires the Department of Justice to create and run a public awareness campaign focused on children's online safety. The campaign must use digital platforms (like the department’s website and social media) and print materials to educate families about internet risks and prevention steps for children. It specifically mandates that the Department provide free educational materials to schools (as defined in statute 118.257(1)(d)) upon request. The bill directly affects children and schools by promoting accessible resources to help prevent exposure to harmful online content.
