This fall, the Wisconsin Assembly launched a series of task forces to examine a range of policy areas impacting communities statewide. Established by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester), the groups are exploring topics such as supporting older adults, improving government operations, reviewing administrative rulemaking processes, and promoting child safety in the digital age. The task forces have begun holding public hearings to gather input from stakeholders and will present findings and recommendations later in the legislative session.
Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Elder Services
Aimed at improving the lives of older Wisconsinites. Priorities include enabling seniors to remain in their homes, combating isolation and loneliness, promoting physical and financial wellbeing, and preventing elder abuse (physical or financial). Chaired by Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Weston).
The task force held its first meeting on October 30, 2025, where groups including law enforcement from the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, representatives from the Department of Justice’s Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition, and AARP discussed scams and fraud prevention targeting older adults.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office highlighted growing concerns about cryptocurrency kiosks—machines that resemble ATMs but allow users to deposit cash into digital wallets. Scammers often direct victims, especially seniors, to these kiosks and convince them to send large sums of money to what they believe are legitimate businesses, government agencies, or loved ones, when in fact the funds go straight to the scammer’s anonymous crypto account.
Sheriff’s officials reported that since the state issued guidance limiting daily crypto kiosk transactions to $2,000, such scams have dropped sharply in Wood County. “We have yet to have a cryptocurrency kiosk-related scam take place in our county that we’re aware of,” the Sheriff’s Office told the task force. Both the Wood County Deputies and AARP encouraged lawmakers to make these transaction limits permanent to better protect consumers statewide.
Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Government Efficiency & Modernization
Created by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, this task force is charged with looking at how state government operations can be modernized, including the use of artificial intelligence/tools, automation, data-driven resource allocation and elimination of outdated processes. Chaired by Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk (R-Hubertus).
The task force held its first informational hearing on October 30, 2025, inviting speakers from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Discussion topics at that hearing included how innovation begins with staffing culture, how to use modern tools to drive efficiency, and how to integrate automation.
Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Rulemaking
Also established by Speaker Vos, this task force will examine how the rule-making process in Wisconsin should be reworked in light of recent changes in the law and court rulings. Specifically, it will look at agencies with broad rule-making power, the role of standing legislative committees, and possible constitutional amendments to restore or restructure the oversight body known as the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR). Chaired by Rep. Brent Jacobson (R-Mosinee).
The task force held its first informational hearing on October 16, 2025, inviting speakers from the Legislative Council and Legislative Reference Bureau to speak.
Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Protecting Kids
This task force is focused on addressing issues surrounding children and youth in the digital world, in particular youth mental health, social media use, unrestricted internet access and how these affect families, schools and communities. Chaired by Rep. Lindee Brill (R-Sheboygan Falls).
The task force held an informational hearing on October 29, 2025 with the topic of Building Strong Families to Keep Kids Safe. The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 7, 2025 with the topic being Understanding the Legal Landscape to Keep Kids Safe. Another public hearing is scheduled for November 12, 2025 to discuss Building and Educational Environment to Keep Kids Safe.
