On January 21, the Senate held its first floor day of 2026. The Senate took several partisan votes, including legislation prohibiting foreign adversaries from acquiring agricultural or forestry land in Wisconsin and the so-called “tax on tips” bill, which creates an income tax exemption for cash tips received by employees. The Senate also passed several […]
Assembly Starts 2026 with Two Floor Days
Date Fri, Jan. 16, 2026 - 9:50am By Hamilton
The Wisconsin State Assembly jumped right into 2026 with two floor days this past week. On January 13, the Assembly adopted two proposed constitutional amendments addressing freedom to gather during emergencies and governmental discrimination, both passing mostly along party lines. In addition, representatives passed numerous Assembly bills related to public safety, criminal justice, housing and […]
Legislative Leaders Outline Priorities for the Remainder of Session
Date Fri, Jan. 16, 2026 - 9:48am By Hamilton
With the new year underway, the Wisconsin Legislature has officially entered the final, and often chaotic, stage of the 2025–26 legislative session. While Wisconsin is considered a “full-time” legislature, it typically adjourns by mid-March in the even-numbered year of the session (2026). This session is shaping up much like recent ones. Assembly leadership has indicated […]
Governor Evers Signs 34 Bills Into Law
Date Thu, Dec. 18, 2025 - 2:52pm By Hamilton
Gov. Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Acts 49 through 82, covering issues ranging from public safety and education to housing, healthcare, local government operations, and economic development. Acts Signed Into Law 2025 Wisconsin Act 49 (SB 422) – Memorial bridge designation 2025 Wisconsin Act 50 (SB 38) – Gold Star license plate fee exemption 2025 Wisconsin […]
Legislature Convenes for November Floor Periods
Date Fri, Dec. 5, 2025 - 8:52am By Hamilton
Both the Wisconsin State Senate and State Assembly met the week of November 17 to take votes on various bills. It is expected this will be the final general business floor period for 2025. The Senate came in first during the week, on Tuesday, November 18 and the Assembly convened the following day on Wednesday, […]
Legislative Leaders Considering December Extraordinary Session
Date Fri, Dec. 5, 2025 - 8:46am By Hamilton
Republican legislative leaders are considering calling an extraordinary session to address the significant increase in state costs tied to recent federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Wisconsin as FoodShare. In Wisconsin, an extraordinary session can be called by the Legislature, by the committees on organization or through a joint resolution […]
Wisconsin Assembly Examines AI and Data-Center Growth
Date Fri, Nov. 7, 2025 - 9:35am By Hamilton
On Wednesday, November 5, the Assembly Committee on Science, Technology & Artificial Intelligence convened an informational hearing to examine the rapid growth of artificial-intelligence (AI) technologies and the implications of large-scale data-center developments in Wisconsin. The session provided a deep dive into how the state can position itself for digital-infrastructure investment while balancing energy, workforce, […]
Gov. Evers Signs 19 Bills, Issues Several Vetoes
Date Fri, Nov. 7, 2025 - 9:34am By Hamilton
Gov. Tony Evers signed 19 bills into law on Friday, October 31, advancing a range of bipartisan measures related to public safety, mental health response, transportation, and government operations. He also issued vetoes on several others, including Senate Bill 25. Among the new laws: 2025 Wisconsin Act 41 (SB 309) provides liability protection for 911 […]
Wisconsin Defense Counsel Testifies Before the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety
Date Fri, Oct. 24, 2025 - 9:35am By Hamilton
Hamilton hosted attorneys Caleb Gerbitz, John Pinzl and Kendall Harrison on October 22nd for a hearing on SB 459 related to expert witness testimony.
Governor Signs Bipartisan Bills Supporting Wisconsin’s EMS Workforce
Date Thu, Oct. 23, 2025 - 2:13pm By Hamilton
Governor Tony Evers has signed two bipartisan bills aimed at strengthening Wisconsin’s emergency medical services (EMS) system. Authored by Sen. Howard Marklein (R–Spring Green) and Rep. Tony Kurtz (R–Wonewoc), Acts 35 and 36 are designed to help local EMS departments address ongoing challenges with recruitment, retention, and training. Act 35 establishes a tuition reimbursement program […]