Hamilton Political Tidbits – August 28, 2025

The Legislature resumes work next week, with the session running through spring 2026. The session calendar shows when lawmakers are available for floor periods. In this edition of Tidbits, we cover the executive–legislative rulemaking dispute, PBM legislation, and the latest on the Stewardship program. Have a great Labor Day weekend!

If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Hamilton Consulting team.

Separation of Powers and Rulemaking Dispute Continues 

A July 8 Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling reshaped the balance of power between the governor and the Legislature over administrative rulemaking. In a 4–3 decision, the Court struck down the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules’ (JCRAR) authority to block or suspend rules, calling it an unconstitutional legislative veto. Going forward, lawmakers can only stop a rule through legislation passed by both chambers and signed by the governor.

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PBM Legislation Advances Out of Senate Committee 

SB 203/AB 173 was introduced this session by Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R–Irma) and Rep. Todd Novak (R–Dodgeville) to further regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The bill is largely the same as last session’s proposal, with a new provision requiring PBMs to pay pharmacy claims within 30 days.

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Dems Circulate Legislation to Reauthorize the Stewardship Program

This week, Democratic lawmakers announced their version of bill to extend the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (KNSP) for six years at $72 million annually. Their plan would also create a 17-member oversight board to review large projects, with safeguards to keep projects moving if the board does not act on time. The lead authors, Sen. Jodi Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay) and Rep. Miresse (D-Stevens Point), stated in their co-sponsorship memo that this bill is a “starting point for discussions around Knowles-Nelson throughout the remainder of this session.”

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Legal

Liberal Supreme Court candidate Chris Taylor ditches her own recusal plan

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, August 28, 2025

Court of Appeals affirms DNR authority to require permits for factory farms

Wisconsin Examiner, August 27, 2025

Special prosecutor weighing whether to criminally charge Outagamie County judge

Wisconsin Watch, August 21, 2025

Employer & Consumer

DWD accepting Wisconsin Fast Forward grant applications

In Business, August 28, 2025

ABC of Wisconsin awards $11K in scholarships to apprentices in skilled trades

In Business, August 22, 2025

With ‘no tax on tips’ out of the budget, Wisconsin lawmakers turn to bill mirroring federal law

Wisconsin Examiner, August 22, 2025

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