State Senate Wraps Up 2025-2026 Legislative Session
Tonight the Wisconsin State Senate wrapped up their work for the 2025-2026 Legislative Session and adjourned pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1. The Wisconsin State Assembly previously completed their work and adjourned on February 20th.
The Senate made relatively quick work of a lengthy calendar, with over 80+ bills, starting at just after 11:00 AM and wrapping up around 6:00 PM.
A complete log of their activity from today can be found here.
Some of the more newsworthy items that were on the calendar were the following bills:
AB-1034 establishes a framework allowing the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents to enter into NIL compensation agreements with student-athletes while requiring disclosure of third-party NIL deals prior to execution. As amended by Amendment 1, the bill clarifies that student-athletes receiving NIL compensation—whether through UW System or private institutions—are not considered employees and includes targeted UW System funding adjustments for athletic facility maintenance.
- AB 1034 passed on a narrow 17-16 vote, with 7 Republicans voting no, and 6 Democrats voting in favor of the bill.
AB-601 allows online sports wagering in Wisconsin by clarifying that a “bet” does not include wagers placed by individuals located in the state if the betting platform’s server is located on tribal lands and operated under a qualifying tribal gaming compact. This effectively authorizes mobile/online betting statewide so long as it is conducted through infrastructure physically located on federally recognized tribal lands under existing compacts.
- AB 601 passed on a 21-12 vote, half of the Senate Republicans voting for it (9) and half voting against it (9). Senate Democrats supplied 12 of the 21 yes votes on passage.
AB-130 and AB-131 create a statutory framework for addressing PFAS contamination in Wisconsin, with a focus on liability protections and regulatory clarity. The bills aim to protect certain landowners, municipalities, and businesses from undue liability if they did not knowingly contribute to contamination, while still enabling cleanup efforts and establishing clearer standards for enforcement and remediation. Combined, the bills release $125 million in funding for PFAS related programs.
- AB 130 passed 33-0 and AB 131 passed on a voice vote.
AB-180 would prohibit the use of FoodShare (SNAP) benefits to purchase candy and soft drinks in Wisconsin, contingent on federal approval, and requires the Department of Health Services (DHS) to repeatedly seek a waiver until granted. The bill— as amended—updates definitions of eligible products, establishes a statewide electronic system to determine item eligibility at the point of sale, and provides limited liability protections for retailers relying on that system. It also includes significant administrative investments, new DHS positions, and funding to support program integrity, oversight, and implementation.
- AB 180 passed on a bipartisan 25-8 vote, with 7 Democrat senators joining with the 18 Republicans on passage.
Senate GOP Press Release
Senator Felzkowski released the statement below following the conclusion of todays floor session:
“Today was truly a great day for Wisconsinites. From addressing PFAS and exempting tax on overtime pay to combatting high healthcare costs and everything in between, the Senate took action on issues that impact our constituents every day. I am especially pleased that we were able to pass The Forestry Revitalization Act, which will boost the economy of the Northwoods while supporting forest health. The entire Northwoods will benefit from this investment: truckers, restaurants, loggers, trades workers, the direct plant employees and everyone in between. Northern Wisconsin needs this, and I’m glad my colleagues agreed.“
Read the full statement here.
Pre-Final Session DEM Press Conference
Senate Democrats held a press conference prior to the final floor period of the legislative session. Democratic Leader Dianne Hesselbein said that Senate Democrats have been consistently focused on reducing costs for Wisconsin families and that their caucus would be introducing a “host of amendments” intended to lower costs and assist families who are struggling financially. She noted that Senate Democrats have been clear since the beginning of the session that they are willing to work with Republicans when possible and have maintained an “open door” approach. To that end, Sen. Hesselbein said Republicans had approached Democrats regarding NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) legislation and sports betting legislation, and that Democrats would provide the votes needed to pass both bills.
Lastly, Sen. Hesselbein confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the state surplus, but stressed the need for prudence, citing uncertainty at the national and global level, including rising gas and oil prices and geopolitical instability. She emphasized caution in how the state surplus funds are used considering the uncertain economic and political conditions.
Watch the press conference here.
Gov. Evers Reaction
Governor Evers’ Reaction to Passage of PFAS Legislation
“Gov. Tony Evers today celebrated the Wisconsin State Senate passing two bipartisan bills that are the result of months of negotiations between the Evers Administration and Republican lawmakers and the years of advocacy by the governor. The Senate later today is poised to approve Assembly Bill (AB) 130 and AB 131 with key changes, which together facilitate the release of the $125 million in stalled PFAS investments that have languished unspent in Madison for years despite the governor’s persistent demands for the funds to be released. In his 2026 legislative agenda, Gov. Evers cited PFAS legislation as an opportunity for bipartisan work and compromise, urging lawmakers to make releasing $125 million to fight PFAS statewide “another bipartisan win for the people of Wisconsin” after 2025 yielded historic bipartisan accomplishments despite divided government. The governor intends to sign AB 130 and AB 131 in the coming weeks.“
Read the full statement here.
Governor Evers’ Reaction to Passage of SNAP Legislation
“Gov. Evers has been asking the Wisconsin State Legislature to approve funds to prevent Wisconsin taxpayers from having to pay penalty fees to the Trump Administration since August. After months of bipartisan negotiations between legislative leaders and the Evers Administration, AB 180 as amended, would appropriate over $72 million to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for key resources, including funding for the FoodShare Employment and Training program, additional administrative costs that have been shifted onto the state, quality control initiatives to help keep FoodShare error rates low and avoid federal penalties, and more. During bipartisan budget negotiations, Republican leaders gave the governor their word that they would be willing to work together to address outstanding challenges caused by the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’“
Assembly Speaker Vos Remarks
While the Senate began their final day of the legislative session, Speaker Vos gave remarks to the WisPolitics luncheon where he discussed the two-year legislative session, 2026 elections and more.
Watch the full remarks here.
Members of the Senate Who Will Not Seek Re-Election
With the adjournment of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session, the following members of the Wisconsin State Legislature have made public that this is their last session in their current seats in the legislature.
In the Wisconsin State Senate:
In the Wisconsin State Assembly:
- Rep. Scott Allen (R) (Running for Waukesha Mayor)
- Rep. Dave Murphy (R)
- Rep. Jenna Jacobson (D) (Running for Senate)
- Rep. Francesca Hong (D) (Running for Governor)
- Speaker Robin Vos (R)
- Rep. Robyn Vining (D) (Running for Senate)
If you would like to find time to discuss the above matter in more detail, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Michael Best Strategies contact.