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Friend –

Each state has its own legislative body where lawmakers work together to pass policies – just like Congress does at the federal level. Wisconsin's 2025-26 legislative session begins today, January 6, and runs through spring 2026.

State legislation is crucially connected to our civil liberties and can either expand our rights or diminish them. These bills touch nearly every aspect of our lives.

From Roe v. Wade and the Dobbs case that overturned the right to an abortion to Loving v. Virginia, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage, and Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized marriage equality across the country – many Supreme Court cases that address all of our civil rights come from laws that were passed in state legislatures.

During Wisconsin's 2023-24 legislative session, the Assembly introduced 1,229 bills, and the Senate introduced 1,113 bills. Ultimately, 272 bills were signed into law, with Governor Evers vetoing 73. We closely monitored 617 bills last session, registered a position (support/oppose/other) on 178 bills, and provided testimony or written comments on 37.

As in previous years, we saw attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans kids, racial justice, voting rights, police, prison and criminal legal reform, and censorship.

Two Constitutional Amendments, if Approved, Could Be on the April 2025 Ballot

Last session, the legislature passed several joint resolutions proposing amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution. If legislators pass any of these resolutions for a second time at the beginning of the upcoming session, voters could see more referendum questions on the April 1 ballot. Here are two proposed state constitutional amendments that could be debated by the legislature in early January:

Joint Resolution #1: Enshrining Voter ID Requirements into the State Constitution:

This resolution <[link removed]> would amend the state constitution to require government-issued photo ID in all elections, preventing future changes to that requirement which continues to make it more difficult for eligible Wisconsin voters to cast a ballot, particularly in marginalized communities.

Joint Resolution #2: Banning Equal Opportunity Measures in State and Local Government Programs

While this resolution <[link removed]> claims to prohibit discrimination, it could eliminate identity-conscious initiatives that address longstanding inequalities in access to public education, employment, contracting, and administration of government programs in an attempt to advance the ongoing crusade against diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We aim to support bills that strengthen our rights guaranteed under the Constitution and defeat bills that threaten them.

The ACLU of Wisconsin tracks and updates what is happening in the legislative session. To follow along, visit our website. <[link removed]>

Remember, our officials work for Wisconsinites!

Sincerely,

Amanda Merkwae
Pronouns: She, her, hers
Advocacy Director, ACLU of Wisconsin


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