WISCONSIN: What’s Happening RIGHT NOW in the Legislature!

July 18, 2023 Last Edit: March 20, 2026

State Director Bill G. Smith has a legislative update for NFIB members.

WISCONSIN: What's Happening RIGHT NOW in the Legislature!

Essential Vs. Non-Essential Businesses The bipartisan shared revenue bill, signed into law by Governor Tony Evers, eliminates the authority of local public health officials to issue orders that distinguish between so-called essential and non-essential businesses. In addition, the law prohibits local public health officials from issuing a mandate to close any business in response to a mandate or epidemic of communicable disease for longer than 30 days, the local governing board may extend the mandate order just once for an additional 30 days. Local health officials will no longer be allowed to issue public health orders or mandates that distinguish between essential and non-essential businesses. Bill G. Smith, NFIB State Director, applauded the small business protections in future public health emergencies, “The past few years demonstrated how good intentions can undermine entire communities. While big box retailers were deemed essential during the pandemic, Mom and Pop shops had their doors shut. When government orders are issued for public health and safety, all businesses deserve the opportunity to keep their doors open.” A recent survey of NFIB members across Wisconsin found 97 percent of respondents support eliminating the essential and non-essential designations from emergency orders. Freedom to Purchase Legislation Approved – NFIB Key Vote Legislation that would prohibit local or state governments from restricting the use or sale of devices and motor vehicles based on the energy source used to power them has been sent to Governor Tony Evers for his approval. Assembly Bill 141 (device restrictions) won the approval of the Assembly 62-35 and passed the Senate 22-11; Assembly Bill 142 (motor vehicles) passed the Assembly 63-35 and approved by the Senate 22-11. Both bills were introduced by Representative Ellen Schutt (Clinton) and Senator Cory Tomczyk (Mosinee). Senator Tomczyk said “These bills were designed to defend consumer choice from radical environmentalists and out of touch bureaucrats. These bills ensure that a consumer is given the opportunity to choose the best care for their lifestyle or the right tool for the job, regardless of its source of energy.” Bill G. Smith, NFIB State Director, urged legislators to support passage because “these proposals would preserve consumer choice, promote economic freedom and strengthen the free market without government interference for all products regardless of their source of energy.”

Topics:

Regulations

State:

Wisconsin

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