Wisconsin 2025 Regular Session Status: To Executive 9 R cosponsors

AB 167 — Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law and requiring approval by the Joint Committee on Finance of certain federally authorized unemployment benefits. (FE)

Last action — Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Assembly
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been sent to the executive. Introduced April 08, 2025. It awaits signature.

Vetoed by Governor Tony Evers (Democratic) on April 03, 2026.

Next likely step: the executive signs it into law or issues a veto.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 74% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • To Executive

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 10 sponsors

    1 primary, 9 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (9 R).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 4 recorded votes so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

In plain language

The bill changes unemployment insurance rules and requires legislative approval for certain benefits.

This bill modifies aspects of unemployment insurance law, particularly around misconduct criteria and claims requirements. It also mandates approval from the Joint Committee on Finance for specific federally authorized benefits.

Summary

An Act to renumber and amend 108.04 (2) (a) 4. and 108.04 (5) (e); to amend 16.54 (2) (a) 1., 108.04 (5) (b), 108.04 (15) (a) 1. and 108.14 (20); to create 16.54 (14), 108.04 (2) (a) 4. c., 108.04 (5) (e) (intro.), 108.04 (5) (e) 2. and 108.04 (5) (h) of the statutes;

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

114 added · 280 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of AB 167 updates Wisconsin's unemployment insurance laws with important changes. Notably, it allows the governor to approve higher weekly unemployment benefits by leveraging federal funds, which could provide additional support to jobless residents. Additionally, the bill now mandates that any federally authorized unemployment benefits must be approved by the state’s Joint Committee on Finance before being accessed. These adjustments are significant as they could lead to increased financial assistance during economic downturns.

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- 2026 LEGISLATURE LRB-1534/1 MED:skw ASSEMBLY BILL 167 April 8, 2025 - Introduced by RepresentativUCKER, ARMSTRONG , BROOKS, B.
Date of enactment:
JACOBSON , DUCHOW , MURPHY , O'C ONNOR, PENTERMAN and KNODL , cosponsored by Senator WIMBERGER .
Assembly Bill 167 Date of publication*:
Referred to Committee on Workforce Development, Labor, and Integrated Employment.
WISCONSIN ACT A N A CT to renumber and amend 108.04 (2) (a) 4.
A N A CT to renumber and amend 108.04 (2) (a) 4.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE This bill makes various changes in the unemployment insurance (UI) law, which is administered by the Department of Workforce Development.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in sen- tation” means for any state agency or official, including ate and assembly, do enact as follows:
Significant changes include all of the following:
the governor, to encumber or expend moneys received SECTION 1.
Misconduct Currently, if an employee is discharged for misconduct connected with his or her employment, the employee is ineligible to receive UI benefits until certain requalification criteria are satisfIn addition, all wages earned with the employer that discharges the employee are excluded in determining the amount of any future benefits to which the employee is entitled.
Current law provides a - 2026 Legislature - 2 - LRB-1534/1 MED:skw ASSEMBLY BILL 167 general definition of misconduct and also specifies a number of specific actions that constitute misconduct.
The bill does all of the following with respect to what is considered misconduct:
1.
Current law specifically provides that misconduct includes theft of an employer’s property or services with intent to deprive the employer of the property or services permanently, theft of currency of any value, felonious conduct connected with an employee’s employment with his or her employer, or intentional or negligent conduct by an employee that causes substantial damage to his or her employer’s property.
The bill does the following:
a.
Eliminates the requirement that the employee have intent to deprive the employer of the property or services permanently.
b.
Provides that intentional or negligent conduct by an employee that causes the destruction of an employer’s records is also considered misconduct.
c.
Adds unauthorized possession of an employer’s property, theft or unauthorized distribution of an employer’s confidential or proprietary information, and use of an employer’s credit card or other financial instrument for an unauthorized or nonbusiness purpose without prior approval from the employer to the list of what is considered misconduct.
2.
Current law specifically provides that misconduct includes absenteeism by an employee on more than two occasions within the 120-day period before the date of the employee’s termination, unless otherwise specified by his or her employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature, or excessive tardiness by an employee in violation of a policy of the employer that has been communicated to the employee, if the employee does not provide to his or her employer both notice and one or more valid reasons for the absenteeism or tardiness.
The bill instead provides that misconduct includes both of the following:
1) a violation of an employer’s reasonable policy that covers employee absenteeism, tardiness, or both and that results in an employee’s termination, if that termination is in accordance with that policy and the policy is specified by the employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature;
and 2) if an employer does not have a policy covering absenteeism that meets the criteria just described, absenteeism on more than two occasions within the 120-day period preceding an employee’s termination, if the employee does not provide to the employer both notice and one or more valid reasons for the absenteeism.
3.
The bill specifically provides that misconduct includes a violation by an employee of an employer’s reasonable employment policy that covers the use of social media specified by the employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature.
General qualifying requirements Under current law, a claimant for UI benefits is generally required to 1) register for work, 2) be able to work and available for work, and 3) conduct a work - 2026 Legislature - 3 - LRB-1534/1 MED:skw ASSEMBLY BILL 167 search for each week in order to remain eligible.
A claimant is required to conduct at least four work search actions each week, and DWD may require, by rule, that an individual conduct more than four work search actions per week.
Finally, if a claimant is claiming benefits for a week other than an initial week, the claimant must provide information or job application materials that are requested by DWD and participate in a public employment office workshop or training program or in similar reemployment services required by DWD.
The bill does the following:
1.
Requires a claimant who resides outside this state and who is claiming benefits for a week other than an initial week to register with his or her local job center website or labor market exchange and requires DWD to verify that each such claimant has complied with that requirement.
2.
Requires DWD to conduct random audits for at least 50 percent of all work search actions reported to have been performed by claimants.
Current law requires random audits of work search actions, but does not require a specific number or level of audits.
O THER CHANGES UI benefit augmentations subject to review by Joint Committee on Finance The bill provides that whenever any UI benefit augmentation is provided for through an act of Congress or by executive action of the president of the United States, the cochairpersons of the Joint Committee on Finance must be notified, in writing, of the proposed benefit augmentation.
The bill defines “benefit augmentation” to mean any action whereby the governor or any other state official or agency would encumber or expend moneys received from, or accept reimbursement from, the federal government or whereby the governor or any other state agency or official would enter into any contract or agreement with the federal government or any federal agency to 1) increase the weekly UI benefit rate payable to claimants above what is provided under state law, or 2) increase the total amount of UI benefits to which a claimant is entitled above what is provided under state law.
Under the bill, such a benefit augmentation is subject to a seven-day passive review by the Joint Committee on Finance.
In addition, the bill provides that no benefit augmentation may be effectuated unless it is subject to termination or cancellation by the Joint Committee on Finance.
Worker’s compensation;
misconduct Currently, under the worker’s compensation law, an employer is not liable for temporary disability benefits during an employee’s healing period if the employee is suspended or terminated from employment due to misconduct, as defined under the UI law.
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Under the bill, the changes to the UI law’s definition of misconduct described above apply under the worker’s compensation law as well.
- 2026 Legislature - 4 - LRB-1534/1 MED:skw ASSEMBLY BILL 167 SECTION 1 For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
of the statutes is amended to read:
of the statutes is from, or accept reimbursement from, the federal govern- amended to read:
16.54 (2) (a) 1.
ment or for any state agency or official, including the 16.54 (2) (a) 1.
and sub.
and governor, to enter into any contract or agreement with sub.
(14), whenever funds shall be made available to this state through an act of congress and the funds are accepted as provided in sub.
(14), whenever funds shall be made available to this the federal government or any federal agency, to do any of the following:
(1), the governor shall designate the state board, commission, or department to administer any of such funds, and the board, commission, or department so designated by the governor is authorized and directed to administer such funds for the purpose designated by the act of congress making an appropriation of such funds, or by the department of the United States government making such funds available to this state.
state through an act of congress and the funds are ac- cepted as provided in sub.
Whenever a block grant is made to this state, no moneys received as a part of the block grant may be transferred from use as a part of one such grant to use as a part of another such grant, regardless of whether a transfer between appropriations is required, unless the joint committee on finance approves the transfer.
(1), the governor shall desig- 1.
SECTION 2.
Increase the weekly unemployment insurance nate the state board, commission, or department to ad- benefit rate payable to claimants to a rate that is higher minister any of such funds, and the board, commission, than what is provided under s.
16.54 (14) of the statutes is created to read:
108.05, including by pro- or department so designated by the governor is autho- viding any stipend or other benefit separately from un- rized and directed to administer such funds for the pur- employment insurance benefits, if eligibility for that stipend or benefit is determined, in whole or in part, pose designated by the act of congress making an appro- priation of such funds, or by the department of the based on an individual’s receipt of, or eligibility for, un- United States government making such funds available employment insurance benefits.
16.54 (14) (a) In this subsection, “benefit augmentation” means for any state agency or official, including the governor, to encumber or expend moneys received from, or accept reimbursement from, the federal government or for any state agency or official, including the governor, to enter into any contract or agreement with the federal government or any federal agency, to do any of the following:
to this state.
1.
Whenever a block grant is made to this 2.
Increase the weekly unemployment insurance benefit rate payable to - 2026 Legislature - 5 - LRB-1534/1 MED:skw ASSEMBLY BILL 167 SECTION 2 claimants to a rate that is higher than what is provided under s.
Increase the total amount of unemployment insur- state, no moneys received as a part of the block grant ance benefits to which a claimant is entitled to an may be transferred from use as a part of one such grant amount that is greater than what is provided under s.
108.05, including by providing any stipend or other benefit separately from unemployment insurance benefits, if eligibility for that stipend or benefit is determined, in whole or in part, based on an individual’s receipt of, or eligibility for, unemployment insurance benefits.
to use as a part of another such grant, regardless of 108.06 (2), including by providing an increased overall whether a transfer between appropriations is required, benefit entitlement or additional weeks of benefits.
unless the joint committee on finance approves the (b) 1.
Whenever any benefit augmentation is pro- transfer.
vided for through an act of congress or by executive ac- SECTION 2.
16.54 (14) of the statutes is created to tion of the president of the United States, the governor read:
or other state official or state agency shall notify the 16.54 (14) (a) In this subsection, “benefit augmen- cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance, in ernor's partial veto which does not expressly prescribe the time when it takes effect shall take effect on the day after its date of publication.” Wisconsin Act - 2 - 2025 Assembly Bill 167 writing, of the proposed benefit augmentation.
The no- or services permanently, theft or unauthorized distribu- tice shall contain a detailed description of the proposed tion of an employer’s confidential or proprietary infor- benefit augmentation, an affirmative statement that the mation, use of an employer’s credit card or other finan- proposed benefit augmentation complies with subd.
2., cial instrument for an unauthorized or nonbusiness pur- and, if the proposed benefit augmentation requires any pose without prior approval from the employer, theft of contract or agreement with the federal government or currency of any value, felonious conduct connected with any federal agency, a copy of the proposed contract or an employee’s employment with his or her employer, or agreement if available.
If the cochairpersons of the intentional or negligent conduct by an employee that committee do not notify the governor, official, or causes the destruction of an employer’s records or sub- agency that the committee has scheduled a meeting for stantial damage to his or her an employer’s property.
the purpose of reviewing the proposed benefit augmen- S ECTION 6.
108.04 (5) (e) (intro.) of the statutes is tation within 7 working days after the date of the gover- created to read:
nor’s, official’s, or agency’s notification, the benefit 108.04 (5) (e) (intro.) Any of the following:
augmentation may, subject to subd.
2., be effectuated as S ECTION 7.
108.04 (5) (e) of the statutes is renum- proposed by the governor, official, or agency.
If, within bered 108.04 (5) (e) 1.
and amended to read:
working days after the date of the governor’s, offi- 108.04 (5) (e) 1.
Absenteeism by an employee on cial’s, or agency’s notification, the cochairpersons of the more than 2 occasions within the 120-day period before committee notify the governor, official, or agency that the date of the employee’s termination, unless otherwise the committee has scheduled a meeting for the purpose specified by his or her employer if the employee does of reviewing the proposed benefit augmentation, the not provide to his or her employer both notice and one or benefit augmentation may not be effectuated without the more valid reasons for the absenteeism.
This subdivi- approval of the committee.
The committee may not ap- sion does not apply if the employer has a reasonable pol- prove a proposed benefit augmentation unless it com- icy that covers absenteeism described in subd.
Increase the total amount of unemployment insurance benefits to which a claimant is entitled to an amount that is greater than what is provided under s.
in an plies with subd.
108.06 (2), including by providing an increased overall benefit entitlement or additional weeks of benefits.
(b) 1.
Whenever any benefit augmentation is provided for through an act of congress or by executive action of the president of the United States, the governor or other state official or state agency shall notify the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance, in writing, of the proposed benefit augmentation.
The notice shall contain a detailed description of the proposed benefit augmentation, an affirmative statement that the proposed benefit augmentation complies with subd.
2., and, if the proposed benefit augmentation requires any contract or agreement with the federal government or any federal agency, a copy of the proposed contract or agreement if available.
If the cochairpersons of the committee do not notify the governor, official, or agency that the committee has scheduled a meeting for the purpose of reviewing the proposed benefit augmentation within 7 working days after the date of the governor’s, official’s, or agency’s notification, the benefit augmentation may, subject to subd.
2., be effectuated as proposed by the governor, official, or agency.
If, within 7 working days after the date of the governor’s, - 2026 Legislature - 6 - LRB-1534/1 MED:skw ASSEMBLY BILL 167 SECTION 2 official’s, or agency’s notification, the cochairpersons of the committee notify the governor, official, or agency that the committee has scheduled a meeting for the purpose of reviewing the proposed benefit augmentation, the benefit augmentation may not be effectuated without the approval of the committee.
The committee may not approve a proposed benefit augmentation unless it complies with subd.
2.
employment manual of which the employee has ac- 2.
No benefit augmentation may be effectuated unless it is subject to termination or cancellation by the joint committee on finance.
No benefit augmentation may be effectuated un- knowledged receipt with his or her signature, or exces- less it is subject to termination or cancellation by the sive tardiness by an employee in violation of a policy of joint committee on finance.
(c) This subsection does not apply with respect to federal extended benefits under s.
the employer that has been communicated to the em- (c) This subsection does not apply with respect to ployee, if the employee does not provide to his or her federal extended benefits under s.
S ECTION 3.
employer both notice and one or more valid reasons for SECTION 3.
of the statutes is renumbered 108.04 (2) (a) 4.
of the statutes is the absenteeism or tardiness.
(intro.) and amended to read:
renumbered 108.04 (2) (a) 4.
(intro.) and amended to S ECTION 8.
108.04 (5) (e) 2.
of the statutes is cre- read:
ated to read:
(intro.) If the claimant is claiming benefits for a week other than an initial week, the claimant provides does all of the following:
(intro.) If the claimant is claiming 108.04 (5) (e) 2.
a.
A violation of an employer’s rea- benefits for a week other than an initial week, the sonable policy that covers employee absenteeism or tar- claimant provides does all of the following:
Provides information or job application materials that are requested by the department and participates.
diness, or both, and that results in an employee’s termi- a.
b.
Provides information or job application materials nation, if that termination is in accordance with that pol- that are requested by the department and participates.
Participates in a public employment office workshop or training program or in similar reemployment services that are required by the department under sub.
icy and the policy is specified by the employer in an em- b.
(15) (a) 2.
Participates in a public employment office work- ployment manual of which the employee has acknowl- shop or training program or in similar reemployment edged receipt with his or her signature.
S ECTION 4.
services that are required by the department under sub.
S ECTION 9.
108.04 (5) (h) of the statutes is created (15) (a) 2.
to read:
SECTION 4.
of the statutes is created to read:
of the statutes is cre- 108.04 (5) (h) A violation by an employee of an em- ated to read:
108.04 (2) (a) 4.
ployer’s reasonable policy that covers the use of social 108.04 (2) (a) 4.
Registers on his or her local job center website or with his or her labor market exchange, if the claimant resides outside this state.
Registers on his or her local job media and is substantially related to the employee’s em- center website or with his or her labor market exchange, ployment, if the violation results in an employee’s ter- if the claimant resides outside this state.
The department shall verify that each such claimant has complied with this subd.
The depart- mination and if that termination is in accordance with ment shall verify that each such claimant has complied that policy and the policy is specified by the employer in with this subd.
S ECTION 5.
an employment manual of which the employee has ac- SECTION 5.
108.04 (5) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
108.04 (5) (b) of the statutes is knowledged receipt with his or her signature.
- 2026 Legislature - 7 - LRB-1534/1 MED:skw ASSEMBLY BILL 167 SECTION 5 108.04 (5) (b) Theft or unauthorized possession of an employer’s property or, theft of an employer’s services with intent to deprive the employer of the property or services permanently, theft or unauthorized distribution of an employer’s confidential or proprietary information, use of an employer’s credit card or other financial instrument for an unauthorized or nonbusiness purpose without prior approval from the employer, theft of currency of any value, felonious conduct connected with an employee’s employment with his or her employer, or intentional or negligent conduct by an employee that causes the destruction of an employer’s records or substantial damage to his or her an employer’s property.
amended to read:
S ECTION 6.
108.04 (5) (e) (intro.) of the statutes is created to read:
108.04 (5) (e) (intro.) Any of the following:
S ECTION 7.
108.04 (5) (e) of the statutes is renumbered 108.04 (5) (e) 1.
and amended to read:
108.04 (5) (e) 1.
Absenteeism by an employee on more than 2 occasions within the 120-day period before the date of the employee’s termination, unless otherwise specified by his or her employer if the employee does not provide to his or her employer both notice and one or more valid reasons for the absenteeism.
This subdivision does not apply if the employer has a reasonable policy that covers absenteeism described in subd.
2.
in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature, or excessive tardiness by an employee in violation of a policy of the employer that has been communicated to the employee, if the employee does not provide to his or her employer both notice and one or more valid reasons for the absenteeism or tardiness.
- 2026 Legislature - 8 - LRB-1534/1 MED:skw ASSEMBLY BILL 167 SECTION 8 S ECTION 8.
108.04 (5) (e) 2.
of the statutes is created to read:
108.04 (5) (e) 2.
A violation of an employer’s reasonable policy that covers employee absenteeism, tardiness, or both, and that results in an employee’s termination, if that termination is in accordance with that policy and the policy is specified by the employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature.
S ECTION 9.
108.04 (5) (h) of the statutes is created to read:
108.04 (5) (h) A violation by an employee of an employer’s reasonable policy that covers the use of social media and is substantially related to the employee’s employment, if the violation results in an employee’s termination and if that termination is in accordance with that policy and the policy is specified by the employer in an employment manual of which the employee has acknowledged receipt with his or her signature.
of the statutes is amended to read:
of the statutes is 108.04 (5) (b) Theft or unauthorized possession of amended to read:
108.04 (15) (a) 1.
an employer’s property or, theft of an employer’s ser- 108.04 (15) (a) 1.
Use the information or materials provided under sub.
Use the information or materials vices with intent to deprive the employer of the property provided under sub.
to assess a claimant’s efforts, skills, and ability to find or obtain work and to develop a list of potential opportunities for a claimant to obtain suitable work.
to assess a claimant’s ef- Assembly Bill 167 - 3 - 2025 Wisconsin Act forts, skills, and ability to find or obtain work and to de- S ECTION 13.
A claimant who otherwise satisfies the requirement under sub.
(2) (a) 3.
is not required to apply for any specific positions on the list in order to satisfy that requirement.
S ECTION 11.
108.14 (20) of the statutes is amended to read:
108.14 (20) The department shall conduct random audits on claimants for benefits under this chapter to assess compliance with the work search - 2026 Legislature - 9 - LRB-1534/1 MED:skw ASSEMBLY BILL 167 S ECTION 11 requirements under s.
108.04 (2) (a) 3.
The department shall conduct the audits required under this subsection at a level sufficient for the department to assess at least 50 percent of all work search actions reported to have been performed by claimants.
S ECTION 12.
Nonstatutory provisions.
(1) The department of workforce development shall submit a notice to the legislative reference bureau for publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register when the department determines that the department has any rules in place that are necessary to implement the renumbering and amendment of s.
108.04 (2) (a) 4.
and the creation of s.
108.04 (2) (a) 4.
c.
by this act.
S ECTION 13.
(1) The renumbering and amendment of s.
velop a list of potential opportunities for a claimant to (1) The renumbering and amendment of s.
108.04 (2) (a) 4.
108.04 obtain suitable work.
A claimant who otherwise satis- (2) (a) 4.
first apply with respect to weeks of unemployment beginning on the effective date of this subsection.
first fies the requirement under sub.
(2) (a) 3.
is not required apply with respect to weeks of unemployment beginning to apply for any specific positions on the list in order to on the effective date of this subsection.
satisfy that requirement.
108.04 (5) (e), the amendment of s.
108.04 SECTION 11.
108.04 (5) (b), and the creation of s.
108.14 (20) of the statutes is amended (5) (e), the amendment of s.
108.04 (5) (b), and the cre- to read:
ation of s.
and (h) first apply with respect to determinations issued under s.
and (h) first ap- 108.14 (20) The department shall conduct random ply with respect to determinations issued under s.
108.09 on the effective date of this subsection.
audits on claimants for benefits under this chapter to as- 108.09 on the effective date of this subsection.
S ECTION 14.
sess compliance with the work search requirements un- S ECTION 14.
This act takes effect on the Sunday after publication, except as follows:
This act takes effect der s.
(1) The renumbering and amendment of s.
108.04 (2) (a) 3.
108.04 (2) (a) 4.
The department shall conduct on the Sunday after publication, except as follows:
the audits required under this subsection at a level suffi- (1) The renumbering and amendment of s.
108.04 cient for the department to assess at least 50 percent of (2) (a) 4.
c.ECTION 13 (1) of this act take effect on the Sunday after - 2026 Legislature - 10 - LRB-1534/1 MED:skw ASSEMBLY BILL 167 SECTION 14 the notice under SECTION 12 (1) of this act is published in the Wisconsin Administrative Register or on January 4, 2026, whichever occurs first.
c.
(2) The renumbering and amendment of s.
and all work search actions reported to have been performed S ECTION 13 (1) of this act take effect on the Sunday after by claimants.
108.04 (5) (e), the amendment of s.
the notice under S ECTION 12 (1) of this act is published SECTION 12.
108.04 (5) (b), and the creation of s.
Nonstatutory provisions.
108.04 (5) (e) (intro.) andECTIONd (h) and S 13 (2) of this act take effect on January 4, 2026, or on the first Sunday after the 180th day after publication, whichever occurs later.
in the Wisconsin Administrative Register or on January (1) The department of workforce development shall 4, 2026, whichever occurs first.
(END )
submit a notice to the legislative reference bureau for (2) The renumbering and amendment of s.
108.04 publication in the Wisconsin Administrative Register (5) (e), the amendment of s.
108.04 (5) (b), and the cre- when the department determines that the department ation of s.
108.04 (5) (e) (intro.) and 2.
and (h) andEC- has any rules in place that are necessary to implement TION 13 (2) of this act take effect on January 4, 2026, or the renumbering and amendment of s.
108.04 (2) (a) 4.
on the first Sunday after the 180th day after publication, and the creation of s.
108.04 (2) (a) 4.
c.
by this act.
whichever occurs later.
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How this bill changes current law

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Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill updates provisions regarding eligibility and definitions related to unemployment insurance benefits and establishes requirements for federal fund acceptance and review.

  • Wis. Stat. § 16.54 (2) (a) 1.

    the governor shall designate the state board, commission or department to administer any of such funds, and the board, commission or department so designated by the governor is authorized and directed to administer such funds for the purpose designated by the act of congress making an appropriation of such funds, or by the department of the United States government making such funds available to this state. → the governor shall designate the state board, commission, or department to administer any of such funds, and the board, commission, or department so designated by the governor is authorized and directed to administer such funds for the purpose designated by the act of congress making an appropriation of such funds, or by the department of the United States government making such funds available to this state. Whenever a block grant is made to this state, no moneys received as a part of the block grant may be transferred from use as a part of one such grant to use as a part of another such grant, regardless of whether a transfer between appropriations is required, unless the joint committee on finance approves the transfer.

    The governor's authority to manage federal funds now requires approval from the Joint Committee on Finance for block grant transfers.

  • Wis. Stat. § 16.54

    16.54 (14) (a) In this subsection, “benefit augmentation” means for any state agency or official, including the governor, to encumber or expend moneys received from, or accept reimbursement from, the federal government or for any state agency or official, including the governor, to enter into any contract or agreement with the federal government or any federal agency, to do any of the following: 1. Increase the weekly unemployment insurance benefit rate payable to claimants to a rate that is higher than what is provided under s. 108.05, including by providing any stipend or other benefit separately from unemployment insurance benefits, if eligibility for that stipend or benefit is determined, in whole or in part, based on an individual’s receipt of, or eligibility for, unemployment insurance benefits. 2. Increase the total amount of unemployment insurance benefits to which a claimant is entitled to an amount that is greater than what is provided under s. 108.06 (2), including by providing an increased overall benefit entitlement or additional weeks of benefits.

    This establishes a formal definition and procedural requirements for any benefit augmentations related to unemployment insurance funded by federal sources.

  • Wis. Stat. § 108.04 (1)(f)

    the employee is not eligible to receive benefits until 5 weeks have elapsed since the end of the week in which the suspension or termination occurs → the employee is not eligible to receive benefits until 5 weeks have elapsed since the end of the week in which the suspension or termination occurs or until the license is reinstated or renewed, whichever occurs first.

    Clarifies the conditions under which benefits are not available to employees whose licenses are suspended or revoked.

  • Wis. Stat. § 108.14 (5) (b)

    Under its authority in s. 15.04 (1) (c), the department may appoint employment councils for industries and local districts. Each such council shall be subject to the membership requirements of s. 15.227 (3).

    Allows for the creation of employment councils to advise on unemployment insurance matters.

  • Wis. Stat. § 108.05 (1)(r)

    Provisions related to the governor's discretion in proposing enhanced unemployment benefits subject to the joint committee's approval.

    Introduces oversight for any increases in unemployment benefits proposed by the governor.

Action History

  1. Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82

  2. Placed on calendar 5-12-2026 pursuant to Joint Rule 82 (2)(a)

  3. Report vetoed by the Governor on 4-3-2026

  4. Presented to the Governor on 4-2-2026

  5. Report correctly enrolled on 1-22-2026

  6. LRB correction

  7. Received from Senate concurred in

  8. Ordered immediately messaged

  9. Read a third time and concurred in, Ayes 18, Noes 14

  10. Rules suspended to give bill its third reading

  11. Ordered to a third reading

  12. Read a second time

  13. Placed on calendar 1-21-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)

  14. Available for scheduling

  15. Report concurrence recommended by Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development, Ayes 3, Noes 2

  16. Executive action taken

  17. Public hearing held

  18. Read first time and referred to committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development

  19. Received from Assembly

  20. Ordered immediately messaged

  21. Read a third time and passed, Ayes 53, Noes 42, Paired 2

  22. Rules suspended

  23. Ordered to a third reading

  24. Read a second time

  25. Fiscal estimate received

  26. Placed on calendar 4-22-2025 by Committee on Rules

  27. Referred to committee on Rules

  28. Report passage recommended by Committee on Workforce Development, Labor, and Integrated Employment, Ayes 6, Noes 3

  29. Executive action taken

  30. Public hearing held

  31. Read first time and referred to Committee on Workforce Development, Labor, and Integrated Employment

  32. Introduced by Representatives Tucker, Armstrong, Brooks, B. Jacobson, Duchow, Murphy, O'Connor, Penterman and Knodl; cosponsored by Senator Wimberger

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 9 co-sponsors · 122 not signed on · 52 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (9)

Not signed on (122)

122 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 122 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Read a third time and concurred in

Passed 18 Yea · 14 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 18000
Democrat 01101
Unaffiliated 0300
Total 181401
% of votes cast 55%42%0%3%
How each member voted (33)
Member Party Vote
JOHNSON — Nay
DASSLER-ALFHEI — Nay
HABUSH SINYKIN — Nay
Carpenter, Tim Democrat Nay
Drake, Dora Democrat Nay
Hesselbein, Dianne Democrat Nay
Keyeski, Sarah Democrat Nay
Larson, Chris Democrat Nay
Pfaff, Brad Democrat Not Voting
Ratcliff, Melissa Democrat Nay
Roys, Kelda Democrat Nay
Smith, Jeff Democrat Nay
Spreitzer, Mark Democrat Nay
Wall, Jamie Democrat Nay
Wirch, Robert Democrat Nay
Bradley, Julian Republican Yea
Cabral-Guevara, Rachael Republican Yea
Felzkowski, Mary Republican Yea
Feyen, Dan Republican Yea
Hutton, Rob Republican Yea
Jacque, André Republican Yea
Jagler, John Republican Yea
James, Jesse Republican Yea
Kapenga, Chris Republican Yea
LeMahieu, Devin Republican Yea
Marklein, Howard Republican Yea
Nass, Steve Republican Yea
Quinn, Romaine Republican Yea
Stafsholt, Rob Republican Yea
Testin, Patrick Republican Yea
Tomczyk, Cory Republican Yea
Wanggaard, Van Republican Yea
Wimberger, Eric Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Read a third time and passed

Passed 53 Yea · 42 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 52000
Democrat 04101
Unaffiliated 1101
Total 534202
% of votes cast 55%43%0%2%
How each member voted (97)
Member Party Vote
JOHNSON — Nay
MOORE OMOKUNDE — Not Voting
SPEAKER — Yea
Anderson, Clinton Democrat Nay
Andraca, Deb Democrat Not Voting
Arney, Margaret Democrat Nay
Bare, Mike Democrat Nay
Billings, Jill Democrat Nay
Brown, Brienne Democrat Nay
Clancy, Ryan Democrat Nay
Cruz, Angelina Democrat Nay
DeSanto, Karen Democrat Nay
DeSmidt, Ben Democrat Nay
Doyle, Steve Democrat Nay
Emerson, Jodi Democrat Nay
Fitzgerald, Joan Democrat Nay
Goodwin, Russell Democrat Nay
Haywood, Kalan Democrat Nay
Hong, Francesca Democrat Nay
Hysell, Andrew Democrat Nay
Jacobson, Jenna Democrat Nay
Joers, Alex Democrat Nay
Kirsch, Karen Democrat Nay
Madison, Darrin Democrat Nay
Mayadev, Renuka Democrat Nay
McCarville, Maureen Democrat Nay
McGuire, Tip Democrat Nay
Neubauer, Greta Democrat Nay
Ortiz-Velez, Sylvia Democrat Nay
Palmeri, Lori Democrat Nay
Phelps, Christian Democrat Nay
Prado, Priscilla Democrat Nay
Rivera-Wagner, Amaad Democrat Nay
Roe, Ann Democrat Nay
Sheehan, Joe Democrat Nay
Sinicki, Christine Democrat Nay
Snodgrass, Lee Democrat Nay
Spaude, Ryan Democrat Nay
Stroud, Angela Democrat Nay
Stubbs, Shelia Democrat Nay
Subeck, Lisa Democrat Nay
Taylor, Sequanna Democrat Nay
Tenorio, Angelito Democrat Nay
Udell, Randy Democrat Nay
Vining, Robyn Democrat Nay
Allen, Scott Republican Yea
Armstrong, David Republican Yea
August, Tyler Republican Yea
Behnke, Elijah Republican Yea
Born, Mark Republican Yea
Brill, Lindee Republican Yea
Brooks, Robert Republican Yea
Callahan, Calvin Republican Yea
Dallman, Alex Republican Yea
Dittrich, Barbara Republican Yea
Donovan, Bob Republican Yea
Duchow, Cindi Republican Yea
Franklin, Benjamin Republican Yea
Goeben, Joy Republican Yea
Green, Chanz Republican Yea
Gundrum, Rick Republican Yea
Gustafson, Nate Republican Yea
Hurd, Karen Republican Yea
Jacobson, Brent Republican Yea
Kaufert, Dean Republican Yea
Kitchens, Joel Republican Yea
Knodl, Daniel Republican Yea
Kreibich, Rob Republican Yea
Krug, Scott Republican Yea
Kurtz, Tony Republican Yea
Maxey, Dave Republican Yea
Melotik, Paul Republican Yea
Moses, Clint Republican Yea
Murphy, David Republican Yea
Mursau, Jeffrey Republican Yea
Nedweski, Amanda Republican Yea
Neylon, Adam Republican Yea
Novak, Todd Republican Yea
O'Connor, Jerry Republican Yea
Penterman, William Republican Yea
Petersen, Kevin Republican Yea
Piwowarczyk, Jim Republican Yea
Pronschinske, Treig Republican Yea
Rodriguez, Jessie Republican Yea
Snyder, Patrick Republican Yea
Sortwell, Shae Republican Yea
Spiros, John Republican Yea
Steffen, David Republican Yea
Summerfield, Rob Republican Yea
Swearingen, Rob Republican Yea
Tittl, Paul Republican Yea
Tranel, Travis Republican Yea
Tucker, Duke Republican Yea
Tusler, Ron Republican Yea
VanderMeer, Nancy Republican Yea
Wichgers, Chuck Republican Yea
Wittke, Robert Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

finance labor
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Frequently asked questions

What does AB 167 do?
An Act to renumber and amend 108.04 (2) (a) 4. and 108.04 (5) (e); to amend 16.54 (2) (a) 1., 108.04 (5) (b), 108.04 (15) (a) 1. and 108.14 (20); to create 16.54 (14), 108.04 (2) (a) 4. c., 108.04 (5) (e) (intro.), 108.04 (5) (e) 2. and 108.04 (5) (h) of the statutes;
Who sponsors AB 167?
AB 167 is sponsored by Wimberger, Tucker, Duke (Republican), Armstrong, David (Republican), Brooks, Robert (Republican), Jacobson, Brent (Republican), Duchow, Cindi (Republican), Murphy, David (Republican), O'Connor, Jerry (Republican), Penterman, William (Republican), and Knodl, Daniel (Republican).
What is the current status of AB 167?
This bill has been sent to the executive. Introduced April 08, 2025. It awaits signature.
Where can I track AB 167?
Track AB 167 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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