Relating to: virtual currency kiosks.
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SB 975 — Relating to: virtual currency kiosks.
Last action — Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
No card. One bill, free forever — alerts when it moves.
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1Introduced
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2In Committee
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3Passed Senate
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4Passed Assembly
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5To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill has been introduced in the Senate. Introduced February 06, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Next likely step: a committee referral and hearing.
Prognosis
Where this bill stands today.
Odds of enactment
LowHow often bills like it became law.
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Introduced
Current position in the legislative process.
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29 sponsors
1 primary, 28 co-sponsors signed on.
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Single-party support
Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 R).
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Cleared a recorded vote
Passed 2 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.
Summary
An Act to create 217.12 of the statutes;
Bill Text
What changed in the latest version
213 added · 10 removedPlain-language change summary
The amendments to Senate Bill 975 change the licensing fee for virtual currency kiosk operators from $500 to $1,000. Additionally, some specific regulatory details were removed from the bill. These changes are significant because they not only increase the financial commitment required for operators, making it potentially more difficult for smaller businesses to enter the market, but they also streamline the regulatory framework by simplifying the requirements placed on these operators.
- 2026 LEGISLATURE LRBa1179/1LRB-6204/1 ARG:klmARG:wlj&emw SENATE AMENDMENT 1, TO SENATE BILL 975 February 18,6, 2026 - OfferedIntroduced by SenaAMESJ.SenatorAMES , cosponsored by Representatives SNYDER, D OYLE, G UNDRUM , N OVAK, M ELOTIK, M CC ARVILLE, T AYLOR, ARMSTRONG , CALLAHAN , DESMIDT, DITTRICH, DONOVAN , B.ACOBSON , JOERS, KAUFERT , KNODL , KREIBICH, M URPHY , MURSAU , O'CONNOR , ORTIZ-VELEZ, PENTERMAN , IWOWARCZYK , INICKI, PIROS, SUBECK , DELL and ANDRACA .
AtReferred theto locationsCommittee indicated,on amendUtilities, theTechnology billand asTourism. follows:
A N A CT to create 217.12 of the statutes;
relating to:
virtual currency kiosks.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau This bill requires a virtual currency kiosk operator to be licensed as a money transmitter and imposes certain regulatory requirements on virtual currency kiosk operators in addition to those that apply to money transmitters.
Under current law, the Division of Banking (division) in the Department of Financial Institutions regulates money transmitters.
With exceptions, a person may not engage in the business of money transmission unless the person is licensed by the division.
“Money transmission” means selling or issuing payment instruments or stored value, such as checks, money orders, or prepaid cards, to a person located in this state or receiving money for transmission from a person located in this state.
“Money” is not defined to include virtual currency such as cryptocurrency.
Under the bill, a person may not engage in the business of operating virtual currency kiosks in this state unless the person is licensed by the division as a money transmitter.
A “virtual currency kiosk” is defined as an electronic terminal or retail location, in this state, from which a person may exchange fiat currency (money) for virtual currency or virtual currency for money or other virtual currency.
The bill requires a virtual currency kiosk operator to affix a specified printed warning to the front of each virtual currency kiosk and to electronically display this warning on the kiosk’s screen, which the customer must acknowledge to proceed with the transaction.
The bill also includes customer identification requirements.
Before entering - 2026 Legislature - 2 - LRB-6204/1 ARG:wlj&emw SENATE BILL 975 SECTION 1 into an initial transaction with an individual, a virtual currency kiosk operator must verify the individual’s identity by collecting certain information, including the individual’s full legal name, date of birth, and contact information, and obtaining a copy of the individual’s driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued identification document.
In each transaction, the virtual currency kiosk operator must verify the customer’s identity before accepting payment from or dispensing funds to the customer and take a photograph of the customer at the virtual currency kiosk.
The bill limits virtual currency kiosk transactions to $500 per customer per day.
The bill also limits the fees a virtual currency kiosk operator may charge a customer per transaction to the greater of $5 or 3 percent of the transaction amount.
A virtual currency kiosk operator must issue a refund to a customer, upon the customer’s request, for the full amount of a transaction, including fees, if the customer, within 30 days after the transaction, contacted the virtual currency kiosk operator and the Department of Justice, DFI, or a law enforcement agency to inform them of the fraudulent nature of the transaction.
The bill requires a virtual currency kiosk operator to provide customer service during hours in which its virtual currency kiosks are operable and to display a toll- free telephone number for customer service on the exterior or a screen of the virtual currency kiosk.
A virtual currency kiosk operator must also provide a physical and electronic receipt containing specified information upon completion of a transaction.
A virtual currency kiosk operator must take reasonable steps to detect and prevent fraud and must establish and maintain an antifraud policy.
The bill requires a virtual currency kiosk operator to provide notice to law enforcement of the location of each virtual currency kiosk before the first transaction at that location.
The bill also prohibits a virtual currency kiosk operator from locating a virtual currency kiosk within five feet of, or operating a virtual currency kiosk that also functions as, an automated teller machine.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
217.12 of the statutes is created to read:
217.12 Virtual currency kiosks.
(1) D EFINITIONS .
In this section:
(a) “Automated teller machine” has the meaning given in s.
134.85 (1) (a) and includes customer bank communications terminals under s.
221.0303, remote service units under ss.
214.04 (21) and 215.13 (46), and remote terminals under s.
186.113 (15).
- 2026 Legislature - 3 - LRB-6204/1 ARG:wlj&emw SENATE BILL 975 SECTION 1 (b) “Fiat currency” means a medium of exchange that is authorized or adopted by the federal government as part of its currency and is not backed by a commodity.
(c) “Law enforcement agency” has the meaning given in s.
165.83 (1) (b).
(d) “Transaction” means a transaction conducted by means of a virtual currency kiosk.
(e) “Virtual currency” has the meaning given in s.
Show all 139 changed lines (99 more)
177.01 (16).
(f) “Virtual currency kiosk" means an electronic terminal or retail location, in this state, from which a person may exchange fiat currency for virtual currency or virtual currency for fiat currency or other virtual currency, including by connecting to a separate virtual currency exchange.
(g) “Virtual currency kiosk operator" means a person engaged in the business of operating virtual currency kiosks in this state.
(2) LICENSE REQUIRED .
No person may engage in the business of operating virtual currency kiosks in this state unless the person is licensed under this chapter.
(3) W ARNING.
(a) A virtual currency kiosk operator shall affix to the front of each virtual currency kiosk, within the customer’s field of vision, the following printed warning, capitalized and underlined as indicated:
“FRAUD ALERT! Criminals seek to defraud virtual currency customers by impersonating loved ones, government officials, law enforcement officers, or charities;
threatening jail time;
stating that your identity was stolen or your accounts frozen;
or claiming your computer was hackedIF SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW IS ASKING YOU TO SEND VIRTUAL CURRENCY FROM THIS MACHINE, DO NOT PROCEED WITH THE TRANSACTION.
LOSSES DUE TO - 2026 Legislature - 4 - LRB-6204/1 ARG:wlj&emw SENATE BILL 975 SECTION 1 FRAUDULENT OR ACCIDENTAL TRANSACTIONS MAY NOT BE RECOVERABLE.
NOTICE:
Virtual currency may be traded for free in online exchanges.” (b) A virtual currency kiosk operator shall ensure that, as part of each virtual currency kiosk transaction, the warning under par.
(a) is also displayed electronically on the virtual currency kiosk screen before any other disclosure appears on the screen and that the customer affirmatively acknowledges the warning before the customer may proceed with the transaction.
(c) The warning affixed to the front of a virtual currency kiosk under par.
(a) shall be printed in type size no smaller than 20 point.
(4) CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION.
(a) Collection of information.
Before entering into an initial transaction with an individual, a virtual currency kiosk operator shall verify the individual’s identity by doing all of the following:
PageCollecting 5,all lineof 22:the following information pertaining to the individual:
deletea. “$500” and substitute “$1,000”.
Full legal name.
b.
Date of birth.
c.
Telephone number.
d.
Residence address.
e.
Email address.
PageObtaining 5,a linecopy 24:of the individual’s driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued identification document that identifies the individual.
delete(b) theIdentity materialverification beginningfor witheach thattransaction. line and ending on page 6, line 5.
In each transaction with a customer, a virtual currency kiosk operator shall do all of the following:
- 2026 Legislature - 5 - LRB-6204/1 ARG:wlj&emw SENATE BILL 975 SECTION 1 1.
Verify the customer’s identity before accepting payment from or dispensing funds to the customer.
2.
Take a photograph of the customer in a retainable format at the virtual currency kiosk.
(c) False or multiple identities.
1.
A virtual currency kiosk operator may not complete a transaction with a customer unless the virtual currency kiosk operator has verified the customer’s identity as provided in par.
(b) 1.
2.
A virtual currency kiosk operator may not allow a customer to engage in a transaction under any name or identity other than the customer's own true name and identity, or under any account other than an account associated with the customer’s true name and identity.
(5) VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSK LOCATION .
(a) Notice.
A virtual currency kiosk operator shall provide notice of the location of each virtual currency kiosk to a law enforcement agency having territorial jurisdiction at that location.
The virtual currency kiosk operator shall provide this notice before entering into its first transaction with an individual at that location.
(b) Automated teller machines.
A virtual currency kiosk operator may not locate a virtual currency kiosk within 5 feet of, or operate a virtual currency kiosk that also functions as, an automated teller machine.
(6) TRANSACTION RESTRICTIONS AND REFUNDS .
(a) Daily transaction limit.
A virtual currency kiosk operator may not accept from or dispense to a customer, by means of any virtual currency kiosk, more than a total of $500 in fiat currency in the same day.
(b) Fee limit.
A virtual currency kiosk operator may not collect fees or other - 2026 Legislature - 6 - LRB-6204/1 ARG:wlj&emw SENATE BILL 975 SECTION 1 charges from a customer in connection with a transaction that exceed the greater of $5 or 3 percent of the transaction amount.
For purposes of this paragraph, “fees or other charges” includes any difference between the price charged to a customer to buy, sell, exchange, or convert virtual currency and the prevailing market value of the virtual currency at the time of the transaction.
(c) Refund in certain circumstances.
Upon request of a customer, a virtual currency kiosk operator shall issue a refund to the customer for the full amount of any transaction, including any fees charged in association with the transaction, if, not later than 30 days after the transaction, the customer contacted the virtual currency kiosk operator and the department of justice, the department of financial institutions, or a law enforcement agency to inform them of the fraudulent nature of the transaction.
(7) OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ;
FRAUD PREVENTION.
(a) Customer service.
A virtual currency kiosk operator shall provide live customer service through a toll- free telephone number during all hours in which any of its virtual currency kiosks is operable.The virtual currency kiosk operator shall display this telephone number on the exterior or a screen of each virtual currency kiosk.
(b) Receipts.
Upon completion of a transaction, a virtual currency kiosk operator shall provide to the customer a physical and electronic receipt containing all of the following information:
1.
The name and contact information of the virtual currency kiosk operator, including a telephone number established by the virtual currency kiosk operator to answer questions and register complaints.
- 2026 Legislature - 7 - LRB-6204/1 ARG:wlj&emw SENATE BILL 975 SECTION 1 2.
Identification of relevant state law enforcement agencies and government agencies for reporting fraud.
3.
The type, value, date, and precise time of the transaction, along with the transaction hash and each applicable electronic record address.
4.
The name and contact information of both the sender and the designated recipient of the transaction.
5.
All fees charged.
6.
The exchange rate to U.S.
dollars, if applicable.
7.
A statement of the liability of the virtual currency kiosk operator for nondelivery or delayed delivery.
8.
A statement of the virtual currency kiosk operator’s refund policy.
9.
Any additional information the department of financial institutions requires.
(c) Antifraud policy.
A virtual currency kiosk operator shall take reasonable steps to detect and prevent fraud, including establishing and maintaining a written antifraud policy.
The antifraud policy shall, at a minimum, include all of the following:
1.
The identification and assessment of fraud-related risk areas.
2.
Procedures and controls to protect against identified risks.
3.
Allocation of responsibility for monitoring risks.
4.
Procedures for the periodic evaluation and revision of the antifraud procedures, controls, and monitoring mechanisms.
SECTION 2.
Initial applicability.
(1) USTOMER IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS .
The treatment of s.
217.12 (4) - 2026 Legislature - 8 - LRB-6204/1 ARG:wlj&emw SENATE BILL 975 S ECTION 2 first applies to transactions occurring on the 60th day after the effective date of this subsection.
Show all 139 changed rows (99 more)
View plain text versions (2)
- Bill Text View text pdf
- Amended Senate Amendment 1 Current pdf
Action History
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Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Representative Emerson added as a cosponsor
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Senator Drake added as a coauthor
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Available for scheduling
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Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Utilities, Technology and Tourism, Ayes 5, Noes 0
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Report adoption of Senate Amendment 1 recommended by Committee on Utilities, Technology and Tourism, Ayes 5, Noes 0
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Executive action taken
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Representative Brown added as a cosponsor
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Public hearing held
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Senate Amendment 1 offered by Senator James
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Representatives Anderson and Arney added as cosponsors
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Representative Miresse added as a cosponsor
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Representative Stroud added as a cosponsor
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Representative Stubbs added as a cosponsor
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Representatives Kitchens and Moore Omokunde added as cosponsors
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Read first time and referred to Committee on Utilities, Technology and Tourism
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Introduced by Senator James; cosponsored by Representatives Snyder, Doyle, Gundrum, Novak, Melotik, McCarville, Taylor, Armstrong, Callahan, DeSmidt, Dittrich, Donovan, B. Jacobson, Joers, Kaufert, Knodl, Kreibich, Murphy, Mursau, O'Connor, Ortiz-Velez, Penterman, Piwowarczyk, Sinicki, Spiros, Subeck, Udell and Andraca
Sponsors
- Snyder · Cosponsor
- Doyle · Cosponsor
- Gundrum · Cosponsor
- Novak · Cosponsor
- Melotik · Cosponsor
- McCarville · Cosponsor
- Taylor · Cosponsor
- Armstrong · Cosponsor
- Callahan · Cosponsor
- DeSmidt · Cosponsor
- Dittrich · Cosponsor
- Donovan · Cosponsor
- B. Jacobson · Cosponsor
- Joers · Cosponsor
- Kaufert · Cosponsor
- Knodl · Cosponsor
- Kreibich · Cosponsor
- Murphy · Cosponsor
- Mursau · Cosponsor
- O'Connor · Cosponsor
- Ortiz-Velez · Cosponsor
- Penterman · Cosponsor
- Piwowarczyk · Cosponsor
- Sinicki · Cosponsor
- Spiros · Cosponsor
- Subeck · Cosponsor
- Udell · Cosponsor
- Andraca · Cosponsor
- Jesse James · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 28 co-sponsors · 103 not signed on
Sponsors (1)
- James, Jesse Republican
Co-sponsors (28)
- Snyder
- Doyle
- Gundrum
- Novak
- Melotik
- McCarville
- Taylor
- Armstrong
- Callahan
- DeSmidt
- Dittrich
- Donovan
- B. Jacobson
- Joers
- Kaufert
- Knodl
- Kreibich
- Murphy
- Mursau
- O'Connor
- Ortiz-Velez
- Penterman
- Piwowarczyk
- Sinicki
- Spiros
- Subeck
- Udell
- Andraca
Not signed on (103)
103 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 103 →"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.
Votes
Roll call published as PDF — view source.
Roll call published as PDF — view source.
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- What does SB 975 do?
- An Act to create 217.12 of the statutes;
- Who sponsors SB 975?
- SB 975 is sponsored by Snyder, Doyle, Gundrum, Novak, Melotik, McCarville, Taylor, Armstrong, Callahan, DeSmidt, Dittrich, Donovan, B. Jacobson, Joers, Kaufert, Knodl, Kreibich, Murphy, Mursau, O'Connor, Ortiz-Velez, Penterman, Piwowarczyk, Sinicki, Spiros, Subeck, Udell, Andraca, and James, Jesse (Republican).
- What is the current status of SB 975?
- This bill has been introduced in the Senate. Introduced February 06, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
- Where can I track SB 975?
- Track SB 975 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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