Kapenga, Chris
Born
1972
Contact
Email · Sen.Kapenga@legis.wisconsin.gov
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13
Bills sponsored
this session · 247 all-time
32
Bills co-sponsored
this session · 32 all-time
—
Enacted into law
counting…
781
Recorded votes
100%
Vote participation
voted in 100% of 781 recorded votes
Voting scorecard
January 2018 Special Session session · computed from recorded roll-call votes
Based on only 9 votes so far — treat these scores as early and low-confidence.
Party unity
100%
based on 9 votes
Votes with own party's majority
Independence
0%
based on 9 votes
Votes against own party's majority
Participation
100%
based on 9 votes
Roll calls where a yes/no was cast
Sponsored (introduced)
247 billsCurrent session 13 bills
- SB 1094 Relating to: creating the penalty of death or life imprisonment for persons who are convicted of certain child sex offenses, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and providing a penalty. (FE) Failed
- SB 1034 Relating to: prohibited employment for former members of the Public Service Commission. Failed
- SB 1010 Relating to: requiring information relating to the food stamp program to be compiled and provided to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (FE) Failed
- SB 781 Relating to: excluding costs funded by referenda from shared costs for the purpose of determining general equalization aids for school districts. (FE) Failed
- SB 763 Relating to: the management of assets of and the voting of ownership interests in securities by the Wisconsin Retirement System and the retirement systems of the City and County of Milwaukee. (FE) Failed
- SB 555 Relating to: zero-based biennial budget requests by executive branch agencies. (FE) Failed
- SB 499 Relating to: the definition of hemp. (FE) Failed
- SB 389 An Act to amend 121.905 (3) (c) 6., 121.905 (3) (c) 9., 121.91 (2m) (j) (intro.) and 121.91 (2m) (t) 1. (intro.) of the statutes; Failed
- SB 295 Relating to: the use of artificial intelligence or other machine assisted translation in court proceedings and of telephone or live audiovisual interpretation in criminal trials. (FE) Failed
- SB 242 Relating to: required ratio of journeyworkers to apprentices in apprenticeship programs and contracts. Failed
- SB 154 Relating to: requiring the Department of Health Services to seek any necessary waiver to prohibit the purchase of candy or soft drinks with FoodShare benefits. (FE) Failed
- SB 81 Relating to: school district operating referenda. Failed
- SJR 116 Relating to: prohibiting the governor from using the partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee (second consideration). Signed
Historical 234 bills
- SB 477 Relating to: attendance of children at public events with groups of nude adults and providing a penalty. Died
- SB 838 Relating to: reductions to state aid paid to school districts for payments made under parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program. (FE) Failed
- SJR 74 Relating to: condemning Hamas' barbaric attack against Israel. Died
- SB 1 Relating to: modifications to the tax treatment of tax-option corporations that elect to pay tax at the entity level. (FE) Failed
- SB 593 Relating to: sex-selective, disability-selective, and other selective abortions and providing a penalty. Vetoed
- SB 16 Relating to: requirements for children born alive following abortion or attempted abortion and providing a penalty. Vetoed
- SJR 71 Relating to: proclaiming October 2021 to be Right to Life Month in Wisconsin. Died
- SR 11 Relating to: castigating the Wisconsin Elections Commission for ignoring statutory requirements, for sidestepping the administrative rulemaking process, and for not following both the letter and intent of state statute. Died
- SJR 2 Relating to: public access to the state capitol building. Died
- SB 4 Relating to: prohibiting certain government officials from mandating vaccination against the 2019 novel coronavirus. Died
- SB 618 Relating to: requiring the repeal of hunting, trapping, and fishing administrative rules in conjunction with promulgation of new rules. (FE) Failed
- SB 7 Relating to: closure of and forbidding gatherings in places of worship. Died
- SJR 83 Relating to: honoring the life and commemorating the career and accomplishments of Ed Lump. Died
- SJR 3 Relating to: terminating the COVID-19 public health emergency, including all emergency orders and actions taken pursuant to declaration of the public health emergency. Died
- SR 6 Relating to: directing the attorney general to seek to join the state as a plaintiff in State of West Virginia, et al., v. US Department of the Treasury, et al. Died
- SB 390 Relating to: establishing the Wisconsin commission for the United States semiquincentennial commission to coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. (FE) Failed
- SB 591 Relating to: informed consent regarding a certain abortion-inducing drug regimen and reporting requirements for induced abortions. Vetoed
- SB 354 Relating to: participation in federal unemployment benefit programs and work search requirements for unemployment insurance. (FE) Failed
- SB 2 Relating to: various changes to the laws administered and enforced by the Department of Revenue. (FE) Failed
- SB 183 Relating to: legislative oversight of federal COVID-19 funds. Vetoed
- SB 5 Relating to: prohibiting mandatory vaccination for employment. Failed
- SB 923 Relating to: detection of and abortion after detection of a fetal heartbeat and providing a penalty. Failed
- SB 1011 Relating to: a parental opt-out from face covering requirements in school buildings and on school grounds and requiring school boards to offer pupils a full-time, in-person option. (FE) Failed
- SB 858 Relating to: bail for criminal defendants who have a previous conviction for bail jumping. (FE) Failed
- SB 856 Relating to: bail for criminal defendants who have a previous conviction for a felony or violent misdemeanor. (FE) Failed
Co-sponsored
32 billsCurrent session 32 bills
- SJR 4 Relating to: the freedom to gather in places of worship during a state of emergency (second consideration). Introduced
- SJR 2 Relating to: requiring photographic identification to vote in any election (second consideration). Signed
- SB 995 Relating to: funding for individual income tax rebates and making an appropriation. (FE) Failed
- SB 940 Relating to: the rule-making authority of agencies. (FE) Failed
- SB 600 Relating to: participating in the federal tax credit program for contributions to scholarship granting organizations. Failed
- SB 498 An Act to create 36.41, 36.42, 38.44 and 38.45 of the statutes; Failed
- SB 475 Relating to: applicability of the commercial building code to certain buildings. (FE) Failed
- SB 467 Relating to: local wheel tax referenda. (FE) Passed
- SB 452 Relating to: pupil eligibility for parental choice programs based upon participation by a sibling or a dependent child of the pupil's parent or guardian. (FE) Failed
- SB 405 An Act to create 895.039 of the statutes; Failed
- SB 384 Relating to: requirements for children born alive following abortion or attempted abortion and providing a penalty. Passed
- SB 315 An Act to amend 224.72 (4) (b) of the statutes; Failed
- SB 310 Relating to: time limits on local unit of government chief executive officer emergency power proclamations. To Executive
- SB 289 An Act to consolidate, renumber and amend 227.137 (3) (b) (intro.) and 1.; to amend 227.137 (3) (c), 227.137 (4m) (b) 2. a., 227.137 (4m) (b) 2. b., 227.137 (4m) (c) 1., 227.139 (1), 227.139 (2) (b), 227.19 (5) (b) 3. a. and 227.19 (5) (b) 3. b.; to create 227.137 (3m) and 227.139 (2) (c) of the statutes; Failed
- SB 280 Relating to: interest earned on coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds. (FE) Failed
- SB 277 An Act to renumber 227.15 (3); to amend 227.114 (2) (intro.), 227.14 (6) (c) 1. (intro.), 227.15 (7) and 990.01 (30m); to create 35.93 (2) (b) 3. gn., 35.93 (2) (b) 3. gp., 35.93 (2) (b) 3. gq., 35.93 (2) (c) 2m., 35.93 (3) (g), 227.10 (3) (f), 227.135 (1) (g), 227.137 (3) (h), 227.14 (6) (c) 1m., 227.15 (3) (b) and 227.225 of the statutes; Failed
- SB 275 An Act to renumber and amend 227.135 (5); to amend 227.14 (6) (c) 1. a.; to create 227.135 (1) (g), 227.135 (5) (b) and 227.135 (7) of the statutes; Failed
- SB 267 Relating to: the fee for filing limited liability company articles of organization with the Department of Financial Institutions. (FE) To Executive
- SB 196 Relating to: various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE) Failed
- SB 194 Relating to: obtaining attorney fees and costs under the state’s public records law when an authority voluntarily or unilaterally releases a contested record after an action has been filed in court. Passed
- SB 157 Relating to: prohibiting gender transition medical intervention for individuals under 18 years of age. Failed
- SB 151 Relating to: requests for information from employers about unemployment insurance claims. Failed
- SB 117 Relating to: designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants. Failed
- SB 116 Relating to: designating University of Wisconsin and technical college sports and athletic teams based on the sex of the participants. Failed
- SB 58 Relating to: referendum questions for certain referenda that affect property taxes. (FE) Failed
Voting record
Current session 50 votes
| Bill | Vote | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
SB 485
Relating to: video monitoring or recording in residential care centers for children and youth, group homes, and shelter care facilities.
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | March 17, 2026 |
|
SB 467
Relating to: local wheel tax referenda. (FE)
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | January 21, 2026 |
|
SB 371
Relating to: explaining pregnancy, prenatal development, and childbirth as part of a human growth and development instructional program. (FE)
Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | January 21, 2026 |
|
SB 337
Relating to: local grant writing and compliance assistance. (FE)
Senate Amendment 2 rejected |
Yea | pass | October 14, 2025 |
|
SB 283
Relating to: public protective services hearing protection assistance. (FE)
Senate Amendment 2 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SB 210
Relating to: changes to amount of, and criteria for designating recipients of, academic excellence higher education scholarships. (FE)
Senate Amendment 1 adopted |
Yea | pass | November 18, 2025 |
|
SB 182
Relating to: emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE)
Senate Amendment 2 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SB 125
Relating to: a nuclear power siting study and time limits for taking final action on certain certificate of public convenience and necessity applications. (FE)
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | May 15, 2025 |
|
SB 111
Relating to: transportation of minors for emergency detention.
Senate Amendment 2 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SB 108
Relating to: sharing minors’ safety plans. (FE)
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SB 106
Relating to: psychiatric residential treatment facilities, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority.
Senate Amendment 2 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SB 66
Relating to: registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty.
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | April 22, 2025 |
|
SB 56
Relating to: the use of federal capitalization grant funds for lead service line replacement. (FE)
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | May 15, 2025 |
|
SB 45
An Act;
Move to call the question |
Nay | pass | July 02, 2025 |
|
SB 41
Relating to: school safety grants and making an appropriation. (FE)
Senate Amendment 2 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SB 36
An Act to repeal 71.63 (6) (n) 1. and 71.63 (6) (n) 2.; to renumber and amend 71.63 (6) (n) (intro.); to amend 71.05 (6) (b) 19. cm., 71.05 (6) (b) 19. dm., 71.05 (6) (b) 28. e., 71.05 (6) (b) 28. f., 71.05 (6) (b) 32. b., 71.05 (6) (b) 32. c., 71.05 (6) (b) 33. b., 71.05 (6) (b) 33. c., 71.05 (6) (b) 35. c., 71.05 (6) (b) 35. d., 71.05 (6) (b) 38. c., 71.05 (6) (b) 38. d., 71.05 (6) (b) 42. c., 71.05 (6) (b) 42. d. and 71.05 (6) (b) 43. f.; to create 71.05 (1) (j) of the statutes;
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | January 21, 2026 |
|
SB 10
An Act to amend 119.04 (1); to create 118.40 (4) (ar) 3. and 120.12 (29) of the statutes;
Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SB 7
An Act to renumber and amend 710.02 (1) and 710.02 (9); to amend 710.02 (2) (intro.), 710.02 (3), 710.02 (5) (a) (intro.), 710.02 (5) (a) 1., 710.02 (5) (a) 2. and 710.02 (6); and to create 710.02 (1g), 710.02 (1r) (d) and 710.02 (9) (b) of the statutes;
Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | January 21, 2026 |
|
SB 4
An Act to create 146.78 and 600.01 (1) (b) 13. of the statutes;
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | March 18, 2025 |
|
AR 5
Relating to: celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2025.
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | October 14, 2025 |
|
AJR 73
Relating to: recognizing June 2025 as Black Music Month in the state of Wisconsin.
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | May 15, 2025 |
|
AJR 35
Relating to: proclaiming May 16, 17, and 18, 2025, Syttende Mai Weekend.
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | October 14, 2025 |
|
AJR 5
Relating to: proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month.
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | October 14, 2025 |
|
AB 663
Relating to: imposing certain prohibitions on foreign influence at University of Wisconsin System institutions. (FE)
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | February 18, 2026 |
|
AB 651
Relating to: various changes to the worker’s compensation law, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | February 11, 2026 |
|
AB 614
Relating to: a teacher’s authority to manage the teacher’s class, parental notification of disruptive or violent behavior at school, and a school district’s code of conduct. (FE)
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | February 11, 2026 |
|
AB 596
Relating to: a state matching grant program for recipients of federal per diem payments and making an appropriation. (FE)
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | February 11, 2026 |
|
AB 461
Relating to: an income tax subtraction for certain overtime compensation. (FE)
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | March 17, 2026 |
|
AB 457
Relating to: the conditions under which a school district may adopt a resolution to exceed its revenue limit. (FE)
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | January 21, 2026 |
|
AB 453
Relating to: required approvals of rezoning requests related to residential development, contents of and consistency of local ordinances with local comprehensive plans, certain tax incremental district project costs related to residential development, and tax incremental district lifespan extension. (FE)
Senate Amendment 2 to Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | February 18, 2026 |
|
AB 415
Relating to: use restrictions on state and local government electronic devices.
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | February 18, 2026 |
|
AB 248
Relating to: vacancies in appointive state offices.
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | March 17, 2026 |
|
AB 223
Relating to: residency requirements for persons circulating nomination papers or recall petitions.
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | February 11, 2026 |
|
AB 182
Relating to: changes to the low-income housing tax credit. (FE)
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | March 17, 2026 |
|
AB 180
Relating to: requiring the Department of Health Services to seek any necessary waiver to prohibit the purchase of candy or soft drinks with FoodShare benefits. (FE)
Senate Substitute Amendment 2 rejected |
Yea | pass | March 17, 2026 |
|
AB 73
Relating to: statutory recognition of specialized treatment court and commercial court dockets.
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | May 15, 2025 |
|
AB 35
Relating to: withdrawal of candidacy for certain offices filled at the general election and providing a penalty. (FE)
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | October 14, 2025 |
|
AB 5
Relating to: requiring school boards to make textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials available for inspection by school district residents.
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | October 14, 2025 |
|
SR 7
Relating to: convening additional senate floor periods to address affordability for Wisconsin.
Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | January 21, 2026 |
|
SR 4
Relating to: congratulating the Wisconsin Lutheran Boys Basketball team on their 2025 Division 1 State Basketball Championship.
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | March 18, 2025 |
|
SJR 125
Relating to: the life and public service of George Meyer.
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | May 15, 2025 |
|
SJR 111
Relating to: proclaiming the months of October 2025 and October 2026 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Senate Amendment 2 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SJR 108
Relating to: recognizing the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day.
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SJR 106
Relating to: congratulating the Greendale High School Marching Band on winning the Wisconsin School Music Association State Marching Band Championship for the 20th consecutive year.
Senate Amendment 2 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SJR 66
Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative Richard A. Flintrop.
Senate Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | April 22, 2025 |
|
SJR 56
Relating to: proclaiming April 20 to 26 as 2025 National Infertility Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | May 15, 2025 |
|
SJR 45
Relating to: proclaiming May 2025 and May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Months.
Move to call the question |
Nay | pass | July 02, 2025 |
|
SJR 41
Relating to: celebrating 50 years of strength and resilience of the Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, and Vietnamese people.
Senate Amendment 2 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |
|
SJR 36
Relating to: congratulating the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse women’s gymnastics team on winning the 2025 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship.
Decision of the Chair stands as the judgment of the Senate |
Yea | pass | January 21, 2026 |
|
SJR 10
Relating to: proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month.
Senate Substitute Amendment 1 rejected |
Yea | pass | June 18, 2025 |