Wisconsin Senate Bill SB88

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23
• Refer: 7/10/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Whistleblower protection for municipal clerks who witness and report election fraud or irregularities.

Impact

The implementation of SB88 would have a significant impact on state laws regarding employment protections for municipal clerks. It addresses a crucial aspect of election integrity by empowering clerks to report misconduct without fearing for their job security. This may lead to increased reporting of alleged election fraud, potentially resulting in more thorough investigations and improved public confidence in the electoral process. Furthermore, this could set a precedent for other public employees in the realm of whistleblower protections.

Summary

Senate Bill 88 (SB88) aims to provide whistleblower protection for municipal clerks who witness and report any election fraud or irregularities. This legislation is designed to safeguard clerks against any form of employment discrimination, including discharge or demotion, as a result of their lawful reporting of such incidents. By establishing this protection, the bill encourages transparency and accountability within the electoral process, allowing clerks to perform their duties without fear of retaliation.

Contention

While the bill aims to enhance the protection of election integrity, it may face contention regarding its definition of election fraud and the circumstances under which clerks can claim whistleblower protections. Critics may argue that the vague nature of what constitutes 'fr fraud' could lead to an influx of unfounded reports, straining election administration resources. There may also be concerns regarding the potential for misuse of the protections granted by SB88, with opponents cautioning that it could facilitate wrongful accusations against electoral officials.