Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB343

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/30/23
• Refer: 6/30/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Designating an unborn child as a dependent for income tax purposes and increasing the income tax exemption for a dependent. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB343 will reshape components of state tax law by officially recognizing unborn children as dependents and modifying exemption amounts for taxpayers. It will necessitate that individuals claiming this exemption provide documentation confirming the detection of a fetal heartbeat, potentially increasing the bureaucratic work related to tax filings. Proponents of the bill argue that this measure values unborn life and supports families financially during pregnancy, while opponents may contest its implications for women's health and decision-making autonomy.

Summary

Assembly Bill 343 proposes significant changes to the tax code regarding the classification of unborn children as dependents for income tax purposes. Under this bill, taxpayers can claim an unborn child as a dependent if a qualified ultrasound technician identifies a fetal heartbeat. This provision is framed as a method to recognize unborn children in tax law and aims to increase the individual income tax exemption for dependents from $700 to $1,000. The effective date for these changes is set for taxable years beginning January 1, 2023.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding AB343 revolves around the implications of defining an unborn child as a dependent. Critics argue that linking tax benefits to fetal heartbeats introduces unnecessary complexity and raises ethical questions about the autonomy of individuals regarding reproductive health. Additionally, restricting claims for children who are subjected to abortions further marginalizes reproductive rights, sparking significant debate on the scope of government underlining personal healthcare decisions.