Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1107

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/24
• Refer: 4/11/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Authorizing a local government to require advance payment from a presidential or vice-presidential campaign for certain expected public event costs. (FE)

Impact

The bill, if enacted, will have implications for local government finances and campaign operations. Local governments will be authorized to enforce this new requirement, which could lead to a more stable budgeting process by accounting for potential expenses before events occur. Conversely, it may also lead to challenges for campaigns, particularly smaller or newer ones that could struggle with advance payment constraints while organizing events in these jurisdictions.

Summary

Senate Bill 1107 proposes a legislative measure that permits local governments in Wisconsin to require advance payment from presidential or vice-presidential campaigns for certain costs incurred during campaign events held in public venues. This bill aims to ensure that local jurisdictions can recover costs associated with providing services such as police and sanitation during these large public gatherings. By requiring prepayment, local authorities seek to prevent financial burdens stemming from unpaid costs after the event has concluded.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding the bill stem from concerns about its fairness and its potential to limit campaign freedoms. Critics argue that imposing a financial barrier could disproportionately affect lesser-known candidates who may not have the same fundraising capabilities as front-runners. Additionally, there are apprehensions that local governments could misuse their power to charge exorbitant fees or deny access to campaigns based on partisan considerations, which could undermine democratic participation.