Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB120

Introduced
3/8/23  
Refer
3/8/23  
Report Pass
5/23/23  
Engrossed
6/28/23  
Refer
10/11/23  
Enrolled
10/19/23  
Chaptered
10/26/23  

Caption

The design of health care coverage plans for public safety employees. (FE)

Impact

The implications of SB120 mean that municipal employers may have to engage in bargaining discussions around the specific individuals covered under healthcare plans, potentially expanding the scope of negotiations. The bill seeks to address perceived ambiguities in previous legislation and reaffirms that the decision on initial healthcare coverage remains subject to negotiation. This change is intended to enhance communication and improve the relationship between public safety employees and employers regarding employee benefits.

Summary

Senate Bill 120 aims to clarify provisions related to the collective bargaining rights of public safety employees, which include police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service providers, regarding healthcare coverage plans selected by their municipal employers. The bill specifies that while public safety employees currently cannot bargain over the design and selection of these healthcare plans, they are allowed to negotiate about who will be covered under such plans. This represents a significant limit on what has been considered non-negotiable in the past.

Contention

The bill has garnered attention and debate amongst various stakeholders, with some arguing it tilts the balance of power back toward public safety employees who demand a voice in healthcare decisions. However, concerns have also been raised about the potential for increased financial strain on municipal budgets as a result of expanded bargaining requirements. Critics of the bill fear that allowing negotiations over coverage could complicate the implementation of healthcare plans and create administrative burdens for municipal employers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB120

The design of health care coverage plans for public safety employees. (FE)

WI SB564

Bargaining over wages, hours, and conditions of employment for public employees. (FE)

WI AB908

Bargaining over wages, hours, and conditions of employment for public employees. (FE)

WI A1131

Requires election by certain public employees of certain health care benefit plans; prohibits payments by public employers for waiver of such plans.

WI A1317

Requires election by certain public employees of certain health care benefit plans; prohibits payments by public employers for waiver of such plans.

WI SB288

Health coverage: small employers.

WI SB271

Right to bodily autonomy, elimination of certain abortion-related regulations, and coverage of abortion under certain health care coverage plans. (FE)

WI SB718

Health care coverage: small employer groups.

WI SB326

Health care coverage: federal health care reforms.

WI SB255

Health care coverage: employer associations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.