Wisconsin Senate Bill SB283

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/23
• Refer: 5/15/23
• Report Pass: 10/4/23
• Engrossed: 10/17/23
• Refer: 10/19/23
• Enrolled: 11/15/23
• Chaptered: 12/7/23
• Passed: 12/7/23

Caption

Broadcasting election night proceedings. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, SB283 would significantly affect the operational procedures for municipalities regarding election monitoring and transparency. It would enforce a standardized protocol for broadcasting and documenting canvassing proceedings, compelling local government offices to invest in the necessary technology and resources to comply with these requirements. The goal is to bolster public confidence in electoral processes by making them more visible and accountable.

Summary

Senate Bill 283 aims to enhance the transparency of election processes by imposing requirements on municipalities that choose to broadcast their election canvassing proceedings live. The bill mandates that if a municipality decides to broadcast this process, whether through television or online streaming, they are required to record and retain the broadcast for a period of 22 months. This move is intended to ensure public access to important election-related activities, providing a safeguard against any disputes regarding the outcomes of elections.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding SB283, particularly concerning the associated costs and resource needs for municipalities. Critics may argue that the requirement to broadcast and retain recordings imposes an additional financial burden on local governments, which may lack sufficient funding or technological capacity. Supporters of the bill, however, stress the importance of transparency in elections, suggesting that the potential costs are justified by the benefits of increased public trust in the electoral process.