Wisconsin Senate Bill SB681

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/15/23
• Refer: 11/15/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Public contracts with persons engaged in certain boycotts.

Impact

The bill intends to centralize procurement policies related to these industries by ensuring that no state funds support entities that partake in boycotts against fellow participants in agriculture or fossil fuel production. This could fundamentally alter the existing landscape for public contracts, ensuring a more uniform application of local and state guidelines regarding economic relationships and interactions with these sectors. It will also likely impact the dynamics of how businesses engage with state procurement processes, compelling them to reaffirm their compliance with these conditions to participate in government contracts.

Summary

Senate Bill 681 introduces new stipulations regarding public contracts involving individuals or organizations engaged in 'covered activities,' specifically production agriculture and fossil fuel-based energy. Under the proposed legislation, state agencies and local governments are mandated to secure written verification from contractors that they do not engage in boycotts against entities based on their involvement in these covered activities. This means that contracts will only be permissible if the involved parties declare that they will not penalize others for their participation in these specified areas of commerce.

Contention

Critics of SB681 may argue that this legislation could penalize businesses or organizations advocating for environmentally sustainable practices by restricting their ability to refuse contracts with those involved in fossil fuel industries. Supporters might counter that the bill aims to protect local economies and ensure that state contracts do not inadvertently harm essential agricultural and energy sectors. The balance between promoting economic stability and advancing environmental concerns could be a significant point of contention during discussions regarding this bill.