Wisconsin Senate Bill SB686

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Prohibited considerations in awarding state or local financial assistance.

Impact

The implementation of SB686 could significantly alter the landscape of state and local financial assistance programs. By restricting the factors that can be considered in awarding funds, the bill may aim to streamline processes and ensure that assistance is granted solely based on economic merit rather than social considerations. This could lead to an increased flow of financial resources to agriculture and fossil fuel industries, which proponents argue are essential for economic stability and growth.

Summary

Senate Bill 686 establishes new regulations regarding the awarding of state and local financial assistance. The bill explicitly prohibits state agencies and local governmental units from discriminating against individuals based on their involvement in production agriculture or in the fossil fuel energy sector. It also prohibits the consideration of social and governance criteria, diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, as well as political and ideological factors in decision-making processes related to grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance.

Contention

Notably, the bill raises points of contention related to its implications for social equity and environmental policies. Critics of the bill may argue that the prohibition on considering diversity and inclusion factors hampers efforts to promote equitable practices within state-funded programs. Additionally, the focus on fossil fuels, amidst ongoing climate change discussions, could spark further debates regarding environmental priorities versus economic interests, making SB686 a polarizing topic among legislators and advocacy groups alike.