The effective date of certain provisions contained in 2023 Wisconsin Act 126.
Impact
The 2023 Wisconsin Act 126 encompasses various measures aimed at securing the integrity of elections. Among its key features are the establishment of whistleblower protections for municipal clerks and election officials, intended to safeguard those who report any irregularities or fraud observed during the electoral process. Additionally, the act makes it a felony to cause harm to election officials, thereby raising the stakes for those considering intimidation or violence against these public servants. The provisions ultimately enhance the security measures surrounding electoral integrity and the protection of election personnel.
Summary
Assembly Bill 134 proposes changes to the effective dates of certain provisions contained in the 2023 Wisconsin Act 126, focusing on the regulations surrounding elections and campaign financing. The bill specifically seeks to delay the effective date regarding filings with the Ethics Commission via the campaign finance information system. Originally scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, the provisions related to the Ethics Commission will now become effective on December 1, 2027. This change is significant as it extends the timeframe for compliance and implementation for committees and political parties.
Contention
During discussions of AB134, various opinions emerged regarding the implications of delaying the effective date for certain provisions. Supporters of the bill argue that extending timelines allows ample preparation for stakeholders and ensures clarity in campaign finance regulations. Conversely, opponents worry that postponing these effective dates could undermine ongoing efforts to enhance election security and transparency, thereby affecting public trust in the electoral process. The contention remains centered on balancing the needs for regulatory preparedness against the urgency of safeguarding election operations.
Maintenance of the voter registration list, training of municipal clerks, data sharing agreements, pre-election procedures, lines at the polls on election day, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Punitive articles in the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice prohibiting certain activities; procedures applicable to courts-martial cases under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; treatment of victims of an offense under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; defining military offenses under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; punishments for violations of the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; and the removal of gender-specific language from the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice.
The impeachment of Meagan Wolfe, the Administrator of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, citing allegations of maladministration in office and potential violations of election laws.
Punitive articles in the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice prohibiting certain activities; procedures applicable to courts-martial cases under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; treatment of victims of an offense under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; defining military offenses under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; punishments for violations of the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; and the removal of gender-specific language from the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice.
Reaffirming Wisconsin’s commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister ties between the State of Wisconsin and Taiwan; reaffirming Wisconsin’s support for the Taiwan Relations Act; supporting Taiwan’s signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States; and continuing support for increasing Taiwan’s international profile.
Reaffirming Wisconsin’s commitment to the strengthening and deepening of the sister ties between the State of Wisconsin and Taiwan; reaffirming Wisconsin’s support for the Taiwan Relations Act; supporting Taiwan’s signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States; and continuing support for increasing Taiwan’s international profile.