Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB437

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/19/25
• Refer: 9/19/25

Caption

Requiring certain sales invoices and sales receipts to include tariff costs.

Impact

The introduction of AB437 will prompt changes in how retailers present sales information to consumers. With the requirement to disclose tariff costs, retailers will need to adapt their billing systems, and this could lead to increased operational costs associated with compliance. Additionally, this could influence consumer purchasing behavior as the visibility of tariff impacts may affect decisions regarding the purchase of certain goods, particularly those subject to significant tariffs.

Summary

Assembly Bill 437 (AB437) mandates that retailers within Wisconsin, who have sold consumer goods worth $3,000,000 or more in the previous year, must include tariff costs on sales invoices and receipts provided to consumers. This transparency is intended to inform buyers about the total costs associated with their purchases, particularly highlighting any additional expenses due to tariffs imposed on imported goods. By ensuring that consumers are fully aware of these costs, the bill aims to promote informativeness in purchasing decisions.

Contention

As AB437 moves through the legislative process, it may face opposition from certain retail groups or businesses concerned about the administrative and financial burdens of the new requirements. Critics may argue that this legislation adds unnecessary complexity to sales processes, particularly for smaller retailers who may struggle to implement the new requirements. Furthermore, some legislators may raise concerns about the potential for informational overload, where consumers could be confused by additional pricing breakdowns.

Notable_points

Supporters of AB437 contend that greater transparency in pricing is a consumer right, and that disclosing tariff costs will enable shoppers to make more informed choices. The bill could also influence broader discussions about trade policies and their effects on consumer costs. Tied to economic factors and global trade dynamics, AB437 represents not only a regulatory change but also a reflection of ongoing debates surrounding tariffs in the American economy.