Wisconsin Senate Bill SB205

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/16/25
• Refer: 4/16/25

Caption

Information provided to voters concerning proposed constitutional amendments and other statewide referenda. (FE)

Impact

By enforcing a standardized disclosure notice that includes the date of the referendum, the complete text of the proposal, a summary of current law, and a plain language explanation of the implications of voting 'yes' or 'no', SB205 intends to facilitate informed voter participation. The complete notice must not exceed a single page, promoting accessibility of the information. Furthermore, this information is required to be disseminated in advance through various channels, including county clerk offices and the Elections Commission's website, ensuring that it reaches the public well before voting takes place.

Summary

Senate Bill 205 aims to improve the transparency and clarity of information provided to voters regarding proposed constitutional amendments and statewide referenda in Wisconsin. The bill renumbers and amends existing statutes to remove the responsibility of the attorney general in preparing explanatory statements for these referenda. Instead, it mandates that a complete state referendum disclosure notice must accompany any proposal that passes both houses of the legislature, ensuring that voters receive plain language summaries of the proposed changes along with the exact text of the ballot questions. This shift seeks to streamline the information voters receive, thereby enhancing their understanding of what they are voting on.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussion regarding its potential impact on the legislative process and voter engagement. Advocates argue that eliminating the attorney general's explanatory statement could lead to more straightforward communication with voters, empowering them in the decision-making process. However, some critics question whether this change might dilute the quality of information provided, given that the attorneys often provide valuable context based on legal expertise. The stipulations around the referendum disclosure notice, including the limitation on its length, may also raise concerns among those who fear that critical details could be oversimplified, ultimately affecting voters' understanding.