Wisconsin Senate Bill SB233

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/29/25
• Refer: 4/29/25

Caption

Inducements to sign or refrain from signing nomination papers, recall petitions, and certain other petitions.

Impact

The proposed changes will amend the existing provisions on election bribery to include a broader range of actions and clarify the definitions surrounding them. This will impact the way Election Day practices and petition circulations are monitored and regulated. By strictly defining inducements and categorizing penalties, the bill seeks to reinforce the integrity of the electoral process in Wisconsin, ensuring that competition remains fair and free from manipulative practices.

Summary

Senate Bill 233 aims to define and prohibit various forms of election bribery in Wisconsin concerning petitions related to elections, including inducements for electors to sign or refrain from signing nomination papers, recall petitions, or any petitions about political or social issues. The bill introduces specific measures to clarify what constitutes bribery in these contexts, particularly during defined election periods. It also specifies that any object of value used in such inducements must exceed $5, raising the threshold from the previous $1 limit.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding this bill, particularly in balancing the need for electoral integrity with the concerns about limiting free expression in political advocacy. Some critics may argue that the definition of 'anything of value' could be interpreted too broadly, causing legitimate political engagement efforts to be scrutinized under the new standards. Furthermore, the increase in penalties for these actions raises concerns about the chilling effect on political engagement and advocacy during critical electoral cycles.