Wisconsin Senate Bill SB311

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/4/25
• Refer: 6/4/25

Caption

Prohibiting funding for health services for unlawfully present individuals. (FE)

Impact

The implications of SB311 on state laws are considerable. Should this bill be enacted, it would alter existing regulations regarding access to health services, effectively preventing unlawfully present individuals from receiving state-funded health care. The focus on this demographic may echo broader immigration policies and create tensions around access to essential services, drawing criticism regarding the overall public health impact on communities that include diverse populations.

Summary

Senate Bill 311 aims to prohibit state funding for health services provided to individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States. This legislative measure seeks to restrict access to state-funded health services for a specific demographic, which proponents argue will allocate resources more effectively for citizens and documented residents. The bill raises significant ethical and public health discussions, as it impacts a population that often relies on such services for basic healthcare needs.

Contention

Notably, SB311 is expected to face strong opposition from various advocacy groups and public health organizations that claim the bill could exacerbate public health issues by denying critical care to a vulnerable population. Opponents argue that reducing access to health services for unlawfully present individuals could lead to increased healthcare costs in the long run, as untreated conditions could worsen. This contention highlights the potential negative consequences not only for the individuals directly affected but also for public health at large.