Wisconsin Senate Bill SB338

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/19/25
• Refer: 6/19/25

Caption

Enforcement of the federal Help America Vote Act.

Impact

If enacted, SB338 will have a significant impact on state election laws by introducing mandatory compliance with federal standards for election administration. This may require state and local election offices to update their systems and processes to meet these requirements, ensuring that they are better equipped to handle elections. The bill reinforces existing state laws pertaining to voting while paving the way for enhanced voter education and outreach, especially among underserved communities. Increased funding may also be allocated to support these initiatives, leading to better-equipped election offices statewide.

Summary

SB338 is proposed legislation that addresses the enforcement mechanisms of the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The bill aims to strengthen the security and accessibility of voting processes within the state, ensuring that state laws align with federal requirements. It mandates state and local election officials to comply with specific provisions laid out in HAVA to improve voter registration processes, security of voting systems, and overall electoral integrity. This alignment with federal standards is intended to promote public confidence in the electoral process and reduce instances of election-related fraud.

Contention

However, SB338 is not without its controversies. Critics argue that strict adherence to federal mandates may undermine states' autonomy in managing their elections. Concerns have been raised regarding the financial implications of implementing new systems and processes, particularly in terms of the resources required for compliance. Additionally, some factions believe that the bill may inadvertently lead to overregulation, making it more complex for citizens to participate in elections. Proponents of the bill argue that these measures will ultimately lead to safer and fairer elections, contrasting with the criticisms of potential overreach.