Wisconsin Senate Bill SB47

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/25
• Refer: 2/21/25
• Refer: 4/22/25

Caption

The suspension of a rule of the Elections Commission.

Impact

The impact of SB47 on state election laws primarily revolves around streamlining the candidacy process. By revoking the contested emergency rule, the bill seeks to restore previous regulations that govern the filing and challenges concerning candidacy declarations. The implications are significant for electoral integrity and the ability of officials to address challenges efficiently, ensuring that the electoral process remains orderly and defined under established statutes.

Summary

Senate Bill 47 addresses the recent suspension of an emergency rule by the Wisconsin Elections Commission, which detailed the processes for filing declarations of candidacy for various offices. The bill mandates the repeal of this emergency rule that had introduced provisions pertaining to challenge procedures related to candidacy declarations. Essentially, this move aims to normalize the electoral process by rescinding the previously instituted emergency measures that were seen to add complexity to the election process.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB47 may include concerns regarding the accessibility of the candidacy process. Repealing the emergency rule could lead to frustrations among potential candidates who may have relied on the previous enhancements that aimed to clarify the process. There may also be debates over whether the repeal undermines necessary precautions that were put in place to ensure transparency and accountability in candidacy challenges.