Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1211

Introduced
4/11/24  
Refer
4/11/24  

Caption

Authorizing a local government to require advance payment from a presidential or vice-presidential campaign for certain expected public event costs. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, this bill will directly impact the way presidential campaigns interact with local jurisdictions when planning events. By requiring advance payment for public safety and sanitation services, local governments gain assurance that they will not be left financially liable for any costs generated by campaign activities, which may vary significantly from city to city based on logistical needs. This legislative change aims to enhance financial accountability and support localized budgeting efforts for public event management.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1211 introduces a new statutory requirement allowing local governments, such as cities and counties, to mandate advance payments from presidential or vice-presidential campaigns for public costs associated with campaign events held at public venues. This can include anticipated expenditures related to necessary public services, specifically police and sanitation, during such events. The objective is to ensure that local governments are compensated upfront for the expected costs incurred in the provision of these services, thereby mitigating potential financial burdens.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention surrounding AB1211 include the implications it has for the accessibility of public venues for campaign events. Critics might argue that requiring advanced payments could deter some candidates, particularly those with limited funds, from holding events in certain jurisdictions, potentially diminishing the democratic process. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the enforcement of prohibiting permits based on outstanding debts to other political subdivisions, raising questions about the equity of local regulations governing campaign activities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI HB1667

establishing the first-in-the-nation security task force to coordinate planning for presidential campaign events.

WI ACR68

Urges Congress to enact "Presidential Security Resources Reimbursement Act of 2024" to reimburse State and local units for public safety expenses incurred during major presidential and vice presidential candidates' visits.

WI HF4564

Petitions and certifications of persons nominated as presidential electors and alternate presidential electors required to include a certification attesting to the eligibility of the candidates for president and vice president to be elected to office.

WI HF594

State primary date changed to the same date as the presidential primary nomination, and presidential nomination primary requirements amended.

WI SB538

Eliminating Leftover Expenses for Campaigns from Taxpayers (ELECT) Act of 2025

WI S252

Requires advance notice of water supply discontinuations for non-payment of local government water bills; requires offer of payment plan in certain circumstances.

WI SB279

Amending the campaign finance act and the state governmental ethics laws regarding the qualifications of members of the governmental ethics commission, actions of the commission, formation of political committees, reporting requirements and requirements for "paid for" attributions.

WI SB1259

campaigns; protected residential addresses

WI HB1877

Allows public officials to use campaign funds for childcare costs incurred while campaigning or performing official duties

WI HB1411

directing the state treasurer to withhold payments owed by the state to the federal government where the state has been deprived of federal aid as a result of presidential executive order.

Similar Bills

NH HB1667

establishing the first-in-the-nation security task force to coordinate planning for presidential campaign events.

MN HF4564

Petitions and certifications of persons nominated as presidential electors and alternate presidential electors required to include a certification attesting to the eligibility of the candidates for president and vice president to be elected to office.

MN SF3703

Certification by presidential candidates and political party chairs requirement that the candidate satisfies all eligibility requirements of the United States Constitution

MN HF4352

Certification by presidential candidates and political party chairs that the candidate satisfies all eligibility requirements of the United States Constitution required.

VA SB1119

Elections; primary dates, presidential year primaries.

VA HB1794

Elections; primary dates, presidential year primaries.

VA HB23

Elections; primary dates, presidential year primaries.

VA SB76

Elections; primary dates, presidential year primaries.