Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1004

Introduced
2/3/26  
Refer
2/3/26  
Report Pass
2/11/26  
Refer
2/11/26  
Engrossed
2/19/26  
Refer
2/25/26  
Enrolled
3/20/26  
Chaptered
4/3/26  

Caption

An Act to create 118.227 of the statutes; Relating to: prohibiting education employers from entering into certain agreements related to information about alleged immoral conduct by an employee and civil immunity for information provided to a prospective employer.

Impact

The introduction of AB1004 will significantly alter how education employers in Wisconsin manage conduct-related investigations. By prohibiting agreements that can suppress information about allegations of immoral conduct, the bill aims to encourage more reporting of unethical behavior. Additionally, it offers civil immunity to employers who provide information about a current or former employee's conduct, which could lead to more candid exchanges about an individual's professional history and character among potential employers. Overall, this could lead to a cultural shift within educational institutions regarding accountability.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1004 aims to establish a framework to prohibit education employers from entering into agreements that may suppress information regarding allegations of immoral conduct by employees. Specifically, the bill defines 'education employers' and how they must handle information related to employee conduct. The main goal of this legislation is to enhance transparency in the education sector, ensuring that allegations of immoral conduct are addressed and that education employers retain the ability to report such instances without fear of legal consequences or retaliatory measures.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding AB1004 have generally reflected a supportive sentiment towards greater accountability within the education sector, with many legislators endorsing the importance of transparency in the handling of immoral conduct allegations. However, concerns have been raised about the potential for liability issues that may arise for education employers when disclosing sensitive information about former employees, especially regarding instances where allegations have not been substantiated. As a result, while there is strong support for enhanced transparency, there are also reservations about unintended consequences for employer-employee relationships.

Contention

A notable point of contention highlighted in discussions about AB1004 pertains to the balance between worker protections and the need for accountability in the educational framework. Critics argue that while the bill's intentions are sound, the focus on transparency needs to ensure that it doesn't unfairly burden education employers or lead to excessive litigation. The challenge will be to implement guidelines that protect the rights and reputations of employees while also promoting an environment where allegations of immoral conduct can be reported and addressed appropriately.

Companion Bills

WI SB1000

Crossfiled An Act to create 118.227 of the statutes; Relating to: prohibiting education employers from entering into certain agreements related to information about alleged immoral conduct by an employee and civil immunity for information provided to a prospective employer.

Previously Filed As

WI SB1000

Prohibiting education employers from entering into certain agreements related to information about alleged immoral conduct by an employee and civil immunity for information provided to a prospective employer.

WI AB512

Prohibiting an employer from relying on information about a prospective employee’s compensation when making employment decisions or inquiring about a prospective employee’s compensation and from restricting an employee’s right to disclose compensation information, allowing actions in circuit court, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI SB540

Prohibiting an employer from relying on information about a prospective employee’s compensation when making employment decisions or inquiring about a prospective employee’s compensation and from restricting an employee’s right to disclose compensation information, allowing actions in circuit court, and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI HB4093

Relating to protections for persons with disabilities.

WI HB5509

Labor: fair employment practices; agreements that prohibit employees from disclosing certain information about violations of the Elliott-Larsen civil rights act; prohibit employers from entering into unless certain conditions are met. Amends 1976 PA 453 (MCL 37.2101 - 37.2804) by adding sec. 202b.

WI A4414

Immunizes employers from civil liability for certain disclosures regarding employees and former employees.

WI H5679

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

WI S0070

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

WI HB2303

AN ACT Relating to prohibiting employers from microchipping employees;

WI SB361

Providing for duties of public employers relating to public employee information.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.