Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB433

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/15/25
• Refer: 9/15/25
• Report Pass: 10/8/25
• Refer: 10/8/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to repeal 35.35 (1) (a); to renumber 35.35 (1) (b); to amend 13.92 (1) (b) 3. a., 35.17 (1) and 985.08 (2) (a) of the statutes; Relating to: newspaper publication and typeface for certain legal notices.

Impact

The implementation of AB433 would directly affect existing laws related to the publication of legal notices, which are crucial for informing the public about various governmental actions and legal proceedings. It seeks to standardize how such notices are presented in order to make them clearer and more accessible to residents. By mandating specific typographical elements, the bill could lead to a shift in how local governments and agencies approach legal notifications, potentially streamlining the process and fostering better communication with the public.

Summary

AB433 is designed to amend the requirements surrounding the publication of certain legal notices, specifically focusing on the standards for newspaper publication and the typeface used in these notices. The bill addresses how these notices are disseminated to ensure compliance with modern standards for readability and accessibility. By adjusting the regulations regarding typeface and publication standards, AB433 aims to enhance public access to important legal information, thereby increasing government transparency and accountability.

Contention

Notably, there may be contention regarding the specific typeface standards and the implications for smaller newspapers that may struggle to comply with new printing requirements. Advocates argue that clearer standards will benefit citizens by making legal notices more legible, while opponents might raise concerns about the financial burden it could impose on local publishers. As such, discussions around the bill have highlighted the balance between improving public notice efficiency and ensuring that the regulations do not disproportionately affect small or rural newspapers.