Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB479

Introduced
10/9/25  
Refer
10/9/25  

Caption

An Act to create 20.165 (2) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: reducing costs of trade examinations administered by third parties and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB 479 would directly influence state laws governing occupational licensing processes. It introduces a specific appropriation amount, intended to offset the costs associated with examinations required under state law for obtaining various building trade licenses. This change is poised to enhance accessibility to trades occupations by reducing the financial burden on individuals, potentially encouraging more people to pursue careers in skilled labor, which is critical to the economy.

Summary

Assembly Bill 479 seeks to address the financial barriers associated with obtaining occupational licenses in the building trades by reducing the fees for third-party administered trade examinations. The intention of the bill is to alleviate costs for prospective workers who must pass these examinations in order to enter the workforce in various skilled professions. By creating a dedicated appropriation for the Department of Safety and Professional Services, the bill aims to ensure that these costs are offset, making it easier for individuals to gain licensure and advance their careers in these fields.

Contention

Discussions surrounding AB 479 may reflect underlying tensions related to professional regulation and the accessibility of skilled trades. While proponents argue that reducing costs will lead to a more skilled workforce and help address shortages in building trades labor, critics may voice concerns regarding the adequacy of third-party examinations and whether cost reductions could compromise the quality of training and assessment for trade professionals. The nature of the appropriations may also spark debates over funding priorities within the state budget.

Companion Bills

WI SB468

Crossfiled An Act to create 20.165 (2) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: reducing costs of trade examinations administered by third parties and making an appropriation. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI SB468

Reducing costs of trade examinations administered by third parties and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB1183

Creating a Civic Information Consortium Board and a grant program administered by a nonprofit corporation to support local journalism and media projects and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI HB261350

Concerning appropriations related to school food programs, and, in connection therewith, making and reducing an appropriation.

WI AB1207

Creating a Civic Information Consortium Board and a grant program administered by a nonprofit corporation to support local journalism and media projects and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB26023

Concerning the financing of public schools, and, in connection therewith, making and reducing an appropriation.

WI H5001

Driver's license

WI HB261353

Concerning state-administered social studies assessments, and, in connection therewith, reducing an appropriation.

WI HB261382

Concerning the support of Coloradans with disabilities, and, in connection therewith, creating the Colorado disability funding authority and making and reducing appropriations.

WI SB1137

Creating WisEARNS, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB844

Forensic examinations done on a crime victim to gather evidence, modifying administrative rules relating to reimbursement for forensic examinations, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.