Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB507

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/9/25
• Refer: 10/9/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to repeal 20.865 (1) (dm), 20.928 (1f), 230.01 (2) (bm), 230.01 (2) (bp), 230.04 (13m), 230.04 (19), 230.05 (10), 230.06 (1) (m), 230.06 (4), 230.13 (3) (c), 230.15 (6), 230.15 (7), 230.16 (1) (ap), 230.25 (2) (am), 230.31 (3), 230.34 (1) (a) 1. to 9. and 230.445; to renumber and amend 63.08 (1) (fm) and 230.34 (1) (a) (intro.); to amend 62.13 (4) (d), 63.08 (1) (f) 1., 63.08 (1) (f) 2., 63.08 (1) (f) 3., 63.37, 63.39 (2m), 66.0509 (1), 230.04 (14), 230.046 (2), 230.05 (7), 230.08 (2) (c), 230.12 (1) (h), 230.13 (1) (a), 230.13 (3) (b), 230.15 (1), 230.15 (1m) (c) 1., 230.16 (title), 230.16 (1) (a), 230.16 (2), 230.16 (3), 230.16 (4), 230.16 (5), 230.16 (6), 230.16 (7m) (b) 4., 230.16 (10), 230.16 (11), 230.17 (1), 230.17 (2), 230.18, 230.21 (1), 230.21 (2), 230.21 (3), 230.213, 230.24 (1), 230.25 (1), 230.25 (2) (a), 230.25 (2) (b), 230.25 (3) (a), 230.26 (2), 230.26 (4), 230.28 (1) (a), 230.28 (1) (am), 230.28 (1) (c), 230.31 (1) (intro.), 230.32 (4), 230.34 (1) (am), 230.34 (2) (intro.), 230.35 (3) (d), 230.37 (1), 230.43 (1) (title), 230.43 (1) (am), 230.43 (1) (b), 230.43 (1) (c), 230.43 (1) (d), 230.43 (1) (e), 230.43 (5), 230.44 (1) (c), 230.44 (1) (e), 321.65 (3) (g) and 323.2915 (1) and (2); to repeal and recreate 230.19, 230.24 (2), 230.25 (1g), 230.25 (1m), 230.34 (2) (a) and 230.34 (2) (b); to create 230.16 (7m) (c), 230.16 (9), 230.28 (6), 230.31 (2) and 230.40 (3) of the statutes; Relating to: the state civil service system. (FE)

Impact

The bill also revises provisions surrounding employment and job security, altering the probationary period for newly appointed permanent employees from one year to six months. This adjustment aims to streamline the entry of qualified individuals into the civil service. Furthermore, AB507 introduces regulations that allow employees who leave the classified service without misconduct to have reinstatement privileges for five years, creating a more favorable environment for individuals transitioning to other roles and then potentially returning to civil service positions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 507 proposes significant changes to the state civil service system, notably shifting the hiring and promotion processes toward a merit-based system through competitive examinations instead of competitive procedures. This change intends to enhance the effectiveness of recruitment and ensure that appointments in the classified service are made based on merit and fitness. Notably, the bill establishes a preference system for veterans, granting additional points during the hiring process to veterans and qualifying spouses, aiming to recognize their service and support their employment prospects.

Contention

However, this bill has drawn attention for its proposals regarding disciplinary measures and employee protections. AB507 allows for adverse employment actions—like suspensions or demotions—against employees only for just cause, eliminating the previously existing provisions that permitted actions based on inadequate work performance after progressive discipline. This shift could lead to debates about employee accountability and the standards that define 'just cause'. Additionally, the broadened discretion given to appointing authorities regarding layoffs, which can now consider seniority, performance, or other factors, could potentially affect job security and operational dynamics within state agencies.