Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB60

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/25
• Refer: 2/24/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to renumber and amend 67.05 (3) (d); to amend 38.16 (3) (br) 3., 66.0602 (4) (c) and 121.91 (3) (c); to create 67.05 (3) (d) 3., 4. and 5. of the statutes; Relating to: referendum questions for certain referenda that affect property taxes. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB60 would introduce new requirements for referenda processes related to property taxes, including detailed disclosures about the estimated financial implications of a tax increase. This means that voters would have more comprehensive information available to them when deciding on tax-related matters. Proponents of the bill argue that informing voters of the specific financial impact on median-value homes would lead to more informed decision-making in local elections regarding tax increases.

Summary

Assembly Bill 60 aims to modify the procedures for referenda concerning property taxes in the state of Wisconsin. Under current law, various local governmental units, including counties, cities, and school districts, can exceed their property tax levy limits if voters approve such increases through a referendum. This bill intends to enhance transparency by requiring that the ballots for these referenda not only state the dollar amount of the increase but also include a good faith estimate of the resultant impact on property taxes for a median-valued single-family home within the district or municipality involved.

Contention

While there is support for this bill based on the premise of increased transparency, it may face opposition from local governmental bodies that argue the additional requirements could complicate the referendum process. Critics might claim that these new regulations could deter voters from approving necessary tax increases due to an overwhelming focus on potential costs, ultimately affecting funding for essential services. Therefore, the bill could spark debates regarding the balance between voter empowerment and the practicality of executing referenda.