Wisconsin Senate Bill SB223

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/25
• Refer: 4/25/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to amend 15.04 (1) (g), 16.765 (1), 16.765 (2), 36.09 (1) (e), 36.11 (3) (a), 36.12 (1), 36.29 (1), 38.04 (13) (b), 38.23 (1), 38.23 (4), 47.02 (3m) (f), 48.82 (1) (a), 48.82 (6), 51.90, 66.0125 (3) (a), 66.0125 (3) (c) 1. b., 66.0125 (9), 66.1011 (1), 66.1201 (2m), 66.1213 (3), 66.1301 (2m), 66.1331 (2m), 66.1333 (3) (e) 2., 86.195 (5) (c), 106.50 (1), 106.50 (1m) (h), 106.50 (1m) (nm), 106.50 (5m) (f) 1., 106.52 (3) (a) 1., 106.52 (3) (a) 2., 106.52 (3) (a) 3., 106.52 (3) (a) 4., 106.52 (3) (a) 5., 106.52 (3) (b), 106.52 (3) (c), 106.52 (3) (d), 106.52 (3) (e), 106.58, 111.31 (1), 111.31 (2), 111.31 (3), 111.321, 111.36 (title), 111.36 (1) (br), 111.36 (1) (c), 111.36 (1) (d) 1., 111.36 (1) (d) 2., 111.36 (2), 111.70 (2), 111.81 (12) (b), 111.85 (2) (b), 118.019 (2d), 118.13 (1), 118.20 (1), 118.40 (4) (b) 2., 194.025, 224.77 (1) (o), 227.10 (3) (a), 230.01 (2) (b), 230.18, 234.29, 321.37, 440.45 (1), 440.45 (2), 452.14 (3) (n), 625.12 (2), 632.35 and 756.001 (3); to create 106.50 (1m) (kf), 106.50 (1m) (kg), 106.52 (1) (cp), 106.52 (1) (cr), 111.32 (7h), 111.32 (7j), 118.13 (1m) and 628.34 (3) (c) of the statutes; Relating to: discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, insurance coverage, national guard, jury duty, and adoption and in the receipt of mental health or vocational rehabilitation services.

Impact

The proposed legislation impacts various existing statutes, mandating adjustments that align with the new definitions of gender identity and expression. State agencies, educational institutions, and public bodies will need to amend their policies to ensure compliance with the expanded anti-discrimination mandates. For instance, schools will be prohibited from discriminating against students based on their gender identity or gender expression, fundamentally altering how educational environments address issues of inclusivity.

Summary

Senate Bill 223 aims to expand the scope of anti-discrimination laws within the state, specifically concerning gender identity and expression. This bill enhances the current legal framework by explicitly prohibiting discrimination on these bases across several areas, including employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. The intent is to create a more inclusive environment for individuals regardless of their gender identity or expression, thus significantly reinforcing protections offered to marginalized groups.

Contention

There are significant discussions surrounding SB223, particularly from different factions within the legislature. Supporters argue that the legislation serves to protect vulnerable populations that face discrimination based on their gender identity or expression. Conversely, opponents express concerns about potential implications on religious freedoms and parental rights in educational settings. The debate reflects broader societal divisions on gender issues, making it a contentious piece of legislation that may face challenges during the voting process.