Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB578

Introduced
10/24/25  
Refer
10/24/25  
Report Pass
11/11/25  

Caption

An Act to renumber and amend 50.06 (1) and 50.06 (4); to amend 50.06 (2) (b), 50.06 (2) (c), 50.06 (5) (a) (intro.), 50.06 (5) (b), 50.06 (6), 50.06 (7), 50.08 (1) (b) and 154.225 (1) (c); to create 50.06 (1) (a), 50.06 (1) (b), 50.06 (1) (d), 50.06 (4) (b), 50.06 (4) (c), 50.06 (5) (am), 50.06 (5) (ar), 50.06 (8), 54.36 (1m), 54.50 (3) (cm), 59.42 (4) and 146.82 (2) (a) 7m. of the statutes; Relating to: consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives without requiring a petition for guardianship or protective placement. (FE)

Impact

The proposed legislation is anticipated to have significant implications for state laws governing healthcare admissions. By eliminating the requirement for a guardianship petition, hospitals and care facilities could potentially reduce delays in patient admissions, ensuring that individuals who require urgent care are not hindered by lengthy legal processes. This change is particularly relevant for vulnerable populations who may otherwise face obstacles when accessing necessary healthcare services.

Summary

SB578 focuses on streamlining the process for patient admissions to certain healthcare facilities by allowing representatives to consent to admissions without the need for a petition for guardianship or protective placement. This bill is designed to ease administrative burdens and accelerate the admission process for patients needing immediate care.

Contention

While SB578 aims to simplify the consent process, there may be concerns regarding the safeguarding of patients' rights, especially for those lacking full capacity to make their own decisions. Critics could argue that the removal of the guardianship requirement might lead to situations where patient representatives may not act in the best interests of the individuals they represent. This opens a dialogue on ensuring adequate protective measures are in place to maintain patient autonomy and safety.

Companion Bills

WI AB598

Crossfiled An Act to renumber and amend 50.06 (1) and 50.06 (4); to amend 50.06 (2) (b), 50.06 (2) (c), 50.06 (5) (a) (intro.), 50.06 (5) (b), 50.06 (6), 50.06 (7), 50.08 (1) (b) and 154.225 (1) (c); to create 50.06 (1) (a), 50.06 (1) (b), 50.06 (1) (d), 50.06 (4) (b), 50.06 (4) (c), 50.06 (5) (am), 50.06 (5) (ar), 50.06 (8), 54.36 (1m), 54.50 (3) (cm), 59.42 (4) and 146.82 (2) (a) 7m. of the statutes; Relating to: consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives without requiring a petition for guardianship or protective placement. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI SB630

State parks: real property: acquisitions and leases.

WI AB913

An act to add Section 50406.

WI SB686

Housing programs: financing.

WI AB2020

Housing programs: financing.

WI AB2626

An act to add Section 50406.4.7 to the Health and Safety Code, relating to housing.

WI AB413

Department of Housing and Community Development: guidelines: translation.

WI AB820

Homelessness: transport.

WI AB598

Consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives without requiring a petition for guardianship or protective placement. (FE)

WI AB59

Reclamation District No. 108: hydroelectric power.

WI SB21

Single-room occupancy units: demolition and replacement: housing assistance programs: eligibility for homeless individuals and families.

Similar Bills

WI AB598

Consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives without requiring a petition for guardianship or protective placement. (FE)

MI SB0586

Probate: guardians and conservators; requirement to state on record reasons for moving ward from residence; provide for. Amends secs. 5306 & 5314 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5306 & 700.5314).

MI HB4633

Probate: guardians and conservators; duties of guardians, conservators, and guardians ad litem; modify. Amends secs. 5305, 5314, 5406, 5417 & 5418 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5305 et seq.) & adds sec. 5314a. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4632'25, HB 4634'25, HB 4635'25

ND SB2297

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 23-06.5-03 and section 23-12-13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the determination of incapacity and informed consent of incapacitated patients and minors.

ND SB2297

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 23-06.5-03 and section 23-12-13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the determination of incapacity and informed consent of incapacitated patients and minors.

MI HB4634

Probate: guardians and conservators; appointment; modify procedure. Amends secs. 5303, 5304, 5306, 5306a, 5312 & 5416 of 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.5303 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4632'25, HB 4633'25, HB 4635'25

NJ A962

Allows complaint for guardianship of minor to be filed six months before minor reaches age 18 under certain circumstances; establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints.