Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB940

Introduced
2/6/26  
Refer
2/6/26  
Report Pass
2/12/26  

Caption

An Act to repeal 227.11 (2) (a) (intro.); to renumber 227.11 (2) (a) 1. to 3.; to amend 18.03 (2) (b) and 227.11 (2) (d); to create 227.11 (1m) of the statutes; Relating to: the rule-making authority of agencies. (FE)

Impact

By restricting the rule-making power of state agencies, SB940 may lead to a reduction in the flexibility that these agencies currently enjoy when interpreting laws. Proponents of the bill argue that this will provide greater transparency and accountability, as it forces agencies to rely strictly on legislatively granted powers. On the other hand, critics may argue that such restrictions could hinder agencies from effectively responding to evolving issues within their regulatory frameworks, potentially delaying necessary regulatory actions.

Summary

Senate Bill 940 seeks to amend the rule-making authority of state agencies by prohibiting them from promulgating rules that interpret statutes without explicit statutory authority. This change is aimed at reinforcing the principle that statutory interpretation should remain within the purview of the legislature, ensuring that agencies do not overstep their bounds when interpreting the laws they are responsible for enforcing. This bill emphasizes a clear delineation between legislative intent and agency discretion, potentially shaping the regulatory landscape in Wisconsin significantly.

Contention

The discussion surrounding SB940 may include notable contention regarding the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. Supporters believe that this bill will prevent bureaucratic overreach, while opponents might view it as a form of legislative micromanagement that could undermine the ability of agencies to perform their statutory duties. The tension between maintaining adequate oversight of agency actions while allowing them the necessary discretion to implement laws effectively could be a central theme in debates over this legislation.

Companion Bills

WI AB955

Crossfiled An Act to repeal 227.11 (2) (a) (intro.); to renumber 227.11 (2) (a) 1. to 3.; to amend 18.03 (2) (b) and 227.11 (2) (d); to create 227.11 (1m) of the statutes; Relating to: the rule-making authority of agencies. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB2116

An act to amend Sections 22001, 22002, 22007, 22010, 22101, 22101.5, 22102, 22103, 22104, 22105, 22106, 22107, 22109, 22112, 22151, 22153, 22156, 22157, 22157.1, 22159, 22161, 22162, 22163, 22164, 22168, 22169, 22700, 22701, 22712, and 22714 of, to amend, renumber, and add Section 22807 of, to add Sections 22021, 22022, 22100.6, and 22167.1 to, and to add Chapter 3.1 (commencing with Section 22655) to Division 9 of, the Financial Code, relating to financial institutions.

WI SB897

Vehicles: abandoned vehicles.

WI AB994

Review by state agencies of administrative rules and enactments; an expedited process for repealing rules an agency no longer has the authority to promulgate; and the rule-making authority of certain agencies. (FE)

WI SB981

Review by state agencies of administrative rules and enactments; an expedited process for repealing rules an agency no longer has the authority to promulgate; and the rule-making authority of certain agencies. (FE)

WI AB100

An act to amend the Budget Act of 2023 (Chapters 12, 38, and 189 of the Statutes of 2023) by amending Items 5227-122-0001 and 7502-495 of Section 2.

WI AB955

The rule-making authority of agencies. (FE)

WI SB853

Public employees’ retirement.

WI HB1179

Transportation; changes various provisions of existing funds, etc.

WI HB1179

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 33.2-359, 33.2-371, 33.2-1526, 33.2-1526.1, 33.2-3102, 33.2-3401, 33.2-3402, 33.2-3403, 33.2-3502, 46.2-774, and 46.2-2099.48 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 19 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-1904.1, by adding in Article 11 of Chapter 19 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-1937, by adding in Chapter 24 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-2402, by adding in Chapter 7 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-775, by adding a section numbered 58.1-603.3, and by adding in Chapter 17 of Title 58.1 articles numbered 13, 14, and 15, consisting of sections numbered 58.1-1749, 58.1-1750, and 58.1-1751; and to repeal § 33.2-3100.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to transportation funding.

WI HB862

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 9.1-101, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 18.2-268.3, 18.2-270.1, 18.2-271.1, 18.2-271.5, and 46.2-507, as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 an article numbered 2.1, consisting of sections numbered 18.2-273.1 through 18.2-273.9; and to repeal §§ 18.2-270.2, 18.2-271.2, and 18.2-271.4 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP).

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.