Wisconsin State Senate
Wisconsin State Senate | |
![]() | |
General Information | |
Party control: | Republican |
Session start: | January 16, 2024 |
Session end: | March 12, 2024 |
Term length: | 4 years |
Term limits: | None |
Redistricting: | Legislature-dominant |
Salary: | $57,408/year + per diem |
Mitglieder | |
Total: | 33 |
Democrats: | 10 |
Republicans: | 22 |
Other: | 0 |
Vacancies: | 1 |
Leadership | |
President: | Chris Kapenga (R) |
Maj. Leader: | Devin LeMahieu (R) |
Min. Leader: | Dianne Hesselbein (D) |
Elections | |
Last election: | November 8, 2022 |
Next election: | November 5, 2024 |
The Wisconsin State Senate is the upper chamber of the Wisconsin State Legislature. Alongside the Wisconsin State Assembly, it forms the legislative branch of the Wisconsin state government and works alongside the governor of Wisconsin to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Wisconsin State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.
The Wisconsin State Senate meets in the state capitol building in Madison, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin has a divided government where neither party holds a trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor, while the Republican Party controls both chambers of the state legislature. |
This page contains the following information on the Wisconsin State Senate.
- Which party controls the chamber
- The chamber's current membership
- Partisan control of the chamber over time
- Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
- A district map
- How redistricting works in the state
- Legislation currently under consideration
- Legislative session dates
- Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
- A list of committees
Party control
Current partisan control
The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Wisconsin State Senate as of September 2024:
Party | As of September 2024 | |
---|---|---|
Democratic Party | 10 | |
Republican Party | 22 | |
Other | 0 | |
Vacancies | 1 | |
Total | 33 |
Mitglieder
Leadership
The Senate, by roll call vote, elects a member to serve as president of the Senate.[1][2]
Leadership and members
- Senate president: Chris Kapenga (R)
- Majority leader: Devin LeMahieu (R)
- Minority leader: Dianne Hesselbein (D)
Salaries
- See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries
State legislative salaries, 2024[3] | |
---|---|
Salary | Per diem |
$57,408/year | $140/day for senators. Dane County senators are allowed half that amount. $155.70/day (with overnight) or $77.85/day (no overnight) for representatives. Dane County representatives receive only $77.85/day. |
Swearing in dates
Wisconsin legislators assume office the first Monday in January following the election, unless the first Monday of January falls on January 1 or 2. In those cases, legislators assume office on January 3.[4]
Membership qualifications
Section 6 of Article 4 of the Wisconsin Constitution states, "No person shall be eligible to the legislature who shall not have resided one year within the state, and be a qualified elector in the district which he may be chosen to represent."[5]
Historical party control
Republicans won control of the Wisconsin State Senate in 2010. In 2022, they won a 22-11 majority.
The table below shows the partisan history of the Wisconsin Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2022. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.
Wisconsin State Senate election results: 1992-2022
Year | '92 | '94 | '96 | '98 | '00 | '02 | '04 | '06 | '08 | '10 | '12 | '14 | '16 | '18 | '20 | '22 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Democrats | 18 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 14 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
Republicans | 15 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 18 | 19 | 15 | 15 | 19 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 19 | 21 | 22 |
Trifecta history
A state government trifecta is a term that describes single-party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Wisconsin was under the following types of trifecta control:
- Democratic trifecta: 2009-2010
- Republican trifecta: 1995, 1998, 2011-2018
- Divided government: 1992-1994, 1996-1997, 1999-2008, 2019-2023
Wisconsin Party Control: 1992-2024
Two years of Democratic trifectas • Ten years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.
Year | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Governor | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | D | D |
Senate | D | R | R | R | D | D | R | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | D | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
House | D | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | D | D | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R |
Elections
Elections by year
Wisconsin state senators serve staggered, four-year terms and half of the state Senate is up for election every two years. Wisconsin holds elections for its legislature in even years.
2026
- See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2026
Elections for the Wisconsin State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026.
2024
- See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2024
Elections for the Wisconsin State Senate will take place in 2024. The general election is on November 5, 2024. The primary was August 13, 2024. The filing deadline was June 3, 2024.
2022
- See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2022
Elections for the Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for August 9, 2022. The filing deadline was June 1, 2022.
Heading into the election, Republicans held a 21-12 majority. Republicans gained one seat in the election, giving them a 22-11 majority.
Wisconsin State Senate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | As of November 8, 2022 | After November 9, 2022 | |
Democratic Party | 12 | 11 | |
Republican Party | 21 | 22 | |
Total | 33 | 33 |
2020
- See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2020
Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for August 11, 2020. The filing deadline was June 1, 2020.
In the 2020 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Wisconsin State Senate from 18-13 to 21-12.
Wisconsin State Senate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | As of November 3, 2020 | After November 4, 2020 | |
Democratic Party | 13 | 12 | |
Republican Party | 18 | 21 | |
Vacancy | 2 | 0 | |
Total | 33 | 33 |
2018
- See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2018
Elections for the Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2018. An open primary election took place on August 14, 2018. The general election was held on November 6, 2018.[6] The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2018.
In the 2018 elections, Republicans increased their majority in the Wisconsin State Senate from 18-15 to 19-14.
Wisconsin State Senate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | As of November 6, 2018 | After November 7, 2018 | |
Democratic Party | 15 | 14 | |
Republican Party | 18 | 19 | |
Total | 33 | 33 |
2016
- See also: Wisconsin State Senate elections, 2016
Elections for the Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election took place on August 9, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was June 1, 2016. A total of 16 seats out of the 33 seats in the Wisconsin State Senate were up for election in 2016.
Heading into the election, Republicans held an 18-14 majority with one vacancy. Republicans gained two seats in the election, giving them a 20-13 majority.
Wisconsin State Senate | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | As of November 7, 2016 | After November 8, 2016 | |
Democratic Party | 14 | 13 | |
Republican Party | 18 | 20 | |
Vacancy | 1 | 0 | |
Total | 33 | 33 |
Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014
Elections for 17 seats in the Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 12, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 2, 2014. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 17-15 majority with one vacancy. Republicans gained two seats in the election, giving them a 19-14 majority.
2012
Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on August 14, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was July 10, 2012. A total of 16 seats were up for election. Heading into the election, Democrats held a 17-15 majority with one vacancy. Democrats lost two seats in the election, giving Republicans an 18-15 majority.
The table below details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election in 2012.
Nine of the 16 senators up for election faced recall elections in 2011.
Dan Kapanke and Randy Hopper were removed by voters. The seven senators who faced re-election in 2012 but did not face recall in 2011 were: 2010
Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on September 14, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was July 13, 2010. Heading into the election, Democrats held an 18-15 majority. Democrats lost four seats in the election, giving Republicans a 19-14 majority.
2008
Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 9, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. During the 2008 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $4,912,818. The top 10 contributors were:[8]
2006
Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 12, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $4,536,726. The top 10 contributors were:[9]
2004
Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 14, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $4,324,018. The top 10 contributors were:[10]
2002
Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 10, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $3,014,637. The top 10 contributors were:[11]
2000
Elections for the office of Wisconsin State Senate consisted of a primary election on September 12, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to Senate candidates was $3,869,105. The top 10 contributors were:[12]
|
Vacancies
If there is a vacancy in the Wisconsin State Legislature, a special election must be held to fill the vacant seat.[13] The governor can call for an election when allowed by law. The election cannot be held after February 1 before a spring general election, unless it is held on the same day of the election, which is the first Tuesday in April. The same requirement applies to any election preceding the fall general election (after August 1), with the exception of elections held on the first Tuesday in November.[14] Also, all vacancies must be filled quickly as long the vacancy happened before the second Tuesday in May during an election year.[15]
See sources: Wisconsin Cons. Art. IV, § 14
District map
- See also: Wisconsin state legislative districts
The state of Wisconsin has 33 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.
Use the interactive map below to find your district.
The map below shows this district's current boundaries, not those adopted for the 2024 election cycle.
Redistricting
- See also: Redistricting in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, both congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by the Wisconsin State Legislature. These lines are subject to veto by the governor.[16]
The Wisconsin Constitution requires that state legislative districts be compact and "that they be bounded by county, precinct, town, or ward lines where possible." The state constitution further stipulates that state legislative districts should be contiguous.[16]
2020-2024
On February 19, 2024, Gov. Tony Evers (D) signed Senate Bill 488 into law, adopting new Wisconsin legislative maps.[17] Gov. Evers originally proposed the newly adopted legislative maps in 2021. The maps were approved by majority votes in both chambers of Wisconsin's state legislature on February 13. The State Senate voted 18-14 in favor of adopting the new legislative maps, while the State Assembly vote total was 63-33.
In the 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court election, Janet Protasiewicz defeated Daniel Kelly, changing the balance of the court from a conservative to a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years.[18][19] On December 22, 2023, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in a 4-3 vote that the state's legislative maps were unconstitutional and ordered new maps to be drawn before the 2024 election.[20]
District map after 2020 redistricting
Below is the state Senate map in effect before and after the 2020 redistricting cycle. The map on the right was in effect for Wisconsin’s 2024 state legislative elections.
Wisconsin State Senate Districts
before 2020 redistricting cycle
Click a district to compare boundaries.
Wisconsin State Senate Districts
after 2020 redistricting cycle
Click a district to compare boundaries.
2010-2011
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Wisconsin's population increased from 5.36 million to 5.69 million between 2000 and 2010.[21] This population growth was large enough to allow the state to retain its eight Congressional seats.[22]
Republicans held the governorship and majorities in the state Senate and state Assembly after the 2010 elections. As a result, the redistricting process was controlled by one party. The redistricting process was accelerated by the summer 2011 recall elections, and when Gov. Scott Walker (R) signed a bill giving the legislature the power to redistrict state boundaries before the localities finished their redistricting processes.[23] State Republicans presented their plan on July 8, 2011, and the maps passed the legislature on July 19, 2011.[24][25] Gov. Walker signed the plan into law on August 9, 2011.[25]
Several lawsuits were filed as a result of the new maps.[26] The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board identified errors in the maps, and a court also determined that two Milwaukee-area districts needed to be redrawn to better represent minority-area populations.[27]
Sessions
Legislation
The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Wisconsin State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the Assembly and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.
Dates of legislative sessions in Wisconsin by year
2024
In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 16, 2024, and adjourn on March 12, 2024.
2023
In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 3, 2023, and adjourn on January 6, 2025.
Click [show] for past years' session dates. | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 18, 2022, and adjourn on March 8, 2022. 2021In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 4, 2021, and adjourn on December 31, 2021. 2020In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 14, 2020, and adjourn on May 13, 2020.
Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. On April 3, 2020, Gov. Tony Evers (D) announced he was signing an executive order calling the legislature to meet in a special session beginning at 4:00 PM on April 4, 2020, to discuss changes to the spring election.The legislature adjourned without taking action on Evers' proposal. Evers issued another executive order on April 6, 2020, calling on the state legislature to convene a special session on April 7, 2020, again to consider changes to the state's spring election. The legislature again adjourned without taking action on Evers' proposal. The legislature convened for another special session on April 14, 2020. The legislature adjourned on May 13, 2020.[28] 2019In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 7, 2019, through December 31, 2019. 2018In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 16, 2018, through March 22, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here. 2017
In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 3, 2017, through December 31, 2017. The legislature began a special session on August 1, 2017, over a tax incentive package for Foxconn.
2016
In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 12 through March 15. 2015
In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 5 through December 31. Major issues in 2015Like many states, the issue that topped the Wisconsin State Legislature's to-do list was the state's budget. Wisconsin faced a $2.2 million budget shortfall, and lawmakers were forced to address the issue before any other projects. The Republican agenda also focused on reducing the size of government, tax cuts, entitlement reform, and school accountability. The Democrats, on the other hand, emphasized their interest in raising the minimum wage and income inequality. 2014
In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 14 through June 4. Major issues in 2014Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included income tax, public school funding, health care, and jobs.[41] 2013
In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 7 to December 31. Major issues in 2013Following the extreme polarization of the previous two years, Gov. Scott Walker (R) said he would push for a more moderate agenda in 2013. Alongside the creation of a new budget, main issues included job creation, workforce development, tax cuts, education reform, and transportation infrastructure.[42] 2012
In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 10 through March 16 with a return for limited business on April 24. Major issues in 2012With potential recalls of Governor Scott Walker (R), Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch (R) and four Republican state senators, debate on major legislation was expected to be limited. Going into the session, Republican leaders said they were focused on passing bills on only four main issues - clearing the way for an ore mine in northern Wisconsin, easing laws regarding development on wetlands, environmental regulation, and creating a venture capital fund to help start-up businesses.[43] The six recalls dominated the session. Ultimately on June 5, 2012, recalls against the Governor, Lt. Governor, and three of the state senators were unsuccessful. The fourth recall, that against Van Wanggaard, went to a recount. Wanggaard was defeated, giving Democrats control of the Senate. 2011
In 2011, the legislature adjourned a special session at the request of Governor Scott Walker (R) on January 4, 2011. The special session was called to consider legislation regarding tax credits, tort law, medical savings accounts, other legislation relating to taxation, and the budget repair bill. The legislature's special session was ongoing. The regular session began on January 11. An extraordinary session was called by the legislature from June 13-30, with another extraordinary session held from July 19-29. [44] 2010
In 2010, the legislature convened its legislative session on January 19, and it ended its last scheduled floor-period on April 22.[45] |
About legislative sessions in Wisconsin
The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.[46] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.
Article IV of the Wisconsin Constitution contains provisions related to the meeting of the Wisconsin State Legislature, of which the Senate is a part. Section 11 of Article IV states that the times for regular sessions are to be provided by law. Section 11 also states that the Governor of Wisconsin has the power to call the Legislature into special session.
Legislative roles and procedures
Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, and procedures for filling membership vacancies.
Veto overrides
- See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures
State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Wisconsin are listed below.
How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members present in both chambers.
Two-thirds of members present in both chambers must vote to override a veto. If all members are in attendance, this is 66 of the 99 members in the Wisconsin State Assembly and 22 of the 33 members in the Wisconsin State Senate. Wisconsin is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto. |
Authority: Article V, Section 10 of the Wisconsin Constitution.
"(2) (a) If the governor rejects the bill, the governor shall return the bill, together with the objections in writing, to the house in which the bill originated. The house of origin shall enter the objections at large upon the journal and proceed to reconsider the bill. If, after such reconsideration, two−thirds of the members present agree to pass the bill notwithstanding the objections of the governor, it shall be sent, together with the objections, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two−thirds of the members present it shall become law." |
Role in state budget
- See also: Wisconsin state budget and finances
Wisconsin on ![]() |
Wisconsin operates on a biennial budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:[47]
- Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in June.
- State agencies submit budget requests in September.
- The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the Wisconsin State Legislature in January or February.
- The legislature adopts a budget in June or July. A simple majority is needed to pass a budget.
- The biennial budget cycle begins July 1.
Wisconsin is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.[47][48]
The governor is constitutionally and statutorily required to submit a balanced budget. In addition, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.[47]
Committees
Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.
- Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
- Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
- Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.
Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Wisconsin State Senate has 32 standing committees:
- Administrative Rules Committee
- Agriculture and Tourism Committee
- Committee on Economic Development and Technical Colleges
- Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage
- Committee on Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry
- Committee on Insurance and Small Business
- Committee on Labor, Regulatory Reform, Veterans and Military Affairs
- Committee on Licensing, Constitution, and Federalism
- Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children, and Families
- Committee on Universities and Revenue
- Committee on Utilities and Technology
- Economic and Workforce Development Committee
- Elections, Election Process Reform and Ethics Committee
- Financial Institutions and Revenue Committee
- Government Operations, Legal Review and Consumer Protection Committee
- Government Operations, Technology, and Consumer Protection Committee
- Housing, Commerce and Trade Committee
- Human Services, Children and Families Committee
- Insurance, Licensing and Forestry Committee
- Judiciary and Public Safety Committee
- Labor and Regulatory Reform Committee
- Natural Resources and Energy Committee
- Senate Education Committee
- Senate Finance Committee
- Senate Health Committee
- Senate Organization Committee
- Sporting Heritage, Mining, and Forestry Committee
- Sporting Heritage, Small Business and Rural Issues Committee
- Transportation and Local Government Committee
- Universities and Technical Colleges Committee
- Utilities, Technology, and Telecommunications Committee
- Veterans and Military Affairs and Constitution and Federalism Committee
Constitutional amendments
In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.
The methods in which the Wisconsin Constitution can be amended:
Article XII of the Wisconsin Constitution provides two methods of amendment:
- A legislatively referred constitutional amendment may be proposed to the voters if approved by a simple majority of both chambers of the Wisconsin State Legislature in two legislative sessions.
- If an amendment is approved by a majority in both chambers of the Legislature in one session, that proposed amendment must then be considered by the state legislature chosen at the next general election in the state.
- Before that second legislative session, the proposed amendment that will be considered must be published for three months prior to the election.
- Should the amendment be approved by a simple majority of the second session that considers it, the proposed amendment is then placed on a statewide ballot at a special or general election.
- If it is approved by a simple majority of the state's electorate, it becomes part of the constitution.
- Constitutional conventions can also be used to propose amendments to the state's constitution.
- If a simple majority of both houses of the Wisconsin State Legislature votes in favor, a constitutional convention question is placed on a statewide ballot.
- If the electors of the state agree by a simple majority to call a constitutional convention, then the legislature needs to convene a convention during its next session.
Wisconsin citizens do not have the power of amending the constitution through initiated constitutional amendments.
2025 measures:
- See also: 2025 ballot measures
Certified:
- The following measures were certified for the ballot.
No measures to list
2024 measures:
Below is a list of measures that were referred to the 2024 ballot by the legislature.
- See also: Wisconsin 2024 ballot measures
Certified:
- The following measures were certified for the ballot.
- Wisconsin Citizenship Voting Requirement Amendment (2024)
- Wisconsin Question 2, Only Designated Election Officials to Conduct Elections Amendment (April 2024)
- Wisconsin Question 1, Ban on Private and Non-Governmental Funding of Election Administration Amendment (April 2024)
- Wisconsin Question 2, Require Legislative Approval for State Expenditure of Federal Funds Amendment (August 2024)
- Wisconsin Question 1, Prohibit Legislature from Delegating Appropriations Power Amendment (August 2024)
See also
Elections | Wisconsin State Government | State Legislatures | State Politics |
---|---|---|---|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Wisconsin State Legislature, "Wisconsin State Senate Rules," accessed February 10, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin State Legislature, "Wisconsin Assembly Leadership," accessed February 10, 2021
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2024 Legislator Compensation," August 21, 2024
- ↑ Wisconsin Statutes, "Chapter 13: Legislative Branch: 13.02 Regular sessions," accessed October 5, 2021
- ↑ Wisconsin State Legislature, "Annotated Wisconsin Constitution," accessed February 10, 2023
- ↑ Wisconsin Elections Commission, "Elections," accessed June 9, 2017
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Wisconsin Senate 2010 Campaign Contributions," August 14, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Wisconsin 2008 Candidates," accessed August 14, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Wisconsin 2006 Candidates," accessed August 14, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Wisconsin 2004 Candidates," accessed August 14, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Wisconsin 2002 Candidates," accessed August 14, 2013
- ↑ Follow the Money, "Wisconsin 2000 Candidates," accessed August 14, 2013
- ↑ Wisconsin Legislature, "Wisconsin Statutes," accessed February 10, 2021 (Statute 17.19 (1), Wisconsin Statutes)
- ↑ Wisconsin Legislature, "Wisconsin Statutes," accessed February 10, 2021 (Statute 8.50, Wisconsin Statutes)
- ↑ Wisconsin Legislature, "Wisconsin Statutes," accessed February 10, 2021 (Statute 8.50(4)-(d), Wisconsin Statutes)
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 All About Redistricting, "Wisconsin," accessed May 7, 2015
- ↑ Office of the Governor, "Gov. Evers Signs Fair Maps for Wisconsin," February 19, 2024
- ↑ In heated Wisconsin Supreme Court debate, candidates tangle over 'fake elector' scheme, "NBC," March 21, 2023
- ↑ NBC News, "Wisconsin governor signs new state legislative maps into law, ending a GOP gerrymander," February 19, 2024
- ↑ The New York Times, "Justices in Wisconsin Order New Legislative Maps," December 22, 2023
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau, "2010 Census: Wisconsin Profile," accessed August 9, 2014
- ↑ Northland's News Center, "Minnesota and Wisconsin Both to Keep Eight Seats in House," December 21, 2010
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Walker allows new legislative mapping, doesn't OK actual maps yet," July 25, 2011
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Parties joust over Wisconsin redistricting plan," July 13, 2011
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Walker signs legislation to redraw district boundaries," August 9, 2011
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin's redistricting trial goes to judges," February 24, 2012
- ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, "Court strikes down GOP redistricting, orders just 2 districts redrawn," March 22, 2012
- ↑ Twitter, "Tony Evers on March 3, 2020," accessed March 3, 2020
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 Wisconsin State Journal, "It's July and the state still doesn't have a budget. What happens?" July 2, 2017
- ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin lawmakers will miss budget deadline as talks slow," June 24, 2017
- ↑ WBAY, "The Latest: Committee approves $76 billion Wisconsin Budget," September 6, 2017
- ↑ Wisconsin Public Radio, "State Legislature Approves Delayed State Budget," September 15, 2017
- ↑ Reuters, "Wisconsin governor signs overdue budget into law," September 21, 2017
- ↑ Wisconsin Public Radio, "Wisconsin Misses Budget Deadline As Squabbling Continues At The Capitol," July 3, 2017
- ↑ Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin Assembly sends $3 billion Foxconn incentive package to Scott Walker," September 14, 2017
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Scott Walker just approved $3 billion deal for a new Foxconn factory in Wisconsin," September 18, 2017
- ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Foxconn to locate Wisconsin plant in Mount Pleasant," October 4, 2017
- ↑ Journal Sentinel, "How would the Wisconsin Foxconn deal work? Here are some answers," August 16, 2017
- ↑ Legislative Fiscal Bureau, "August 2017 Special Session Assembly Bill 1: Foxconn/Fiserv Legislation," August 8, 2017(Archived)
- ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, "State would recoup Foxconn investment in 25 years, estimate shows," August 9, 2017
- ↑ Wisconsin Realtors Association, "2014 Election Themes Take Shape," accessed January 14, 2014
- ↑ Wisconsin State Journal, "With state bitterly divided, Walker promises more moderate agenda," January 7, 2013
- ↑ Appleton Post Crescent, "Wisconsin legislative agenda influenced by negative effects of recalls," January 16, 2012
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2011 Legislative Sessions Calendar," December 19, 2011
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "2010 Legislative Sessions Calendar," December 8, 2010
- ↑ Find Law, "Tenth Amendment - U.S. Constitution," accessed May 20, 2017
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 National Association of State Budget Officers, "Budget Processes in the States, Spring 2021," accessed February 9, 2023
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "Separation of Powers: Executive Veto Powers," accessed January 26, 2024
|
![]() |
State of Wisconsin Madison (capital) |
---|---|
Elections |
What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2024 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures |
Regierung |
Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy |