An Act to repeal 65.90 (3) (a) 1.; to renumber and amend 60.305 (4) (a); to amend 60.10 (1) (b) 2m., 60.30 (1e) (f), 60.331, 60.341 and 82.19 (2) (a); to create 60.305 (4) (a) 2. of the statutes; Relating to: town clerk and treasurer appointments, publication requirements for proposed budget summary and notice of public hearing, and discontinuance of highways. (FE)
Sponsored By: Rachael Cabral-Guevara (Republican), Dan Feyen (Republican), André Jacque (Republican), Jesse James (Republican), Howard Marklein (Republican), Brad Pfaff (Democratic), Romaine Quinn (Republican), Mark Spreitzer (Democratic)
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Boards can appoint clerks and treasurers
In towns with 2,500 or more people, the board can appoint the clerk, treasurer, or a combined job. The board sets the pay, and it cannot cut that pay during the person’s term. Appointed officers serve up to 3 years, can be reappointed, and can be removed only for cause. A new appointee does not start until the current term ends or there is a vacancy. If both jobs are vacant, the combined job starts right away. If the appointee already holds one job, it starts when the other opens. If neither applies, it starts when the last current term ends.
Clerks and treasurers can name deputies
Town clerks and treasurers may appoint one or more deputies. Deputies must take the official oath and file a bond. Deputies do the work when the clerk or treasurer is absent or cannot act. Deputies do not have to live in the town.
More options to post budget notices
Towns may publish the proposed budget summary and hearing notice the same ways cities and villages do. They may use a newspaper, post in public places, or post on a town website. The law also repeals one older notice rule in 65.90(3)(a)1.
Unused roads stop being public after 4 years
A laid-out highway stops being a public road if it is not opened, traveled, or worked within 4 years. Any part that is opened, traveled, or worked within 4 years stays public. This sets a clear rule for ending unused public roads.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Rachael Cabral-Guevara
Republican • Senate
Dan Feyen
Republican • Senate
André Jacque
Republican • Senate
Jesse James
Republican • Senate
Howard Marklein
Republican • Senate
Brad Pfaff
Democratic • Senate
Romaine Quinn
Republican • Senate
Mark Spreitzer
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Clinton Anderson
Democratic • House
David Armstrong
Republican • House
Mike Bare
Democratic • House
Calvin Callahan
Republican • House
Alex Dallman
Republican • House
Barbara Dittrich
Republican • House
Steve Doyle
Democratic • House
Cindi Duchow
Republican • House
Nate Gustafson
Republican • House
Jenna Jacobson
Democratic • House
Tara Johnson
Democratic • House
Daniel Knodl
Republican • House
Rob Kreibich
Republican • House
Tony Kurtz
Republican • House
Jeffrey Mursau
Republican • House
Jerry O'Connor
Republican • House
Melissa Ratcliff
Democratic • Senate
Ann Roe
Democratic • House
David Steffen
Republican • House
Shelia Stubbs
Democratic • House
Rob Swearingen
Republican • House
Nancy VanderMeer
Republican • House
Chuck Wichgers
Republican • House
Robert Wittke
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Published 12-10-2025
12/10/2025SenateReport approved by the Governor on 12-9-2025. 2025 Wisconsin Act 71
12/10/2025SenatePresented to the Governor on 12-4-2025
12/4/2025SenateReport correctly enrolled
10/9/2025SenateReceived from Assembly concurred in
10/7/2025SenateOrdered immediately messaged
10/7/2025HouseRead a third time and concurred in
10/7/2025HouseRules suspended
10/7/2025HouseOrdered to a third reading
10/7/2025HouseRead a second time
10/7/2025HouseRules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take up
10/7/2025HouseRepresentative Stubbs added as a cosponsor
10/7/2025HouseRepresentatives Fitzgerald and Miresse added as cosponsors
10/6/2025HouseWithdrawn from Committee on Rules and referred to calendar of 10-7-2025
10/3/2025HouseFiscal estimate received
8/4/2025HouseRepresentative Steffen added as a cosponsor
6/2/2025HouseRepresentative J. Jacobson added as a cosponsor
5/28/2025HouseRead first time and referred to committee on Rules
5/27/2025HouseReceived from Senate
5/15/2025HouseOrdered immediately messaged
5/15/2025SenateRead a third time and passed
5/15/2025SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
5/15/2025SenateOrdered to a third reading
5/15/2025SenateRead a second time
5/15/2025SenateSenator Ratcliff added as a coauthor
5/15/2025Senate
Bill Text
Bill Text
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