An Act to renumber and amend 59.52 (29) (a), 60.47 (1) (a), 60.47 (5) and 62.15 (1); to amend 60.47 (2) (a), 60.47 (2) (b), 60.47 (3), 60.47 (4) and 60.47 (5) (title); to create 59.52 (29) (c) 2., 59.52 (29) (c) 3., 59.52 (29) (e), 60.47 (1) (ag), 60.47 (1) (as), 60.47 (2m), 60.47 (2s), 60.47 (5) (c), 62.15 (1) (b) and 62.15 (1) (c) of the statutes; Relating to: local government competitive bidding thresholds. (FE)
Sponsored By: David Armstrong (Republican), Brent Jacobson (Republican), Robert Brooks (Republican), Barbara Dittrich (Republican), Bob Donovan (Republican), Benjamin Franklin (Republican), Rick Gundrum (Republican), Joel Kitchens (Republican), Daniel Knodl (Republican), Paul Melotik (Republican), Jeffrey Mursau (Republican), Todd Novak (Republican), Jerry O'Connor (Republican), Nancy VanderMeer (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Counties and towns raise bidding thresholds
Wisconsin counties and towns use a $50,000 bidding threshold and a $10,000 notice threshold for general public works contracts. Towns must publish notice or use a qualified bidder for general contracts above $10,000 through $50,000. Town highway contracts require Class 1 public notice above $5,000 through $25,000, and advertised proposals above $25,000. Town contracts above the bidding thresholds follow state competitive bidding rules and go to the lowest responsible bidder. Starting in the fifth year after the law takes effect, thresholds rise every five years with the prior five-year consumer price index change, rounded to the nearest $1,000.
Local governments gain contracting exceptions
County highway contracts legally assigned to a county highway committee or commissioner follow separate state highway contracting rules. Town public works and highway contracts with another municipality are excluded from the town procurement section. Town highway contracts can bypass normal bidding for public-facility damage or threatened damage endangering public health or welfare; the board must declare the emergency by resolution and later declare it over. Town contracting exceptions also cover highway projects using donated materials or needed volunteer labor. Private construction donated to a county or town is exempt from these contract rules only after construction is complete.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
David Armstrong
Republican • House
Brent Jacobson
Republican • House
Robert Brooks
Republican • House
Barbara Dittrich
Republican • House
Bob Donovan
Republican • House
Benjamin Franklin
Republican • House
Rick Gundrum
Republican • House
Joel Kitchens
Republican • House
Daniel Knodl
Republican • House
Paul Melotik
Republican • House
Jeffrey Mursau
Republican • House
Todd Novak
Republican • House
Jerry O'Connor
Republican • House
Nancy VanderMeer
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Tim Carpenter
Democratic • Senate
Jeff Smith
Democratic • Senate
Paul Tittl
Republican • House
Cory Tomczyk
Republican • Senate
Randy Udell
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Published 4-4-2026
4/3/2026HouseReport approved by the Governor on 4-3-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 188
4/3/2026HousePresented to the Governor on 4-2-2026
4/2/2026HouseReport correctly enrolled on 3-26-2026
3/26/2026HouseLRB correction (Assembly Amendment 1 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 1)
3/26/2026HouseReceived from Senate concurred in
3/18/2026HouseOrdered immediately messaged
3/17/2026SenateSenator Smith added as a cosponsor
3/17/2026SenateRead a third time and concurred in
3/17/2026SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
3/17/2026SenateOrdered to a third reading
3/17/2026SenateRead a second time
3/17/2026SenatePlaced on calendar 3-17-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
3/16/2026SenatePublic hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
3/16/2026SenateAvailable for scheduling
2/20/2026SenateRead first time and referred to committee on Senate Organization
2/20/2026SenateReceived from Assembly
2/18/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
2/17/2026HouseRead a third time and passed
2/17/2026HouseRules suspended
2/17/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
2/17/2026HouseAssembly Substitute Amendment 1 adopted
2/17/2026HouseAssembly Amendment 1 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 adopted
2/17/2026HouseRead a second time
2/17/2026HouseRepresentatives Ortiz-Velez, Miresse and Anderson added as coauthors
2/16/2026House
Bill Text
Assembly Amendment 1
2/17/2026
Assembly Substitute Amendment 1
2/17/2026
Bill Text
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