An Act to amend 177.1104, 177.1204 (title) and 177.1205; to create 177.1201 (4) and 177.12045 of the statutes; Relating to: fraudulent claims for unclaimed property and providing a penalty. (FE)
Sponsored By: Brent Jacobson (Republican), Mike Bare (Democratic), Elijah Behnke (Republican), Barbara Dittrich (Republican), Rick Gundrum (Republican), Daniel Knodl (Republican), Rob Kreibich (Republican), David Murphy (Republican), Jerry O'Connor (Republican), William Penterman (Republican), Jim Piwowarczyk (Republican), Ron Tusler (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Unclaimed property penalties can be waived
Wisconsin's unclaimed-property administrator can reduce or remove penalties for property holders and the new civil penalties for claimants. These penalties apply to amounts determined and assessed as owed under the unclaimed-property law. A waiver is not guaranteed, and the law sets no required waiver amount. This authority does not cover the new criminal penalties.
Fraudulent property claimants face felony penalties
Claiming someone else's Wisconsin unclaimed property without consent, with intent to deprive the owner, triggers a civil penalty. The penalty equals the property's full value. This conduct is also a Class I felony, and the person may have to pay prosecution costs. At the administrator's request, the attorney general can represent the state or help the district attorney prosecute these cases.
Invalid locator agreements bring public penalties
For claims covered by section 177.0903(3), filing an agreement that violates Wisconsin's locator rules triggers a civil penalty. The person must pay the property's full value, plus $1,000 if it is worth $15,000 or less. The added amount is $2,500 if the property is worth more than $15,000. The administrator must post the person's name, address, penalty amount, and posting date on its website. Posting must occur within 90 days after the appeal period expires and remain for at least 12 months after first posting.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Brent Jacobson
Republican • House
Mike Bare
Democratic • House
Elijah Behnke
Republican • House
Barbara Dittrich
Republican • House
Rick Gundrum
Republican • House
Daniel Knodl
Republican • House
Rob Kreibich
Republican • House
David Murphy
Republican • House
Jerry O'Connor
Republican • House
William Penterman
Republican • House
Jim Piwowarczyk
Republican • House
Ron Tusler
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Howard Marklein
Republican • Senate
Steve Nass
Republican • Senate
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez
Democratic • House
Patrick Testin
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Published 3-21-2026
3/20/2026HouseReport approved by the Governor on 3-20-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 112
3/20/2026HousePresented to the Governor on 3-18-2026
3/18/2026HouseReport correctly enrolled on 2-20-2026
2/20/2026HouseReceived from Senate concurred in
2/18/2026HouseOrdered immediately messaged
2/18/2026SenateRead a third time and concurred in
2/18/2026SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
2/18/2026SenateOrdered to a third reading
2/18/2026SenateRead a second time
2/18/2026SenatePlaced on calendar 2-18-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
2/17/2026SenatePublic hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
2/17/2026SenateFiscal estimate received
2/3/2026SenateAvailable for scheduling
1/23/2026SenateRead first time and referred to committee on Senate Organization
1/23/2026SenateReceived from Assembly
1/20/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
1/20/2026HouseRead a third time and passed
1/20/2026HouseRules suspended
1/20/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
1/20/2026HouseRead a second time
1/20/2026HousePlaced on calendar 1-20-2026 by Committee on Rules
1/14/2026HouseReferred to committee on Rules
1/14/2026HouseReport passage recommended by Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Ayes 13, Noes 0
1/14/2026HouseExecutive action taken
1/6/2026House
Bill Text
Bill Text
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