An Act to repeal 238.143 (2) and 238.143 (3) (c); to amend 238.143 (3) (a), 238.143 (3) (b) (intro.), 238.143 (4) and 238.143 (6); to repeal and recreate 238.143 (3) (title); to create 238.143 (3) (cm) of the statutes; Relating to: the opportunity attraction and promotion program administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
Sponsored By: David Armstrong (Republican), Lindee Brill (Republican), Chanz Green (Republican), Dean Kaufert (Republican), Joel Kitchens (Republican), Daniel Knodl (Republican), Tony Kurtz (Republican), Jeffrey Mursau (Republican), Todd Novak (Republican), Christine Sinicki (Democratic), Shelia Stubbs (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Wisconsin event sponsorships expand with limits
The law replaces Wisconsin's opportunity and event grants with sponsorships from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). Eligible applicants include local governments, tribes or bands, visitor and convention bureaus, business improvement districts, and private entities. Sponsorships support bids against other states or jurisdictions, or hosting major public opportunities and events in Wisconsin. These initiatives must bring national exposure and aim to boost economic growth and visitor activity. WEDC can also sponsor events closed to the public if it expects national exposure or substantial statewide or regional growth. Closed-event sponsorships cannot exceed 25% of program funds in any fiscal year. WEDC gives special consideration to initiatives during tourist offseasons or times of economic need. Funds cannot support events regularly scheduled in Wisconsin or rotating among locations within the state. Applicants must secure cash or in-kind contributions equal to the award; the match no longer must come from nonstate sources. Applicants must use sponsorship money for the initiative described in their application, whose form and content WEDC sets. WEDC must estimate direct and indirect economic benefits before awarding sponsorships, replacing applicants' estimates and cost-benefit analyses. By October 1 each year, WEDC must report each sponsorship and its estimated benefits to the legislature's Joint Committee on Finance.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
David Armstrong
Republican • House
Lindee Brill
Republican • House
Chanz Green
Republican • House
Dean Kaufert
Republican • House
Joel Kitchens
Republican • House
Daniel Knodl
Republican • House
Tony Kurtz
Republican • House
Jeffrey Mursau
Republican • House
Todd Novak
Republican • House
Christine Sinicki
Democratic • House
Shelia Stubbs
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Clinton Anderson
Democratic • House
Jill Billings
Democratic • House
Brienne Brown
Democratic • House
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim
Democratic • Senate
Jodi Emerson
Democratic • House
Dan Feyen
Republican • Senate
Alex Joers
Democratic • House
Sarah Keyeski
Democratic • Senate
Melissa Ratcliff
Democratic • Senate
Mark Spreitzer
Democratic • Senate
Patrick Testin
Republican • Senate
Cory Tomczyk
Republican • Senate
Randy Udell
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Published 4-3-2026
4/2/2026HouseReport approved by the Governor on 4-2-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 175
4/2/2026HousePresented to the Governor on 4-1-2026
4/1/2026HouseReport correctly enrolled on 3-23-2026
3/23/2026HouseRepresentative Emerson added as a coauthor
3/19/2026HouseReceived from Senate concurred in
3/18/2026HouseOrdered immediately messaged
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
3/17/2026SenateRepresentative Billings added as a coauthor
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
3/16/2026SenateRepresentative Brown added as a coauthor
3/6/2026SenateAvailable for scheduling
3/3/2026SenateReport concurrence recommended by Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development, Ayes 4, Noes 1
3/3/2026SenateExecutive action taken
2/27/2026SenateRead first time and referred to committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development
2/11/2026SenateReceived from Assembly
2/10/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
2/10/2026HouseRepresentative Anderson added as a coauthor
2/10/2026HouseRead a third time and passed
2/10/2026HouseRules suspended
2/10/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
2/10/2026House
Bill Text
Bill Text
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