WisconsinSB3952025-2026 Wisconsin Legislature (Biennial Session)Senate

An Act to repeal 196.503; to amend 196.203 (1g) (b) and 196.50 (2) (j) 1. b. of the statutes; Relating to: requirement for certain telecommunications providers to provide basic voice service.

Sponsored By: Steve Nass (Republican)

Became Law

Sen Bill 395Public Service CommissionTelecommunications

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Repeals old landline service mandate

The law repeals the old rule that required local phone companies to offer basic two-way voice service to all homes. That duty had already lapsed in 2013. Providers no longer face this mandate in statute. Households no longer have that guarantee in law.

Streamlined rules for telecom providers

The law sets a faster path for some alternative phone providers to recertify with the state. After a provider gives notice, the commission must issue the order within 30 days. Once recertified, most state telecom rules no longer apply. Some consumer protections, pricing, and complaint rules still apply, especially for wholesale services. The commission can require extra price and fairness rules for intrastate switched access, but it must apply those rules together. If a provider was price-regulated before June 9, 2011, its intrastate dedicated access rates must match its interstate rates. Recertification ends the old certification and conflicting old requirements, unless the provider asks to keep some non‑conflicting ones and the commission agrees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Steve Nass

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Barbara Dittrich

    Republican • House

  • Russell Goodwin

    Democratic • House

  • Rick Gundrum

    Republican • House

  • Daniel Knodl

    Republican • House

  • Jerry O'Connor

    Republican • House

  • William Penterman

    Republican • House

  • Melissa Ratcliff

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Published 3-21-2026

    3/20/2026Senate
  2. Report approved by the Governor on 3-20-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 109

    3/20/2026Senate
  3. Presented to the Governor on 3-18-2026

    3/18/2026Senate
  4. Report correctly enrolled

    1/15/2026Senate
  5. Received from Assembly concurred in

    1/14/2026Senate
  6. Ordered immediately messaged

    1/13/2026House
  7. Read a third time and concurred in

    1/13/2026House
  8. Rules suspended

    1/13/2026House
  9. Ordered to a third reading

    1/13/2026House
  10. Read a second time

    1/13/2026House
  11. Rules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take up

    1/13/2026House
  12. Placed on calendar 1-13-2026 by Committee on Rules

    1/8/2026House
  13. Read first time and referred to committee on Rules

    1/7/2026House
  14. Received from Senate

    10/14/2025House
  15. Ordered immediately messaged

    10/14/2025Senate
  16. Read a third time and passed

    10/14/2025Senate
  17. Rules suspended to give bill its third reading

    10/14/2025Senate
  18. Ordered to a third reading

    10/14/2025Senate
  19. Read a second time

    10/14/2025Senate
  20. Senator Ratcliff added as a coauthor

    10/14/2025Senate
  21. Placed on calendar 10-14-2025 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)

    10/13/2025Senate
  22. Available for scheduling

    10/2/2025Senate
  23. Report passage recommended by Committee on Utilities, Technology and Tourism, Ayes 5, Noes 0

    10/2/2025Senate
  24. Executive action taken

    10/2/2025Senate
  25. Public hearing held

    9/25/2025Senate

Bill Text

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