Wis. Stat. § 11.0704

11.0704 Reporting. (1) CONTRIBUTIONS. (a) Each conduit shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified by the administrator as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), providing the following information covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report: 1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each committee to whom contributions were released during the reporting period, together with the sum total of all contributions released to that committee during the reporting period. 2. Whether, during the reporting period, any contribution was redirected to a sponsor as permitted under s. 11.0705. (b) A conduit releasing a contribution of money to the recipient shall, in writing at the time the contribution is released, identify itself to the recipient as a conduit and report to the recipient the following information about each contribution released by it: 1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the conduit which contribution is being released to the recipient, together with the amount of the contribution. 2. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the recipient for the calendar year are in excess of $200. (2) REPORTS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE CANDIDATES AT SPRING PRIMARY. A conduit that releases a contribution of money to a recipient to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a spring primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate nonpartisan candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities, shall, annually in

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each year of an election cycle, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (3) REPORTS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE CANDIDATES AT SPRING ELECTION. A conduit that releases a contribution of money to a recipient to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a spring election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the nonpartisan state or local offices voted for at the spring election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following: (a) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (b) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election. (4) REPORTS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE CANDIDATES AT PARTISAN PRIMARY. A conduit that releases a contribution of money to a recipient to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a partisan primary or a candidate at a special primary held to nominate candidates to be voted for at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following: (a) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (b) In an even-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (c) In an even-numbered year, file a report on September 30 indicating contributions released after July 1 that are not included in the preprimary report. (5) REPORTS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE CANDIDATES AT GENERAL ELECTION. A conduit that releases a contribution of money to a recipient to support or oppose one or more candidates for office at a general election or a candidate at a special election held to fill a vacancy in one or more of the state or local offices voted for at the general election, or to support or oppose committees engaging in such activities shall do all of the following: (a) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (b) In an even-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (bm) In an even-numbered year, file a report on September 30 indicating contributions released after July 1 that are not included in the preprimary report. (c) Unless a continuing report is required to be filed under this subsection on or before the 45th day after the special election, file a postelection report no earlier than 23 days and no later than 45 days after each special election. History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2021 a. 265.

11.0705 Redirected contributions. (1) DEFINITIONS. In this section, “sponsor” means a person, other than an individual or a candidate committee, that is associated with a conduit. (2) REDIRECTION. If all of the following apply, a conduit may redirect any contribution received from an individual to a sponsor or, if there is no sponsor, to an administrative fund of the conduit: (a) The conduit has held the contribution for at least 24 consecutive months, including the 24 months immediately preceding March 29, 2014, over which time the individual or organization that made the contribution has made no contact with the conduit. (b) Either of the following apply: 1. The conduit has, over the 24-month period described in par. (a), attempted in good faith to contact the individual that made the contribution at least 5 times, and has documented each

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such attempt, but has been unable to make contact with the individual. A conduit may satisfy the requirement to contact the individual by telephoning the individual at the last-known telephone number; by sending a text message to the individual at the lastknown cellular telephone number or pager number capable of receiving text messages; by sending a facsimile transmission to the individual at the last-known facsimile transmission number; by sending a letter or postcard to the individual by U.S. mail; by sending a message by electronic mail; or by any combination of the foregoing. A conduit may not satisfy the requirement to attempt in good faith to contact the individual at least 5 times if all 5 attempted contacts occur within a period of 30 consecutive days. 2. The surviving spouse or executor of the estate of a deceased individual that made the contribution authorizes the redirection of the contribution. History: 2015 a. 117.

SUBCHAPTER VIII REFERENDUM COMMITTEES 11.0801 Registration; treasurer and depositories. (1) Each referendum committee required to register under this chapter shall designate a treasurer to comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter. (2) The treasurer shall ensure that all funds received are deposited in the referendum committee depository account. (3) No disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of a referendum committee without the authorization of the treasurer or a designated agent. (4) The treasurer shall maintain the records of the referendum committee in an organized and legible manner for not less than 3 years after the date of the election in which the referendum committee participates. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0802 Registration; timing. (1) Every referendum committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations for the purpose of influencing a particular vote at a referendum in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $10,000 shall file a registration statement giving the information required by s. 11.0803. (2) A referendum committee that triggers the registration requirement under sub. (1) shall file the registration statement no later than the 10th business day commencing after receipt of the first contribution by the referendum committee exceeding the amount specified under sub. (1), before making any disbursement exceeding that amount, and before incurring obligations exceeding that amount. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0803 Registration; required information. (1) REQUIRED INFORMATION. The referendum committee shall indicate on the registration statement that it is registering as a referendum committee and shall include all of the following on the registration statement: (a) The name and mailing address of the referendum committee. (b) The name and mailing address of the treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the treasurer on the registration form and except as otherwise provided in this chapter or any rule of the commission, all mailings that are required by law or by rule of the commission shall be sent to the treasurer at the treasurer’s address indicated upon the form.

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(bd) The email address and personal telephone number of the treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Telephone numbers provided under this paragraph shall be kept confidential and are not subject to the right of inspection and copying under s. 19.35 (1). (c) The name and address of the depository account of the referendum committee and of any other institution where funds of the committee are kept. (d) The nature of any referendum that is supported or opposed. (2) CERTIFICATION. The individual responsible for filing or amending a referendum committee’s registration statement and any form or report required of the committee under this chapter shall certify that all information contained in the statement, form, or report is true, correct, and complete. (3) CHANGE OF INFORMATION. (a) The referendum committee shall report any change in information previously submitted in a registration statement within 10 days following the change. Except as provided in par. (b), any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement. (b) The administrator or treasurer of a referendum committee may report a change in the committee’s registration statement. History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2023 a. 120.

11.0804 Reporting. (1) CONTRIBUTIONS AND DISBURSEMENTS. (a) Each referendum committee shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), of all contributions, disbursements, and obligations received, made, or incurred by the committee. The referendum committee shall include in each report the following information, covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report: 1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the referendum committee, together with the amount of the contribution. 2. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the referendum committee for the calendar year are in excess of $200. 3. An itemized statement of each contribution made anonymously to the referendum committee. If the contribution exceeds $10, the referendum committee shall specify whether the committee donated the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization, and shall include the full name and mailing address of the donee. 4. A statement of totals during the reporting period of contributions received and contributions donated as provided in subd. 3. 5. A statement of the cash balance on hand at the beginning and end of the reporting period. 6. An itemized statement of each loan of money made to the referendum committee, together with all of the following: a. The full name and mailing address of the lender. b. A statement of whether the lender is a commercial lending institution. c. The date and amount of the loan. d. The full name and mailing address of each guarantor, if any. e. The original amount guaranteed by each guarantor. f. The balance of the amount guaranteed by each guarantor at the end of the reporting period. 7. An itemized statement of every disbursement exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name and address of the

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person to whom the disbursement was made, and the date and specific purpose for which the disbursement was made. 8. An itemized statement of every obligation exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name of the person or business with whom the obligation was incurred, and the date and the specific purpose for which each such obligation was incurred. 9. A statement of totals during the reporting period of disbursements made, including transfers made to and received from other committees, other income, and loans. 10. A statement of the balance of obligations incurred as of the end of the reporting period. (b) The referendum committee shall begin each report filed under this chapter with the first contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred during the reporting period. (2) REPORTS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE A REFERENDUM AT SPRING PRIMARY. A referendum committee making or accepting contributions, making disbursements, or incurring obligations to support or oppose a referendum appearing on a spring primary ballot shall do all the following: (a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary. (b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election. (c) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (3) REPORTS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE A REFERENDUM AT SPRING ELECTION. A referendum committee making or accepting contributions, making disbursements, or incurring obligations to support or oppose a referendum appearing on a spring election ballot shall do all the following: (a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election. (b) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (4) REPORTS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE A REFERENDUM AT PARTISAN PRIMARY. A referendum committee making or accepting contributions, making disbursements, or incurring obligations in support of or in opposition to a referendum appearing on a partisan primary ballot shall do all the following: (a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the primary. (b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election. (c) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (e) In an even-numbered year, file a report on September 30 indicating contributions, disbursements, and obligations received, made, or incurred after July 1 that are not included in the preprimary report. (5) REPORTS IN SUPPORT OF OR OPPOSITION TO A REFERENDUM AT GENERAL ELECTION. A referendum committee making or accepting contributions, making disbursements, or incurring obligations to support or oppose a referendum appearing on a general election ballot shall do all the following: (a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the election. (b) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (c) In an even-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on September 30

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indicating contributions, disbursements, and obligations received, made, or incurred after July 1 that are not included in the preprimary report. History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2021 a. 265. Discussing limitations on contributions to committees formed to support or oppose referenda. Citizens Against Rent Control v. City of Berkeley, 454 U.S. 290, 102 S. Ct. 434, 70 L. Ed. 2d 492 (1981).

SUBCHAPTER IX RECALL COMMITTEES

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certify that all information contained in the statement, form, or report is true, correct, and complete. (3) CHANGE OF INFORMATION. (a) The recall committee shall report any change in information previously submitted in a registration statement within 10 days following the change. Except as provided in par. (b), any such change may be reported only by the individual or by the officer who has succeeded to the position of an individual who signed the original statement. (b) The administrator or treasurer of a recall committee may report a change in the committee’s registration statement. History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2023 a. 120.

11.0901 Registration; treasurer and depositories. (1) Each recall committee required to register under this chapter shall designate a treasurer to comply with the registration and reporting requirements under this subchapter. (2) The treasurer shall ensure that all funds received are deposited in the recall committee depository account. (3) No disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of a recall committee without the authorization of the treasurer or a designated agent. (4) The treasurer shall maintain the records of the recall committee in an organized and legible manner for not less than 3 years after the date of the election in which the recall committee participates. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0902 Registration; timing. (1) Every recall committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose a recall in a calendar year in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,000 shall file a registration statement giving the information required by s. 11.0903. (2) A recall committee that triggers the registration requirement under sub. (1) shall file the registration statement no later than the 10th business day commencing after receipt of the first contribution by the recall committee exceeding the amount specified under sub. (1), before making any disbursement exceeding that amount, and before incurring obligations exceeding that amount. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0903 Registration; required information. (1) REQUIRED INFORMATION. The recall committee shall indicate on the registration statement that it is registering as a recall committee and shall include all of the following on the registration statement: (a) The name and mailing address of the recall committee. (b) The name and mailing address of the treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Unless otherwise directed by the treasurer on the registration form and except as otherwise provided in this chapter or any rule of the commission, all mailings that are required by law or by rule of the commission shall be sent to the treasurer at the treasurer’s address indicated upon the form. (bd) The email address and personal telephone number of the treasurer and any other custodian of books and accounts. Telephone numbers provided under this paragraph shall be kept confidential and are not subject to the right of inspection and copying under s. 19.35 (1). (c) The name and address of the depository account of the recall committee and of any other institution where funds of the committee are kept. (2) CERTIFICATION. The individual responsible for filing or amending a recall committee’s registration statement and any form or report required of the committee under this chapter shall

11.0904 Reporting. (1) CONTRIBUTIONS AND DISBURSEMENTS. (a) Each recall committee shall make full reports, upon a form prescribed by the commission and certified as required under s. 11.0103 (3) (c), of all contributions received, disbursements made, and obligations incurred by the committee. The recall committee shall include in each report the following information, covering the period since the last date covered on the previous report: 1. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each person who has made a contribution to the recall committee, together with the amount of the contribution. 2. An itemized statement giving the date, full name, and street address of each committee to which the recall committee has made a contribution, together with the amount of the contribution. 3. The occupation, if any, of each individual contributor whose cumulative contributions to the recall committee for the calendar year are in excess of $200. 4. An itemized statement of each contribution made anonymously to the recall committee. If the contribution exceeds $10, the recall committee shall specify whether the committee donated the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization, and shall include the full name and mailing address of the donee. 5. A statement of totals during the reporting period of contributions received and contributions donated as provided in subd. 4. 6. A statement of the cash balance on hand at the beginning and end of the reporting period. 7. An itemized statement of each loan of money made to the recall committee, together with all of the following: a. The full name and mailing address of the lender. b. A statement of whether the lender is a commercial lending institution. c. The date and amount of the loan. d. The full name and mailing address of each guarantor, if any. e. The original amount guaranteed by each guarantor. f. The balance of the amount guaranteed by each guarantor at the end of the reporting period. 8. An itemized statement of every disbursement exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name and address of the person to whom the disbursement was made, and the date and specific purpose for which the disbursement was made. 9. An itemized statement of every obligation exceeding $20 in amount or value, together with the name of the person or business with whom the obligation was incurred, and the date and the specific purpose for which each such obligation was incurred. 10. A statement of totals during the reporting period of disbursements made, including transfers made to and received from other committees, other income, and loans.

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11. A statement of the balance of obligations incurred as of the end of the reporting period. (b) The recall committee shall begin each report filed under this chapter with the first contribution received, disbursement made, or obligation incurred during the reporting period. (2) REPORTS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE THE RECALL OF NON-

ceived, made, or incurred after July 1 that are not included in the preprimary report.

PARTISAN STATE OR LOCAL OFFICE HOLDER ELECTED AT SPRING ELECTION; PRIMARY. A recall committee that makes or accepts

OTHER PERSONS

11.1001 Reporting; specific express advocacy. (1) DISBURSEMENTS. (a) 1. For express advocacy that will occur during the period beginning 60 days prior to the spring primary and ending on the date of the spring election, any person, other than a committee, spending $2,500 or more in the aggregate on express advocacy for one or more candidates at the spring primary or spring election shall submit statements to the commission under par. (b) for express advocacy. 2. For express advocacy that will occur during the period beginning 60 days prior to the partisan primary and ending on the date of the general election, any person, other than a committee, spending $2,500 or more in the aggregate on express advocacy for one or more candidates at the partisan primary or general election shall submit statements to the commission under par. (b) for express advocacy as follows: a. During the period beginning 60 days prior to the partisan primary and ending on the date of the partisan primary. b. During the period beginning 60 days prior to the general election and ending on the date of the general election. 3. For express advocacy that will occur during the period beginning 60 days prior to a special primary and ending on the date of the special election, any person, other than a committee, spending $2,500 or more in the aggregate on express advocacy for one or more candidates at the special primary or special election shall submit statements to the commission under par. (b) for express advocacy. (b) A person required to report under this section shall submit statements to the commission providing all of the following information: 1. The dates on which the person incurred the obligations or made the disbursements. 2. The name and address of the obligees or persons who received the disbursements. 3. The purpose for making the disbursements or incurring the obligations. 4. The amount spent or incurred for each act of express advocacy. 5. The name of any candidate identified in the express advocacy, the office that the candidate seeks, and whether the express advocacy supports or opposes that candidate. 6. An affirmation, made under oath, that the person will comply with the prohibition on coordination under s. 11.1203 with respect to any candidate or agent or candidate committee who is supported or opposed by the express advocacy. 7. The name and mailing and street address of the person’s designated agent in this state. (2) EXCEPTION. (a) A person who is required to report under this section is not required to submit the information described under sub. (1) (b) regarding disbursements made before reaching the $2,500 threshold under sub. (1) (a). For purposes of this section, a disbursement for express advocacy is the amount spent directly on developing, producing, and disseminating the express advocacy. (b) This section does not apply to any of the following: 1. A communication, other than an advertisement, appearing in a news story, commentary, or editorial distributed through the

PARTISAN STATE OR LOCAL OFFICE HOLDER ELECTED AT SPRING ELECTION; ELECTION. A recall committee that makes or accepts

contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose the recall of a nonpartisan state or local office holder, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following: (a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the recall election. (b) Annually in each year of an election cycle, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (4) REPORTS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE THE RECALL OF PARTISAN STATE OR LOCAL OFFICE HOLDER; PRIMARY. A recall committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose the recall of a partisan state or local office holder, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all the following: (a) File a preprimary report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the recall primary. (b) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the recall election. (c) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (e) In an even-numbered year, file a report on September 30 indicating contributions, disbursements, and obligations received, made, or incurred after July 1 that are not included in the preprimary report. (5) REPORTS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE THE RECALL OF PARTISAN STATE OR LOCAL OFFICE HOLDER; GENERAL ELECTION. A recall committee that makes or accepts contributions, makes disbursements, or incurs obligations to support or oppose the recall of a partisan state or local office holder, or to support or oppose other committees engaging in such activities, shall do all of the following: (a) File a preelection report no earlier than 14 days and no later than 8 days preceding the recall election. (b) In an odd-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (c) In an even-numbered year, file a report on January 15 and July 15. (d) In an even-numbered year, file a report on September 30 indicating contributions, disbursements, and obligations re-

History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2021 a. 265.

SUBCHAPTER X

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facilities of any news organization, unless the facilities are controlled by any committee or candidate. 2. A communication made exclusively between an organization and its members. In this subdivision, a member of an organization means a shareholder, employee, or officer of the organization, or an individual who has affirmatively manifested an interest in joining, supporting, or aiding the organization. (3) TIMING. A person who is required to report under this section shall submit the report to the commission no later than 72 hours after the earliest of the following: (a) The date the obligation for express advocacy is incurred, if the person has the information required to be reported under sub. (1) (b). (b) The date the express advocacy is aired, broadcast, printed, or otherwise disseminated to individuals other than any of the following: 1. The person, if the person is an individual. 2. The person’s officers, directors, partners, employees, or volunteers, if the person consists of 2 or more individuals. 3. The person’s producer, consultant, media production partner, or focus group. (c) The date of the disbursement. History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2021 a. 265; 2023 a. 120.

SUBCHAPTER XI CONTRIBUTIONS 11.1101 Contribution limits. (1) INDIVIDUAL LIMITS. An individual may contribute to a candidate committee no more than the following amounts specified for the candidate whose nomination or election the individual supports [See Figure 11.1101 following]: (a) Candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, state superintendent, or justice, $20,000. (b) Candidates for state senator, $2,000. (c) Candidates for representative to the assembly, $1,000. (d) Candidates for court of appeals judge in districts which contain a county having a population of more than 750,000, $6,000. (e) Candidates for court of appeals judge in other districts, $5,000. (f) Candidates for circuit judge in circuits having a population of more than 300,000, or candidates for district attorney in prosecutorial units having a population of more than 300,000, $6,000. (g) Candidates for circuit judge in other circuits or candidates for district attorney in other prosecutorial units, $2,000. (h) Candidates for local offices, an amount equal to the greater of the following: 1. Five hundred dollars. 2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, as defined under s. 5.02 (4v) (b) to (d), but not more than $6,000. NOTE: Subd. 2. is shown as amended eff. 12-1-27 by 2023 Wis. Act 126, as affected by 2025 Wis. Act 7, section 2. Prior to 12-1-27 it reads: 2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, but not more than $6,000.

(2) CANDIDATE COMMITTEES. A candidate committee may contribute to another candidate committee no more than the fol-

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lowing amounts specified for the candidate whose nomination or election the committee supports [See Figure 11.1101 following]: (a) Candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, state superintendent, or justice, $20,000. (b) Candidates for state senator, $2,000. (c) Candidates for representative to the assembly, $1,000. (d) Candidates for court of appeals judge in districts which contain a county having a population of more than 750,000, $6,000. (e) Candidates for court of appeals judge in other districts, $5,000. (f) Candidates for circuit judge in circuits having a population of more than 300,000, or candidates for district attorney in prosecutorial units having a population of more than 300,000, $6,000. (g) Candidates for circuit judge in other circuits or candidates for district attorney in other prosecutorial units, $2,000. (h) Candidates for local offices, an amount equal to the greater of the following: 1. Five hundred dollars. 2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, as defined under s. 5.02 (4v) (b) to (d), but not more than $6,000. NOTE: Subd. 2. is shown as amended eff. 12-1-27 by 2023 Wis. Act 126, as affected by 2025 Wis. Act 7, section 2. Prior to 12-1-27 it reads: 2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, but not more than $6,000.

(3) POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES. A political action committee may contribute to a candidate committee no more than the following amounts specified for the candidate whose nomination or election the committee supports [See Figure 11.1101 following]: (a) Candidates for governor, $86,000. (b) Candidates for lieutenant governor, $26,000. (c) Candidates for attorney general, $44,000. (d) Candidates for secretary of state, state treasurer, state superintendent, or justice, $18,000. (e) Candidates for state senator, $2,000. (f) Candidates for representative to the assembly, $1,000. (g) Candidates for court of appeals judge in districts which contain a county having a population of more than 750,000, $6,000. (h) Candidates for court of appeals judge in other districts, $5,000. (i) Candidates for circuit judge in circuits having a population of more than 300,000, or candidates for district attorney in prosecutorial units having a population of more than 300,000, $6,000. (j) Candidates for circuit judge in other circuits or candidates for district attorney in other prosecutorial units, $2,000. (k) Candidates for local offices, an amount equal to the greater of the following: 1. Four hundred dollars. 2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, as defined under s. 5.02 (4v) (b) to (d), but not more than $5,000. NOTE: Subd. 2. is shown as amended eff. 12-1-27 by 2023 Wis. Act 126, as affected by 2025 Wis. Act 7, section 2. Prior to 12-1-27 it reads: 2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which

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the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, but not more than $5,000.

(4) OTHER PERSONS. A person, other than a person subject to sub. (1), (2), or (3) or s. 11.1112, may contribute to a candidate committee no more than the following amounts specified for the candidate whose nomination or election the committee supports: (a) Candidates for governor, $86,000. (b) Candidates for lieutenant governor, $26,000. (c) Candidates for attorney general, $44,000. (d) Candidates for secretary of state, state treasurer, state superintendent, or justice, $18,000. (e) Candidates for state senator, $2,000. (f) Candidates for representative to the assembly, $1,000. (g) Candidates for court of appeals judge in districts that contain a county having a population of more than 750,000, $6,000. (h) Candidates for court of appeals judge in other districts, $5,000. Figure 11.1101:

(i) Candidates for circuit judge in circuits having a population of more than 300,000, or candidates for district attorney in prosecutorial units having a population of more than 300,000, $6,000. (j) Candidates for circuit judge in other circuits or candidates for district attorney in other prosecutorial units, $2,000. (k) Candidates for local offices, an amount equal to the greater of the following: 1. Four hundred dollars. 2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, as defined under s. 5.02 (4v) (b) to (d), but not more than $5,000. NOTE: Subd. 2. is shown as amended eff. 12-1-27 by 2023 Wis. Act 126, as affected by 2025 Wis. Act 7, section 2. Prior to 12-1-27 it reads: 2. Two cents times the number of inhabitants of the jurisdiction or district, according to the latest federal census or the census information on which the district is based, as certified by the appropriate filing officer, but not more than $5,000.

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTORS CANDIDATE COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTORS

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTORS

GOVERNOR

$20,000

$86,000

LT. GOVERNOR

$20,000

$26,000

SECRETARY OF STATE

$20,000

$18,000

STATE TREASURER

$20,000

$18,000

ATTORNEY GENERAL

$20,000

$44,000

STATE SUPERINTENDENT

$20,000

$18,000

JUSTICE

$20,000

$18,000

STATE SENATOR

$2,000

ASSEMBLY

$1,000

$6,000

$5,000

$6,000

$2,000

GREATER OF $500 OR 2

GREATER OF $400 OR 2

CENTS TIMES THE POPULA-

TION, BUT NOT MORE THAN

$6,000

$5,000

REPRESENTATIVE APPEALS JUDGE POPULOUS DISTRICTS APPEALS JUDGE OTHER DISTRICTS CIRCUIT JUDGE POPULOUS AREA DISTRICT ATTORNEY POPULOUS AREA CIRCUIT JUDGE OTHER AREA DISTRICT ATTORNEY OTHER AREA LOCAL OFFICES

History: 2015 a. 117, 261; 2017 a. 207 s. 5; 2023 a. 126; 2025 a. 7 s. 2.

11.1103 Applicable periods. (1) For an individual who is a candidate seeking reelection to the office that the individual holds, the limits under s. 11.1101 (1) to (4) apply as follows: (a) For a candidate elected to an office at the general election, from the January 1 immediately after the candidate is elected to

his or her current term to the December 31 immediately after a successor is elected or the incumbent is reelected. (b) For a candidate elected to an office at the spring election, from the July 1 immediately after the candidate is elected to his or

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her current term of office to the June 30 immediately after a successor is elected or the incumbent is reelected. (2) For an individual who is a candidate for an office that the individual does not hold, the limits under s. 11.1101 (1) to (4) apply as follows: (a) For an individual seeking election to an office at the general election, from the date on which the individual becomes a candidate to the December 31 immediately after the election. (b) For an individual seeking election to an office at the spring election, from the date on which the individual becomes a candidate to the June 30 immediately after the election. (3) For an individual seeking election to an office at a special election, the limits under s. 11.1101 (1) to (4) apply from the date on which the individual becomes a candidate to the 22nd day after the election. If the individual is elected at the special election, the limits under s. 11.1101 (1) to (4) apply from the 23rd day after the special election to the end of the applicable period under sub. (1). History: 2015 a. 117; 2021 a. 265.

11.1104 Exceptions. Except as provided in subs. (3) (b) and (4) (b) and s. 11.1112, the following contributions may be made in unlimited amounts: (1) Contributions to a political action committee. (2) Contributions transferred between political action committees. (3) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), contributions to a legislative campaign committee. (b) A political action committee or a person subject to the limits under s. 11.1101 (4) may contribute no more than $12,000 in any calendar year to a legislative campaign committee. (4) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), contributions to a political party. (b) A political action committee or a person subject to the limits under s. 11.1101 (4) may contribute no more than $12,000 in any calendar year to a political party. (5) Contributions made by a political party or legislative campaign committee to a candidate committee. (6) Contributions paid to a segregated fund established and administered by a political party or legislative campaign committee for purposes other than making contributions to a candidate committee or making disbursements for express advocacy, except that a political action committee or a person subject to s. 11.1101 (4) may contribute no more than $12,000 in any calendar year to such a fund. (7) Contributions that a candidate makes to his or her candidate committee from the candidate’s personal funds or property or the personal funds or property that are owned jointly or as marital property with the candidate’s spouse. (8) Contributions transferred between the candidates for governor and lieutenant governor of the same political party. (9) Contributions used to pay legal fees and other expenses incurred as a result of a recount under s. 9.01. (10) Contributions used to pay legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with or in response to circulating, offering to file, or filing a petition to recall an office holder prior to the time that a recall primary or election is ordered, or after that time if incurred to contest or defend the order. (11) Contributions to a recall committee. (12) Contributions to a referendum committee. (13) Contributions to an independent expenditure committee. History: 2015 a. 117, 261.

11.1105 Valuation. (1) Except as provided in s. 11.1111,

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11.1111

for purposes of complying with a contribution limit under this section, the value of a contribution of any tangible or intangible item, other than money, is the item’s fair market value at the time that the individual or committee made the contribution. (2) Except as provided in s. 11.1111, for purposes of complying with a contribution limit under this section, the value of a contribution of a service is the fair market value of the service at the time that the individual or committee made the contribution. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1106 Conduit contributions. (1) For purposes of this chapter, a contribution released by a conduit to a committee is to be reported by the committee as a contribution from the individual who made the contribution and not as a contribution from the conduit. (2) A contribution of money received from a conduit, accompanied by the information required under s. 11.0704 (1), is considered to be a contribution from the original contributor. (3) The commission shall place a copy of any report received under s. 11.0704 in the file of the conduit and the file of the recipient. NOTE: Sub. (3) is shown as amended eff. 12-1-27 by 2023 Wis. Act 126, as affected by 2025 Wis. Act 7, section 2. Prior to 12-1-27 it reads: (3) Each filing officer shall place a copy of any report received under s. 11.0704 in the file of the conduit and the file of the recipient. History: 2015 a. 117; 2023 a. 126; 2025 a. 7 s. 2.

11.1107 Limitation on cash contributions. Every contribution of money exceeding $100 shall be made by negotiable instrument or evidenced by an itemized credit card receipt bearing on the face the name of the remitter. No committee required to report under this chapter may accept a contribution made in violation of this section. The committee shall promptly return the contribution, or donate it to the common school fund or to a charitable organization in the event that the donor cannot be identified. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1108 Anonymous contributions. No committee may accept an anonymous contribution exceeding $10. If an anonymous contribution exceeds $10, the committee shall donate the contribution to the common school fund or to a charitable organization and report the donation as required under this chapter. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1109 In-kind contributions. Before making a contribution, as defined under s. 11.0101 (8) (a) 2., to a committee, the prospective contributor shall notify the candidate or candidate’s agent or the administrator or treasurer of the committee and obtain that individuals oral or written consent to the contribution. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1110 Return of contributions. (1) A committee required to report under this chapter may return a contribution at any time before or after it has been deposited. (2) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), the subsequent return of a contribution deposited contrary to law does not constitute a defense to a violation. (b) A committee that accepts a contribution contrary to law, reports that contribution, and returns that contribution within 15 days after the filing date for the reporting period in which the contribution is received does not violate the contribution or source limits under this subchapter. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1111 Valuation of opinion poll results. (1) In this section: (a) “Election period” means any of the following:

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1. The period beginning on December 1 and ending on the date of the spring election. 2. The period beginning on May 1 and ending on the date of the general election. 3. The period beginning on the first day for circulating nomination papers and ending on the date of a special election. (b) “Initial recipient” means the individual who or committee which commissions a public opinion poll or voter survey. (c) “Results” means computer output or a written or verbal analysis. (d) “Voter survey” includes acquiring information that identifies voter attitudes concerning candidates or issues. (2) If a committee receives opinion poll or voter survey results during the first 15 days after the initial recipient receives the results, and the committee received the results during an election period, the committee shall report the results as a contribution. The committee shall report the contribution’s value as 100 percent of the cost incurred by the initial recipient to commission the poll or survey, except that if more than one committee receives the results, the committees shall report the contribution’s value as 100 percent of the amount allocated to the committee under sub. (5). (3) If the committee receives the opinion poll or voter survey results 16 to 60 days following the day on which the initial recipient received the results, and the committee received the results during an election period, the committee shall report the results as a contribution valued at 50 percent of the cost incurred by the initial recipient to commission the poll or survey, except that if more than one committee receives the results, the committees shall report the contribution’s value as 50 percent of the amount allocated to the committee under sub. (5). (4) If the committee receives the opinion poll or voter survey results more than 60 days after the initial recipient received the results, the committee is not required to report the results as a contribution. (5) If a person contributes opinion poll or voter survey results to more than one committee, the person shall apportion the value of the poll or survey to each committee receiving the results by one of the following methods and shall provide the apportioned values to the committees: (a) Determine the share of the cost of the opinion poll or voter survey that is allocable to each recipient based on the allocation formula used by the person that conducted the poll or survey. (b) Determine the share of the cost of the opinion poll or voter survey that is allocable to each recipient by dividing the cost of the poll or survey equally among all the committees receiving the results. (c) Determine the share of the cost of the opinion poll or voter survey that is allocable to each recipient as follows: 1. Divide the number of question results received by each recipient by the total number of question results received by all recipients. 2. Multiple the total cost of the poll or survey by the number determined under subd. 1. (6) If a person makes a contribution of opinion poll or voter survey results to a committee after the person has apportioned the value of the results to previous recipients under sub. (5), the person shall make a good faith effort to apportion the value to the committee, considering the value apportioned to other recipients under sub. (5), and shall report that value to the committee. For purposes of this subsection, the total value of the contributor’s aggregate contributions may exceed the original cost of the poll or survey. (7) A person who contributes opinion poll or voter survey re-

sults shall maintain records sufficient to support the contribution’s value and shall provide the contribution’s value to the recipient. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1112 Corporations, cooperatives, and tribes. No foreign or domestic corporation, no association organized under ch. 185 or 193, no labor organization, and no federally recognized American Indian Tribe may make a contribution to a committee, other than an independent expenditure committee or referendum committee, but may make a contribution to a segregated fund as provided under s. 11.1104 (6) in amounts not to exceed $12,000 in the aggregate in a calendar year. History: 2015 a. 117. The government may regulate corporate political speech through disclaimer and disclosure requirements, but it may not suppress that speech altogether. Federal law prohibiting corporations and unions from using their general treasury funds to make independent expenditures for speech defined as an “electioneering communication” or for speech expressly advocating the election or defeat of a candidate is unconstitutional. Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 310, 130 S. Ct. 876, 175 L. Ed. 2d 753 (2010).

11.1113 Sole proprietors, partnerships, and limited liability companies. (1) SOLE PROPRIETORSHIPS. A contribution made to a committee by a sole proprietorship is considered a contribution made by the individual who is the sole proprietor and subject to the limits under this subchapter. (2) PARTNERSHIPS. A contribution made to a committee by a partnership is considered a contribution made by each of the contributing partners and subject to the limits under this subchapter. A partnership that makes a contribution to a committee shall provide to the committee the names of the contributing partners and the amount of the individual contribution made by each partner. For purposes of determining the individual contribution amounts made by each partner, the partnership shall attribute the individual contributions according to each partner’s share of the partnership’s profits, unless the partners agree to apportion the contribution in a different manner. (3) LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES. (a) A contribution made to a committee by a limited liability company treated as a partnership by the federal internal revenue service pursuant to 26 CFR 301.7701-3 is considered a contribution made by each of the contributing members and subject to the limits under this subchapter. A limited liability company that makes a contribution under this paragraph shall affirm to the committee that it is treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes and eligible to make the contribution. The company shall provide to the committee the names of the contributing members and the amount of the individual contribution made by each member. For purposes of determining the individual contribution amounts made by each member, the company shall attribute the individual contributions according to each member’s share of the company’s profits, unless the members agree to apportion the contribution in a different manner. (b) A contribution made to a committee by a single-member limited liability company in which the sole member is an individual is considered a contribution made by that individual and subject to the individual limits under s. 11.1101 (1). A limited liability company that makes a contribution under this paragraph shall affirm to the committee that it is a single-member limited liability company in which the sole member is an individual and eligible to make the contribution. History: 2015 a. 117; 2017 a. 366; 2021 a. 265.

11.1114 Two candidate committees. (1) (a) A candidate who has established 2 candidate committees pursuant to s. 11.0202 (2) may transfer funds between the 2 committees as provided in this subsection. (b) The first candidate committee may transfer funds to the 2nd candidate committee, subject to all of the following:

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1. Any money contributed to the first candidate committee in a prior contribution limit period is the property of the first committee. If the first candidate committee makes a contribution to the 2nd candidate committee from funds received by the first candidate committee during a prior contribution limit period, that contribution is considered a contribution from the first candidate committee, subject to the contribution limits under s. 11.1101 (2) applicable to the 2nd candidate committee. 2. The first candidate committee may transfer a contribution, or any portion of a contribution, received by the first candidate committee during the current contribution limit period to the 2nd candidate committee. Such a transfer is considered a contribution from the original contributor to the first candidate committee and does not violate s. 11.1202 or 11.1204. The transfer is subject to the contribution limits under s. 11.1101 applicable to the 2nd candidate committee. A contribution or portion of a contribution that is transferred may not be included when determining whether the contributor has reached or exceeded the applicable contribution limits for the first candidate committee for the current contribution period. The 2nd candidate committee shall count all contributions directly received from the contributor and all contributions from the contributor that are transferred from the first candidate committee to determine whether a contributor has reached or exceeded the applicable contribution limits for the current contribution limit period. (c) The 2nd candidate committee may only transfer funds to the first candidate committee when the 2nd candidate committee is terminating pursuant to s. 11.0105. Such a transfer is considered a contribution from the original contributor to the 2nd candidate committee and is subject to the contribution limits under s. 11.1101 that apply to contributions from the original contributor for contributions made to the first candidate committee. (2) (a) For a contribution under sub. (1) (b) 1., the first candidate committee shall report the contribution to the 2nd candidate committee as a disbursement to the 2nd candidate committee and the 2nd candidate committee shall report receiving the contribution from the first candidate committee. (b) The candidate committees shall report a transfer under sub. (1) (b) 2. as follows: 1. The first candidate committee shall report receiving the contribution from the original contributor. 2. The first candidate committee shall report transferring the contribution as a disbursement to the 2nd candidate committee. 3. The 2nd candidate committee shall report receiving the contribution as if it came from the original contributor. (c) With regard to a transfer under sub. (1) (c), the 2nd candidate committee shall report receiving the contribution from the original contributor and report transferring the funds to the first candidate committee as a disbursement. The first candidate committee shall report receiving the contribution as if it came from the original contributor. (d) A candidate committee making a transfer as provided under this section may report the transfer as one lump sum contribution if the candidate committee provides the receiving committee a list of the contributors, all required information about those contributors, and the amount attributable to each contributor that is being transferred to the receiving committee. The transferring candidate committee shall attach the documentation described in this paragraph to its next campaign finance report. History: 2015 a. 117; 2023 a. 120.

SUBCHAPTER XII PROHIBITED PRACTICES

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11.1203

11.1201 False reports and statements. No person may prepare or submit a false report or statement to the commission under this chapter. NOTE: This section is shown as amended eff. 12-1-27 by 2023 Wis. Act 126, as affected by 2025 Wis. Act 7, section 2. Prior to 12-1-27 it reads: 11.1201 False reports and statements. No person may prepare or submit a false report or statement to a filing officer under this chapter. History: 2015 a. 117; 2023 a. 126; 2025 a. 7 s. 2.

11.1202 Earmarking. (1) The treasurer of a candidate committee may agree with a prospective contributor that a contribution is received to be used for a specific purpose not prohibited by law. That purpose may not include a disbursement to a committee to support or oppose another candidate. (2) When a contribution is made to a committee other than a candidate committee, the contributor may not direct the committee to make a disbursement to a committee to support or oppose another candidate. (3) Except for transfers of membership-related moneys between committees of the same political party, no committee may transfer to another committee the earmarked contributions of others. Transfers of membership-related moneys between political parties shall be treated in the same manner as other transfers. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1203 Coordination. (1) No political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person required to report under s. 11.1001, or individual may make an expenditure for express advocacy for the benefit of a candidate that is coordinated with that candidate, candidate’s committee, or candidate’s agent, nor with any legislative campaign committee of the candidate’s political party, or a political party, in violation of the contribution limits under s. 11.1101 or the source restrictions under s. 11.1112. (2) (a) For purposes of this section, an expenditure for express advocacy is coordinated if any of the following applies: 1. The candidate, candidate’s agent, legislative campaign committee of the candidate’s political party, or the candidate’s political party communicates directly with the political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person, or individual making the expenditure to specifically request that the political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person, or individual make the expenditure that benefits the candidate and the political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person, or individual explicitly assents to the request before making the expenditure. 2. The candidate, candidate’s agent, legislative campaign committee of the candidate’s political party, or the candidate’s political party exercises control over the expenditure or the content, timing, location, form, intended audience, number, or frequency of the communication. (b) If an expenditure for express advocacy is coordinated, but not in violation of the coordination prohibitions under sub. (1), all of the following apply: 1. The political action committee or independent expenditure committee making the expenditure shall report the expenditure as required under this chapter. 2. The candidate committee shall report the expenditure as a contribution. (3) None of the following are considered coordinated communications prohibited under this section: (a) Candidates endorsing and soliciting contributions for other candidates. (b) Candidates, candidate committees, legislative campaign committees, and political parties responding to inquiries about a

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candidate’s or political party’s position on legislative or policy issues. (c) Using publicly available information to create, produce, or distribute a communication if sub. (2) does not apply to such use. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1204 Unlawful political contributions. (1) Subject to sub. (2), no person may, directly or indirectly, make any contribution other than from funds or property belonging to the person. No person may, directly or indirectly, give funds or property to another person for the purpose of making a contribution in other than the first person’s name. (2) A conduit releasing a contribution of money in the manner prescribed in s. 11.0704 does not violate sub. (1). (3) No person may intentionally receive or accept any contribution made in violation of this chapter. History: 2015 a. 117. The unit of prosecution under former s. 11.24 (1), 1977 stats., is every transfer of funds to another person accompanied by the false listing of any single contributor. An individual illegally furnishing funds from a corporate account may be convicted under former s. 11.24 (1), 1977 stats. State v. Dreske, 88 Wis. 2d 60, 276 N.W.2d 324 (Ct. App. 1979).

11.1205 Use of government materials by candidates. (1) (a) Except as provided in pars. (am) and (ar) and sub. (2), no person elected to state or local office who becomes a candidate for national, state, or local office may use public funds for the cost of materials or distribution for 50 or more pieces of substantially identical material distributed after: 1. In the case of a candidate who is nominated by nomination papers, the first day authorized by law for circulation of nomination papers as a candidate. 2. In the case of a candidate who is nominated at a primary election by write-in votes, the day the board of canvassers issues its determination that the person is nominated. 3. In the case of a candidate who is nominated at a caucus, the date of the caucus. 4. In the case of any other candidate who is nominated solely by filing a declaration of candidacy, the first day of the month preceding the month which includes the last day for filing the declaration. (am) 1. The 50-piece limitation under par. (a) applies to a representative to the assembly who becomes a candidate at an election for partisan office only after the last day authorized by law for filing nomination papers for that election. 2. With respect to any election for partisan office, a state senator who becomes a candidate at that election may not use public funds for the cost of materials or distribution for 150 or more pieces of substantially identical material distributed after the last day authorized by law for filing nomination papers for that election. (ar) This subsection does not apply during a state of emergency declared by the federal government, by the governor under s. 323.10, or by a local government under s. 323.11 with respect to any elective office representing any part of the territory that is subject to the emergency declaration if the materials distributed are substantially related to the emergency or a government order issued in connection with the emergency. (b) This subsection applies until after the date of the election or after the date of the primary election if the person appears as a candidate on a primary election ballot and is not nominated at the primary election. (c) No legislative rule may impose limits on the use of public funds by members of the legislature for the cost of materials or distribution of pieces of substantially identical material that are more restrictive than the limits imposed under pars. (a) and (am).

(d) Notwithstanding ss. 11.1400 (1) and 11.1401 (1) (c) 1., violations of this section shall be punished as follows: 1. A violation that occurs on or before the 7th business day after the applicable deadline is punishable by a formal warning of the commission, which the commission shall publish on its Internet site. 2. A violation that occurs after the 7th business day and on or before the 14th business day after the applicable deadline is punishable by a $100 forfeiture. A forfeiture under this subdivision may not be paid from campaign funds in the candidate’s candidate committee depository account. 3. A violation that occurs after the 14th business day after the applicable deadline is punishable by a $500 forfeiture. A forfeiture under this subdivision may not be paid from campaign funds in the candidate’s candidate committee depository account. (2) This section does not apply to use of public funds for the costs of the following: (a) Answers to communications of constituents. (b) Actions taken by a state or local government administrative officer pursuant to a specific law, ordinance or resolution which authorizes or directs the actions to be taken. (c) Communications between members of the legislature, or between members of the legislature and partisan or nonpartisan legislative staff. (d) Communications not exceeding 500 pieces by members of the legislature relating solely to the subject matter of a special session or extraordinary session, made during the period between the date that the session is called or scheduled and 14 days after adjournment of the session. History: 2015 a. 117; 2023 a. 105. Former s. 11.33, 1979 stats., applies to persons elected to state office who are seeking reelection or election to a different office and to the use of public funds for political purposes. 69 Atty. Gen. 259.

11.1206 Travel by public officers. (1) No person may use any vehicle or aircraft owned by the state or by any local governmental unit for any trip which is exclusively for the purposes of campaigning to support or oppose any candidate for national, state, or local office, unless use of the vehicle or aircraft is required for purposes of security protection provided by the state or local governmental unit. (2) No person may use any vehicle or aircraft owned by the state or by any local governmental unit for purposes that include campaigning to support or oppose any candidate for national, state, or local office, unless the person pays to the state or local governmental unit a fee which is comparable to the commercial market rate for the use of a similar vehicle or aircraft and for any services provided by the state or local governmental unit to operate the vehicle or aircraft. If a trip is made in part for a public purpose and in part for the purpose of campaigning, the person shall pay for the portion of the trip attributable to campaigning, but in no case less than 50 percent of the cost of the trip. The portion of the trip attributable to campaigning shall be determined by dividing the number of appearances made for campaign purposes by the total number of appearances. Fees payable to the state shall be prescribed by the secretary of administration and shall be deposited in the account under s. 20.855 (6) (h). Fees payable to a local governmental unit shall be prescribed by the governing body of the governmental unit. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1207 Political solicitation involving public officials and employees restricted. (1) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), no person may solicit or receive from any state officer or employee or from any officer or employee of the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority any contribution dur-

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ing established hours of employment or while the officer or employee is engaged in his or her official duties. (b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to communications about a referendum. (2) No person may solicit or receive from any officer or employee of a political subdivision of this state any contribution during established hours of employment or while the officer or employee is engaged in his or her official duties. (3) Every person who has charge or control in a building, office, or room occupied for any purpose by this state, by any political subdivision thereof, or by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority shall prohibit the entry of any person into that building, office, or room for the purpose of making or receiving a contribution. (4) No person may enter or remain in any building, office, or room occupied for any purpose by the state, by any political subdivision thereof or by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority or send or direct a letter or other notice thereto for the purpose of requesting or collecting a contribution. (5) This section does not apply to a response by a legal custodian or subordinate of the custodian to a request to locate, reproduce, or inspect a record under s. 19.35 if the request is processed in the same manner as the custodian or subordinate responds to other requests to locate, reproduce, or inspect a record under s. 19.35. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1208 Unlawful political disbursements and obligations. (1) No person may intentionally receive or accept anything of value, or any promise or pledge thereof, constituting a disbursement made or obligation incurred contrary to law. (2) (a) Except as provided in pars. (b) and (c), a committee may not make a disbursement or incur an obligation for the committee’s or an individual’s strictly personal use. (b) A committee may accept contributions and make disbursements from a campaign depository account for any of the following: 1. For the purpose of making disbursements in connection with a campaign for national office. 2. For payment of civil penalties incurred by the committee under this chapter but not under any other chapter. 3. For the purpose of making a donation to a charitable organization or the common school fund. 4. For payment of the expenses of nonpartisan campaigns to increase voter registration or participation. (c) A candidate committee may accept contributions and make disbursements from a campaign depository account for payment of inaugural expenses of an individual who is elected to state or local office. Inaugural expenses paid from contributions made to the campaign depository account are reportable under s. 11.0204 (1) as disbursements and are subject to the limits under s. 11.1101. (3) No contributions to or disbursements from a committee’s depository account may be invested for the purpose of producing income unless the investment is in direct obligations of the United States and of agencies and corporations wholly owned by the United States, commercial paper maturing within one year from the date of investment, preferred shares of a corporation, or securities of an investment company registered under the federal investment company act of 1940 (15 USC 80a) and registered for public offer and sale in this state of the type commonly referred to as a “money market fund”. (4) No person may make or accept a contribution, make a dis-

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bursement, make an expenditure, or incur an obligation in violation of 11 CFR 110.20 and 52 USC 30121. History: 2015 a. 117.

SUBCHAPTER XIII ADMINISTRATION 11.1301 Defense fund authorized. (1) Any candidate or public official who is being investigated for, charged with, or convicted of a criminal violation of this chapter or ch. 12, or whose agent is so investigated, charged, or convicted, may establish a defense fund for disbursements supporting or defending the candidate, official, or agent, or any dependent of the candidate, official, or agent, while that person is being investigated for, or while the person is charged with or convicted of a criminal violation of this chapter or ch. 12. (2) No person may use a contribution received from a contributor to a candidate committee fund for a purpose for which a defense fund is authorized under sub. (1) unless the person obtains the contributor’s authorization. Notwithstanding s. 11.1202 (3), any contributor may authorize the transfer of all or part of a contribution from a campaign fund to a defense fund. History: 2015 a. 117.

11.1303 Attribution of political contributions, disbursements and communications; synthetic media. (1) No disbursement may be made anonymously and no contribution or disbursement may be made in a fictitious name or by one person or organization in the name of another. (2) (a) Every printed advertisement, billboard, handbill, sample ballot, television or radio advertisement, or other communication containing express advocacy or supporting or opposing a referendum which is paid for by any contribution or disbursement shall clearly identify its source. (b) Every communication described under par. (a) the cost of which is paid for or reimbursed by a committee, or for which a committee assumes responsibility, whether by accepting a contribution or making a disbursement, shall identify its source by the words “Paid for by” followed by the name of the committee making the payment or reimbursement or assuming responsibility for the communication and may include the name of the treasurer or other authorized agent of the committee. (c) Every communication for express advocacy the cost of which exceeds $2,500 and is paid for or reimbursed by any person, other than a committee, shall identify its source by the words “Paid for by” followed by the name of the person. (d) In addition to the requirements of pars. (a) to (c), a person required to submit an affirmation under oath, as provided under s. 11.0505 (1) (b) 6., 11.0605 (1) (b) 6., or 11.1001 (1) (b) 6. shall also include the words “Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s agent or committee” in every communication containing express advocacy. (e) Communications described in pars. (a) to (c) and made by a candidate committee may identify the name of the candidate committee except that no abbreviation may be used to identify the committee. (em) Each printed advertisement, billboard, handbill, paid television or radio advertisement, or other communication made for the purpose of influencing the recall from or retention in office of an individual holding a state or local office shall clearly identify its source in the manner prescribed in pars. (b) and (c). (f) This subsection does not apply to communications containing express advocacy printed on small items on which the information required by this subsection cannot be conveniently

May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26)

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printed, including text messages, social media communications, and certain small advertisements on mobile phones. The commission may, by rule, specify small items or other communications to which this subsection shall not apply. (g) The attributions required by this subsection in written communications shall be readable, legible, and readily accessible. (2m) (a) In this subsection: 1. “Issue advocacy” means a communication that provides information about political or social issues and is made to influence the outcome of an election. 2. “Synthetic media” means audio or video content that is substantially produced in whole or in part by means of generative artificial intelligence. (b) Every audio communication otherwise described in sub. (2) (a) or (b) but containing express advocacy or issue advocacy or supporting or opposing a referendum and that contains synthetic media shall include both at the beginning and at the end of the communication the words “Contains content generated by AI.” (c) Every video communication otherwise described in sub. (2) (a) or (b) but containing express advocacy or issue advocacy or supporting or opposing a referendum shall include throughout the duration of each portion of the communication containing synthetic media, in writing that is readable, legible, and readily accessible, the words “This video content generated by AI” if the video includes video synthetic media only, “This audio content generated by AI” if the video includes audio synthetic media only, or “This content generated by AI” if the video includes both video and audio synthetic media. (d) The commission may promulgate rules implementing this subsection. The rules may include limited exceptions to the requirements under pars. (b) and (c). (e) Compliance with this subsection does not create an exemption from any civil or criminal liability, including for violations of s. 12.05. (f) Notwithstanding s. 11.1401 (1) (b), whoever intentionally violates par. (b) or (c) shall be subject to a forfeiture not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. Any violation of par. (b) or (c) shall be enforced as provided under s. 11.1400 (5). (g) No liability for a violation of this subsection shall attach to any person who is a broadcaster or other host or carrier of a video or audio communication described in sub. (2) (a) or (b) that contains synthetic media, unless the person is a committee responsible for the communication. (h) This subsection may not be construed to alter or negate any rights, obligations, or immunities of a provider of an interactive computer service under 47 USC 230. (3) Whenever any person receives payment from another person, in cash or in-kind, for the direct or indirect cost of conducting a poll concerning support or opposition to a candidate, political party, or referendum, the person conducting the poll shall, upon request of any person who is polled, disclose the name and address of the person making payment for the poll and, in the case of a committee, the name of the treasurer of the committee making payment. History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2017 a. 365 s. 111; 2021 a. 265; 2023 a. 123.

11.1304 Duties of the ethics commission. The commission shall: (1) Prescribe forms for making the reports, statements, and notices required by this chapter. The commission shall make the forms available free of charge on the commission’s website.

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NOTE: Sub. (1) is shown as amended eff. 12-1-27 by 2023 Wis. Act 126, as affected by 2025 Wis. Act 7, section 2. Prior to 12-1-27 it reads: (1) Prescribe forms for making the reports, statements, and notices required by this chapter. The commission shall make the forms available free of charge on the commission’s Internet site and shall distribute or arrange for the distribution of all forms for use by other filing officers.

(2) Upon request, transmit a form described under sub. (1), free of charge, by facsimile or by 1st class mail. (3) (a) Prepare and publish for the use of persons required to file reports and statements under this chapter a manual setting forth simply and concisely recommended uniform methods of bookkeeping and reporting. (b) Prepare, publish, and revise as necessary a manual simply and concisely describing the filing and registration requirements established in this chapter in detail, as well as other major provisions of this chapter and ch. 12. (4) Develop a filing, coding, and cross-indexing system consonant with the purposes of this chapter. (5) Assign an identification number to each committee and to each conduit. NOTE: Sub. (5) is shown as amended eff. 12-1-27 by 2023 Wis. Act 126, as affected by 2025 Wis. Act 7, section 2. Prior to 12-1-27 it reads: (5) Assign an identification number to each committee for whom the commission acts as a filing officer under s. 11.0102 (1) and to each conduit.

(6) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), require each committee to file each campaign finance report that is required to be filed under this chapter in an electronic format. The commission shall permit an authorized individual to provide at the time of filing an electronic signature, as defined in s. 137.11 (8), that is subject to a security procedure, as defined in s. 137.11 (13). A committee that files a report under this subsection in an electronic format may file with the commission that portion of the report signed by an authorized individual rather than submit the electronic signature of that individual. The commission shall provide complete instructions to any committee that files a report under this subsection. NOTE: Par. (a) is shown as amended eff. 12-1-27 by 2023 Wis. Act 126, as affected by 2025 Wis. Act 7, section 2. Prior to 12-1-27 it reads: (a) Except as provided in par. (b), require each committee for whom the commission serves as filing officer under s. 11.0102 (1) to file each campaign finance report that is required to be filed under this chapter in an electronic format. The commission shall permit an authorized individual to provide at the time of filing an electronic signature, as defined in s. 137.11 (8), that is subject to a security procedure, as defined in s. 137.11 (13). A committee that files a report under this subsection in an electronic format may file with the commission that portion of the report signed by an authorized individual rather than submit the electronic signature of that individual. The commission shall provide complete instructions to any committee that files a report under this subsection.

(b) Permit a committee that accepts contributions in a total amount or value of $1,000 or less during a campaign period to opt out of the requirement to file a campaign finance report in an electronic format as specified in par. (a). In this paragraph, the campaign period of a candidate committee begins and ends as provided under s. 11.1103, and the campaign period of any other committee begins on January 1 of each odd-numbered year and ends on December 31 of the following year. (7) Compile and maintain on an electronic system a current list of all reports and statements received by or required of and pertaining to each committee registered under this chapter. (8) Maintain a duplicate record of any statement submitted by a political action committee under s. 11.0505 or by an independent expenditure committee under s. 11.0605 or by a person under subch. X together with the record of each candidate to whom it relates. (9) Determine whether each report or statement required to be filed under this chapter has been filed in the form and by the time prescribed by law, and whether it conforms on its face to the requirements of this chapter.

May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26)

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(10) Immediately send to any committee or conduit which is delinquent in filing, or which has filed otherwise than in the proper form, a notice that the committee or conduit has failed to comply with this chapter. Whenever a candidate committee has appointed an individual other than the candidate as campaign treasurer, the commission shall send the notice to both the candidate and the treasurer of the candidate committee. (11) Receive and maintain in an orderly manner all reports and statements required to be filed with the state under the federal election campaign act. The commission shall: (a) Preserve such reports and statements for a period of 6 years from date of receipt. (b) Compile and maintain a current list of all reports and statements pertaining to each candidate who is required to file a report or statement under the federal election campaign act. (c) Promptly compile and release for public inspection a list of all reports received from candidates for national office and from committees supporting or opposing such candidates which are required to be filed with the state under the federal election campaign act, as soon as possible after each deadline for receipt of such reports as provided by federal law. (12) Make the reports and statements filed under this chapter, including those reports and statements filed under sub. (11), available on the commission’s Internet site for public inspection and copying, commencing as soon as practicable but not later than the end of the 2nd day following the day during which they are received. No information copied from such reports and statements may be sold or utilized by any person for any commercial purpose. (13) Upon the request of any person, permit copying of any report or statement described under sub. (12) by hand or by duplicating machine at cost. (14) Include in its annual report under s. 19.47 (5) compilations of any of the following in its discretion: (a) Total reported contributions, disbursements, and incurred obligations for all committees registered and reporting under this chapter during the biennium. (b) Total amounts contributed during the biennium, reported by contribution amounts as determined by the commission, to each type of committee registered and reporting under this chapter. (c) Total amounts expended during the biennium, reported by disbursement amounts as determined by the commission, by each type of committee registered and reporting under this chapter. (d) Total amounts expended for influencing nominations and elections whenever separate information is reported. (e) Aggregate amounts contributed by any contributors shown to have contributed more than $100. (15) Prepare and publish from time to time special reports comparing the various totals and categories of contributions and disbursements made with respect to preceding elections. (16) Make available a list of delinquents for public inspection. (17) Promulgate rules to administer this chapter. History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 74 (1m); 2023 a. 126; 2025 a. 7 s. 2.

11.1305 Administrative termination and suspension. (1) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), the commission or another filing officer may terminate any registrant under this chapter that has been exempt for more than 3 years from filing campaign reports pursuant to s. 11.0104. (b) A filing officer other than the commission may terminate a registrant under par. (a) only if the registrant has not done any of the following:

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1. Held an elective office during the 3 years prior to the proposed termination. 2. Filed a new or amended registration statement during the 3 years prior to the proposed termination. 3. After being exempt for more than 3 years from filing campaign finance reports, responded within 60 days from the date on which the filing officer attempted to contact the registrant using the contact information specified on the registrant’s most current registration statement. (2) (a) The commission may suspend any registrant for not complying with the requirements of this chapter. Prior to suspending the registrant, the commission shall make at least 3 attempts to notify the registrant of the potential violations. The commission shall send the final notice to the registrant by certified mail to the last address on file for the registrant, unless a more recent address is obtained from another government agency, a public record, or a reasonably diligent Internet search. If the final notice is returned undeliverable or the registrant does not respond within 30 days after the commission sends the notice, the commission may suspend the registrant and block the registrant’s access to the campaign finance website for registration and reporting. (b) If a registrant does not respond to a communication from the commission requiring a response from the registrant within 180 days of receipt of the communication, the commission may suspend the registrant for failing to timely respond. Prior to suspending the registrant, the commission shall make at least 3 attempts to notify the registrant of the potential violations. The commission shall send the final notice to the registrant by certified mail to the last address on file for the registrant, unless a more recent address is obtained from another government agency, a public record, or a reasonably diligent Internet search. If the final notice is returned undeliverable or the registrant does not respond within 30 days after the commission sends the notice, the commission may suspend the registrant and block the registrant’s access to the campaign finance website for registration and reporting. (3) The commission may not reinstate a registrant suspended as provided under sub. (2) until the registrant has communicated with the commission and has filed an amended registration statement that includes all the information that the commission requires. (4) A registrant that is suspended as provided under sub. (2) may not file a termination report under s. 11.0105 until it is reinstated as provided under sub. (3). (5) If a registrant is suspended as provided under sub. (2), the statute of limitations under s. 893.93 (1m) for any potential violation committed within 3 years prior to the date of the suspension is tolled. The commission or a district attorney may commence an action to enforce such violations at any time during the 12month period following the date of reinstatement. History: 2023 a. 120.

SUBCHAPTER XIV PENALTIES 11.1400 Civil penalties. (1) Any person who violates this chapter may be required to forfeit not more than $500 for each violation. (2) In addition to the penalty under sub. (1), any person who is delinquent in filing a report required by this chapter may be required to forfeit not more than $50 or one percent of the annual salary of the office for which the candidate is being supported or opposed, whichever is greater, for each day of delinquency.

May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26)

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(3) Notwithstanding sub. (1), any person who makes any contribution in violation of this chapter may be required to forfeit treble the amount of the contribution or portion of that contribution which is illegally contributed. (4) Notwithstanding sub. (1), any person who is subject to a requirement to pay a filing fee under s. 11.0102 and who fails to pay that fee within the time prescribed in that section shall forfeit $500 plus treble the amount of the fee payable by that person. (5) Except as otherwise provided in ss. 19.49 (2) (b) 13. and 14. and (g) and 19.554, actions under this section may be brought by the commission or, upon the commission’s determination of probable cause, by the district attorney for the county where the defendant resides or, if the defendant is a nonresident, by the district attorney for the county where the violation is alleged to have occurred. For purposes of this subsection, a person other than an individual resides within a county if the person’s principal place of operation is located within that county. (6) Any elector may file a verified petition with the commission requesting that civil action under this chapter be brought against any person or committee. The petition shall allege such facts as are within the knowledge of the petitioner to show probable cause that a violation of this chapter has occurred. (7) When a candidate committee treasurer or candidate’s agent incurs an obligation or makes a disbursement, that action by the treasurer or agent is imputed to the candidate for purposes of civil liability under this subchapter. (8) In civil actions under this chapter the acts of every member of a candidate committee are presumed to be with the candidate’s knowledge or approval until clearly proven otherwise. History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 24g, 74 (1m). Former s. 11.60, 1977 stats., is a civil penalty section even though some violations of it involve intent. State v. Dreske, 88 Wis. 2d 60, 276 N.W.2d 324 (Ct. App. 1979). In a forfeiture action against a committee, assets of the committee, but not of its members, are reachable. Elections Board v. Ward, 105 Wis. 2d 543, 314 N.W.2d 120 (1982).

11.1401 Criminal penalties; prosecution. (1) (a) Whoever intentionally violates s. 11.1204 or any registration or reporting requirement under this chapter is guilty of a Class I felony. (b) Whoever intentionally violates subch. XI or s. 11.1201, 11.1208, or 11.1303 is guilty of a Class I felony if the intentional violation does not involve a specific figure or if the intentional violation concerns a figure which exceeds $100 in amount or value. (c) Whoever intentionally violates any of the following may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both: 1. Any provision of this chapter other than those provided in par. (a). 2. Any provision under par. (b) if the violation concerns a specific amount or value not exceeding $100.

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(2) Except as otherwise provided in ss. 19.49 (2) (b) 13. and 14. and (h) and 19.554, and only after the commission has determined probable cause, all prosecutions under this section shall be conducted by the district attorney for the county where the defendant resides or, if the defendant is a nonresident, by the district attorney for the county where the violation is alleged to have occurred. For purposes of this subsection, a person other than an individual resides within a county if the person’s principal place of operation is located within that county. (2m) If a candidate for public office is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) or (b), or of any violation of ch. 12 under s. 12.60 (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court’s judgment shall include an order that the candidate’s candidate committee be terminated in accordance with s. 11.0105 and that, notwithstanding s. 11.0105 (3), the committee pay its outstanding debts and then return the residual funds remaining in its depository account to the donors in an amount not exceeding the original contribution or donate the residual funds to the common school fund. The court shall appoint a new treasurer for the candidate committee to carry out the court’s dissolution order. The court shall also include in its judgment an order specifying that the contributions made from the candidate’s personal funds may not be returned to the candidate and that neither the candidate nor the new treasurer’s predecessor may access the funds in the committee’s depository account. The court shall also give notice of all actions taken pursuant to this subsection to the commission. (3) (a) If a successful candidate for public office, other than a candidate for the legislature, is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) or (b), or of any violation of ch. 12 under s. 12.60 (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment enter a supplemental judgment declaring a forfeiture of the candidate’s right to office. The supplemental judgment shall be transmitted to the officer or agency authorized to issue the certificate of nomination or election to the office for which the person convicted is a candidate. If the candidate’s term has not yet begun, the candidate shall not take office. If the candidate’s term has begun, the office shall become vacant. The office shall then be filled in the manner provided by law. (b) If a successful candidate for the legislature is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) or (b), or of any violation of ch. 12 under s. 12.60 (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment certify its findings to the presiding officer of the house of the legislature to which the candidate was elected. History: 2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 24h, 74 (1m); 2021 a. 239 s. 74; 2023 a. 52. Former s. 11.61 (1) (a), 1977 stats., does not require the state to prove that the defendant had actual knowledge of the violated statute. State v. Dreske, 88 Wis. 2d 60, 276 N.W.2d 324 (Ct. App. 1979).

May 22, 2026, are designated by NOTES. (Published 5-22-26)