Publications

In addition to an 1849 law, the Legislature has enacted various laws relating to abortion over the last several decades. Those laws remain “on the books,” require compliance by physicians, and may be enforced at the discretion of prosecutors, if the elements of the crime apply. This issue brief provides a snapshot of some of the commonly referenced abortion restrictions and procedural requirements.

Among other provisions, 2023 Wisconsin Act 73 expands the ability of permitted brewers, manufacturers, rectifiers, and wineries (“producers”) to make retail sales of alcohol beverages and establishes regulations that are consistent for each type of permit. These changes are effective on May 1, 2024.

This information memorandum provides a summary table of professions that require the Department of Safety and Professional Services or a credentialing board to review a person’s arrest or conviction record when granting, renewing, or reviewing an occupational credential.

This information memorandum provides an overview of the standards used by the Department of Safety and Professional Services and the credentialing boards in reviewing a person’s criminal records history when granting, renewing, or reviewing an occupational credential. Current law generally prohibits discrimination based on an arrest or conviction record, but allows consideration of a person’s criminal records history under certain guidelines. Current law also prohibits the use of criminal background checks in reviewing a person’s criminal records history, except with respect to certain occupations.

Under Wisconsin law, an unauthorized occupant cannot obtain tenant rights solely by occupying a dwelling for a certain amount of time. This means that the mere act of occupying a dwelling does not confer the protections of the eviction process to an unauthorized occupant; instead, the dwelling owner may ask law enforcement to remove the unauthorized occupant as a trespasser. This issue brief summarizes criminal trespass to a dwelling by an unauthorized occupant and then provides information on tenant rights, holdover tenants, and adverse possession. 

This issue brief provides background on extraordinary sessions, explains the key differences between an extraordinary session and special session, and summarizes a recent Wisconsin Supreme Court decision that upheld the authority of the Legislature to convene in extraordinary session.

This issue brief provides background on special sessions, including an explanation of the constitutional provisions and legislative rules that apply to special sessions. This issue brief also explains the key differences between a special session and extraordinary session.

Driving on the highways of this state is a privilege, not a right. The state may reasonably regulate that privilege, including by requiring a driver to obtain motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. In 2010, Wisconsin parted ways with New Hampshire by joining 48 other states and the District of Columbia in requiring auto liability insurance coverage. This issue brief highlights the principles of that coverage, exceptions to coverage requirements, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms.