Hutton Bill Waiving Business Startup Fee for High Schoolers Receives Public Hearing

A Senate committee heard testimony today on legislation by Senator Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) that waives the state’s fee for business formation for 18-year-olds in high school, a bill intended to help open doors for the next generation of Wisconsin business leaders.

Current law exempts college students from the state’s $130 fee to form a limited liability corporation (LLC). Senate Bill 267 expands the current law definition of “student entrepreneur” to include 18-year-olds who are enrolled in a public, private, or tribal high school as well as homeschooled students.

By including 18-year-olds in high school, the bill ensures that all young adult entrepreneurs in Wisconsin are treated equally under the law, regardless of where they are in their education.

Senator Hutton issued the following statement:

“Across Wisconsin, many of our young adults are innovative and driven to make the most of their ambition and talents. A great example are the many talented high school students who I’ve gotten to know in the 5th Senate District who have been highly successful with robotics.

“This bill removes a financial barrier for them and other young entrepreneurs throughout the state and makes it easier for them to take their talents and ambition to the next level by forming their own business.

“Thank you Chairman Stafsholt and members of the Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage for hearing this bill today. Thank you also to all the co-sponsors who signed on—it’s heartening to see strong bipartisan support for helping foster the next generation of business leaders in our great state.”