02-05-2025
Requiring stores to accept cash, and other notable bills introduced in Wisconsin in April
As state lawmakers head into budget season, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will soon start covering the effects on funding for K-12 schools, higher education, prisons, mental health care and more.
Meanwhile, legislators have been busy introducing standalone bills in the past few weeks, spanning issues from health care to state parks admission to funding for Milwaukee's War Memorial Center.
Several hundred bills are pitched each legislative session, and only a fraction end up becoming law. Here's a roundup of notable ones from April, which aren't guaranteed to pass and haven't yet received public hearings. You can read our March roundup here.
It's easier than ever to tap your credit card or phone to pay at a store or restaurant. But a group of Republican lawmakers want to require retailers to continue accepting printed money.
Supporters of the bill argue not everyone has the credit necessary to obtain a debit or credit card. They also say people should have a right to pay with cash, given a rise in surcharges on transactions made with cards.
The Republican authors included caveats for large-scale, cashless venues like Lambeau Field, Summerfest and American Family Field. At least one vendor on the premises must accept cash, but not every vendor would be required to.
Under the bill, a retailer who violates the requirement would face a $200 to $5,000 fine.
Authors: Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton; Rep. Joy Goeben, R-Hobart
More: 'We still take cash': Fiserv, Summerfest and others go cards only, but servers still want tips in cash
Under this bill, admission to state parks would be free April 22 each year in recognition of Earth Day, founded by former Wisconsin Gov. and U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson.
Supporters say free access to state parks on Earth Day would support volunteerism. According to the bill authors, the idea was "sparked by a young group of students that was inadvertently dissuaded from volunteering in a state park on Earth Day because of the fee associated with admittance."
The idea gained bipartisan support in 2023 but never reached a vote in the full Assembly or Senate.
Supporters: Sen. Dianne Hesselbein, D-Middleton; Rep. Alex Joers, D-Middleton
More: Annual Wisconsin state park stickers valid 12 months from purchase starting Jan. 1
A large group of Democratic lawmakers introduced the "Abortion Rights Restoration Act" that would establish a statutory right to abortion in Wisconsin. It would undo restrictions on medication abortions and requirements like an ultrasound.
The GOP-controlled state Legislature almost certainly won't allow public hearings or votes on the bill. Republicans previously suggested banning abortion after 14 weeks of pregnancy in Wisconsin if voters approve it, but Democratic Gov. Tony Evers pledged to veto any bill that reduces abortion access.
The state Supreme Court is soon expected to issue a decision on whether the state's 1849 law specifically bans abortions or whether subsequent laws or court rulings override the statute.
Authors: Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison; Rep. Lisa Subeck, D-Madison
More: Act 10, abortion laws, gerrymandering: Status of issues before Wisconsin Supreme Court
A preservation fund for the War Memorial Center on Milwaukee's lakefront is "urgently needed to ensure the long-term viability of this iconic landmark," two Republican lawmakers wrote in a memo seeking support.
The bill would provide $9 million in state funds, matched by the private sector. Milwaukee County covers 20% of the center's annual $2.6 million budget, but its contribution will sunset over the next decade. The fund would cover annual maintenance costs, building repairs and improvements.
"Additional state support is crucial to securing the future of both the building and its mission," lawmakers said.
Authors: Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Oconto; Rep. Tony Kurtz, R-Wonewoc
More: About the Milwaukee County War Memorial
A group of Democrats, including two from Appleton, introduced a bill that would cap out-of-pocket costs at $25 for a one-month supply of inhalers and other drugs used to treat asthma, and $50 per month for related medical supplies.
Cole Schmidtknecht, 22, from Appleton died after a severe asthma attack in 2024 when his out-of-pocket inhaler price skyrocketed to $529. His parents filed a lawsuit against Walgreens and OptumRx, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group.
Previous Democratic bills proposing limits to health care costs, such as emergency room rates for uninsured patients, haven't gained momentum in the Legislature. No Republicans have signed in support of the bill, according to Snodgrass' office.
Authors: Sens. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim, D-Appleton; Sarah Keyeski, D-Lodi; Reps. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton; Renuka Mayadev, D-Madison; Maureen McCarville, D-DeForest
More: A 22-year-old from Appleton died after his inhaler price skyrocketed. His parents are suing.
In 2023, Wisconsin joined many states with a safe haven law that allows hospitals, fire stations and law enforcement buildings to install "baby boxes" staffed round-the-clock. There are at least four in Wisconsin.
The infant safety devices allow distressed parents who can't care for their newborn to surrender their baby anonymously with no legal consequences. The original, bipartisan law covered infants up to 72 hours old, but a new bill proposes expanding that timeframe to 30 days.
"(The current law is) not enough time for new parents to make the monumental decision to give up their child," bill authors wrote.
According to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, other states have moved to expand their safe haven laws. That includes Louisiana, which increased the time to 60 days in 2016, and Mississippi, which approved 45 days in 2023.
Authors: Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield; Rep. Rick Gundrum, R-Slinger
More: Distressed parents can now surrender newborns anonymously in Wisconsin. Here's what you need to know.
This bill would introduce regulations for referral agencies that consult with families to find assisted living options. Referral agencies often advertise their services as free, lawmakers say, but actually have a contract with providers and costs are passed down to consumers.
Other states, including Missouri, are pursuing similar laws that would require referral agencies to disclose their financial ties with the facilities they refer families to and how they're compensated.
"Most aspects of Wisconsin's assisted living profession are highly regulated to protect the consumer and to ensure quality care. However, while referral agencies are playing a greater role ... these agencies themselves have little oversight," lawmakers said.
Authors: Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Appleton; Rep. Rick Gundrum, R-Slinger
More: 9 hours of training, 24-hour shifts: Why Wisconsin struggles to find, and keep, assisted living workers
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Legislature introduced these 7 notable bills in April
