The Weekly Update

2026 Research in the Rotunda

The 22^nd annual Research in the Rotunda (RITR) event took place last week on the first floor of the Capitol Rotunda in Madison. This public event showcased over 120 undergraduate student researchers from across the Universities of Wisconsin who will shared their research findings with legislators, state leaders, UW alumni, and other supporters.

You can find the link to the 2026 RITR website here for additional information. You can also access the 2026 RITR Program here.

Senate Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development

The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development held an executive session via paper ballot last week on AB 1034, relating to: name, image, and likeness rights for University of Wisconsin System student athletes; maintenance costs for University of Wisconsin–Madison intercollegiate athletic facilities; and making an appropriation. The bill was concurred in on a 3-2 vote. The Universities of Wisconsin, UW-Green Bay and UW-Milwaukee all registered in favor of this legislation during the public hearing. UW-Madison testified in favor.

Joint Committee on Finance

The Joint Committee on Finance held an executive session last week on AB 1034 relating to: name, image, and likeness rights for University of Wisconsin System student athletes; maintenance costs for University of Wisconsin–Madison intercollegiate athletic facilities; and making an appropriation. The bill was concurred in on an 8-5 vote. UW-Madison testified in favor of this legislation during the public hearings, while UW-Milwaukee, UW-Green Bay, and the Universities of Wisconsin registered in favor of this legislation.

Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges

The Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges held an executive session via paper ballot last week. The following bills impacting the Universities of Wisconsin were voted on.

• SB 868, Relating to: permissible financial aid reductions in higher education. This bill received a 2-3 vote, so passage was not recommended. The Universities of Wisconsin and UW-Madison submitted testimony for information only on this legislation during the public hearings.
• SB 751, Relating to: the appointment of certain employees of the University of Wisconsin System and faculty governance. Passed with a 3-2 vote with the adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1. The Universities of Wisconsin submitted testimony for information only during the public hearing.
• SB 1023, Relating to: admission to University of Wisconsin System institutions. Passed with a 3-2 vote with the adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1. The Universities of Wisconsin and UW-Madison testified in opposition during the public hearing. UW-Whitewater, and UW-La Crosse both registered against as well.

Senate Floor Session

The Senate is scheduled to convene Tuesday, March 17, at 11am. You can view the full Senate Calendar here. Below are some UW related bills to note on the calendar:

• AB-582 - Dual enrollment programs, creating the Council on Dual Enrollment, and transfer of postsecondary course credits.
• AB-659 - Tuition and fee remission or grants for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System, a technical college, or a private nonprofit institution of higher education; and the University of Wisconsin System nonresident tuition exemption for certain veterans.
• AB-757 - The appointment of certain employees of the University of Wisconsin System and faculty governance.
• AB-1005 - Admission to University of Wisconsin System institutions.
• AB-1034 - Name, image, and likeness rights for University of Wisconsin System student athletes; maintenance costs for University of Wisconsin–Madison intercollegiate athletic facilities; and making an appropriation.

You can also watch on WisconsinEye.

Please check back for future updates.

Full House and Senate Hearing Schedule

If interested, you can see a full list of upcoming hearings on the Senate Hearings & Meetings Page. A review of the committee hearings in the House of Representatives is available via the Committee Schedule within the House of Representatives Legislative Activity section on the Chamber’s main page.  

House and Senate Floor Schedules

As the House of Representatives and Senate return to Washington, the anticipated schedule for the House of Representatives and the Senate can be found on the preceding websites.