Welcome to the Universities of Wisconsin Government Relations Newsletter. The Office of Government Relations provides legislative and political updates that impact the Universities of Wisconsin at the state and federal level.
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State Relations
Assembly & Senate Floor Sessions
Both the Senate and Assembly were on the floor last Tuesday. The Senate voted on the following bills impacting the Universities of Wisconsin:
- AB 39, relating to: requiring state employees to perform their work at the offices of their employer, passed on a 17-16 vote in favor. As a reminder, this bill also passed in the Assembly on a 51-44 vote in favor.
- AJR 85, relating to: congratulating the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Baseball Team on winning the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship, passed via voice vote. As a reminder, this joint resolution also passed on the Assembly floor via voice vote.
You can view all Senate floor actions here and Assembly floor actions here.
Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges
The Senate Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges held a public hearing on Wednesday, October 15, on the following UW related bills:
- Senate Bill 199, Relating to: academic and career planning services provided to pupils and requiring the reporting of certain data on college student costs and outcome. The UWs testified and submitted written testimony for information only. As a reminder, the UWs also testified and submitted written testimony for information only during the Assembly public hearing.
- Senate Bill 59, Relating to: tuition and fee remission for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System or a technical college. The UWs submitted written testimony for information only.
- Senate Bill 399, Relating to: University of Wisconsin System resident undergraduate tuition and fees. The UWs testified and submitted written testimony in opposition to this legislation. UW-Madison also submitted written testimony in opposition.
- Senate Bill 498, Relating to: free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. The UWs testified and submitted written testimony for information only. UW-Madison also submitted written testimony for information only.
- Senate Bill 501, Relating to: creating a veterinary loan repayment grant program administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board and exempting from taxation amounts received from such a grant program. UW-Madison submitted written testimony in support of this legislation.
- Senate Bill 532, Relating to: course fees at University of Wisconsin System institutions. The UWs testified and submitted written testimony in opposition to this legislation. UW-Madison also submitted written testimony in opposition.
Senate Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety
The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety will be holding an executive session on SB 394, relating to: damage or graffiti to certain historical property and providing a penalty, on Wednesday, October 22 at 11am.
You will be able to watch live on WisconsinEye.
Federal Relations
Government Funding Updates
At present, conversations surrounding government funding remain stalled.
The Senate is scheduled to be in session this week where additional votes on the House-passed CR are anticipated; the House of Representatives remains in a recess period wherein members can be called back to DC for votes if events warrant.
As Congress continues to work toward a funding solution, updates will be shared as appropriate.
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
When the House of Representatives and Senate return to Washington, a full list of votes will be found on the respective websites for the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Note: Links to external sites are provided for informational purposes and not meant to convey an endorsement of the Universities of Wisconsin.