January 6, 2025

MADISON — The ACLU of Wisconsin announced today that it stands ready to analyze and respond to bills as the 2025-26 Wisconsin Legislative Session begins today.

“State legislation is crucially connected to our civil liberties and can either expand our rights or take them away. These bills touch nearly every aspect of our lives,” said Advocacy Director Amanda Merkwae. “We plan to advocate for strengthening our rights guaranteed under the Constitution and defeating bills that threaten them.”

From Roe v. Wade and the Dobbs case that overturned the right to an abortion to Loving v. Virginia, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage, and Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognized marriage equality across the country — many Supreme Court cases that address all of our civil rights come from laws that were passed in state legislatures.

During the 2023-24 session, we closely monitored 617 bills, registered a position (support/oppose/other) on 178 bills, and provided testimony or written comments on 37.  The Assembly introduced 1,229 bills, and the Senate introduced 1,113 bills. Ultimately, 272 bills were signed into law, with Governor Evers vetoing 73.

“The ACLU of Wisconsin will continue to monitor, advocate and inform the public during the 2025-2026 session,” Merkwae said. 

To follow along on the bills we are tracking, including our position, bill analysis, and statements, go to ACLU-WI.org/Leg.