WisconsinWisconsin proposal would limit foreign-controlled apps on state devices
If enacted, the proposal would restrict certain foreign-controlled software on state agency devices and require government branches to publish technology standards.
What it does
Most state agencies could not use foreign-controlled social media apps, software, or generative AI on agency devices. Law enforcement use for law enforcement purposes would be exempt.
The Department of Administration, legislative technology services bureau, and director of state courts would publish standards for foreign-controlled technology. The standards would address supply chains, future purchases, and whether to fix or phase out existing technology.
Argument forLimiting foreign-controlled apps and software on state devices could reduce agencies’ exposure to technology controlled by listed foreign adversaries.
Argument againstWorkers could lose access to useful apps or software on agency devices when a foreign adversary owns or controls them.
More detail
Most state agencies would be barred from using certain foreign-controlled apps and software on agency devices. It would cover devices owned, operated, or leased by a state agency, and social media platforms, user-downloaded software, software applications, and generative AI owned or controlled by a foreign adversary. The restriction would not apply to law enforcement agencies using devices for law enforcement purposes. A country, government, regime, or person would count as a foreign adversary only while included in the federal list. The proposal would take effect January 31, 2027, if enacted.
The Department of Administration, legislative technology services bureau, and director of state courts would each publish technology policies and standards. The standards would cover executive-branch agencies and authorities, the legislature, and the court system, including their officials, employees, and contractors. The policies would address supply chains, possible effects on future purchases, and whether to fix or phase out technology already purchased. State agencies could not publish policies that are less restrictive than the Department of Administration’s standards. The policies would not apply to law enforcement agencies using technology for law enforcement purposes. The proposal would take effect January 31, 2027, if enacted.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 13Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82Latest
- May 12Placed on calendar 5-12-2026 pursuant to Joint Rule 82 (2)(a)
- Mar 20Report vetoed by the Governor Tony Evers on 3-20-2026Major
- Mar 18Presented to the Governor on 3-18-2026To Governor
- Feb 25Report correctly enrolled on 2-25-2026Minor
- Feb 25LRB correction (Assembly Substitute Amendment 3)
- Feb 18Received from Senate concurred inMinor
- Vote recorded Senate Amendment 1 rejected, Ayes 18, Noes 15. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded CONCURRENCE. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 18Ordered immediately messaged
- Feb 18Read a third time and concurred in, Ayes 18, Noes 15Passed Senate
- Feb 18Rules suspended to give bill its third reading
- Feb 18Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Feb 18Senate Amendment 1 rejected, Ayes 18, Noes 15Minor
- Feb 18Read a second timeMinor
- Feb 18Senate Amendment 1 offered by Senator SmithMinor
- Feb 17Placed on calendar 2-18-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
- Vote recorded Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 17Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
- Feb 4Available for scheduling
- Vote recorded Report concurrence recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 3, Noes 2. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 4Report concurrence recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 3, Noes 2Minor
- Feb 4Executive action taken
- Jan 26Read first time and referred to committee on Transportation and Local GovernmentMinor
- Jan 22Received from AssemblyMinor
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 22Ordered immediately messaged
- Jan 22Read a third time and passed, Ayes 53, Noes 44Passed Assembly
- Jan 22Rules suspended
- Jan 22Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Jan 22Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 adoptedMajor
- Jan 22Assembly Amendment 1 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 adoptedMajor
- Jan 22Read a second timeMinor
- Jan 21Assembly Amendment 1 to Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 offered by Representative KnodlMinor
- Jan 20Placed on calendar 1-22-2026 by Committee on Rules
- Jan 16Referred to committee on RulesMinor
- Vote recorded Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Science, Technology, and AI, Ayes 4, Noes 2. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Report Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 adoption recommended by Committee on Science, Technology, and AI, Ayes 4, Noes 2. Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 16Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Science, Technology, and AI, Ayes 4, Noes 2Minor
- Jan 16Report Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 adoption recommended by Committee on Science, Technology, and AI, Ayes 4, Noes 2Minor
- Jan 14Executive action taken
- 2025
- Nov 18Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 offered by Representative KnodlMinor
- Nov 4Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 offered by Representative KnodlMinor
- Nov 4Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Representative KnodlMinor
- Oct 22Public hearing held
- Oct 21Assembly Amendment 1 offered by Representative KnodlMinor
- Sep 15Read first time and referred to Committee on Science, Technology, and AIMinor
- Sep 15Introduced by Representatives Knodl, Gustafson, Dittrich, Duchow, Goeben, Gundrum, Melotik, Mursau, O'Connor, Penterman, Piwowarczyk and Tittl; cosponsored by Senators Cabral-Guevara, Bradley and NassIntroduced
TechnologyGovernment & Ethics