Wisconsin became the 36th state to limit cellphones in schools when Governor Tony Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 42 into law on October 31, 2025. This bipartisan legislation aims to reduce distractions and address concerns about social media’s impact on student mental health.

According to Pew Research, 74% of U.S. adults support banning cell phones during middle and high school class time, and 72% of high school teachers consider cell phones a major distraction.

Beginning January 1, 2026, Wisconsin will increase monthly payments for licensed foster parents and relatives caring for children through the Kinship Care Program as part of the new state budget.

The Legislative Fiscal Bureau notes these changes may help address the ongoing need for caregivers as thousands of children remain in foster homes statewide.

Wisconsin Act 15 provides significant property tax relief for the telecommunications industry, clarifying and expanding exemptions for communication towers.

This legislation helps resolve inconsistent treatment of towers by municipalities following Wisconsin Act 12’s repeal of personal property tax in 2024.

Following 2023 Wisconsin Act 113 signed by Governor Evers in March 2024, Wisconsin’s state park vehicle admission pass has transitioned to a 12-month rolling system—providing better value for park visitors.

Vehicle admission passes provide access to more than 60 state parks, forests, and recreation areas across Wisconsin.

Wisconsin’s electric vehicle charging excise tax, established by 2023 Wisconsin Act 121, took effect January 1, 2025 and continues into 2026. The tax generates revenue for road maintenance as more drivers switch to electric vehicles.

For comparison: A 50 kWh battery costs about $1.50 to fully charge under this tax, while filling a 15-gallon gas tank costs nearly $5 in state gas tax.

2023 Wisconsin Act 214 created a new pathway for internationally trained physicians to practice in Wisconsin, helping address the state’s healthcare workforce shortage. The program became operational in October 2025.

Several federal tax changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will affect Wisconsin taxpayers starting in tax year 2026, since Wisconsin’s state income tax calculations begin with federal adjusted gross income (AGI).