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SB498Introduced in the Senate

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. (FE)

Vetoed

Introduced by Rachael Cabral-Guevara, District 19

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.

Official description

An Act to create 36.41, 36.42, 38.44 and 38.45 of the statutes; 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. (FE)

Where it stands

Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82

May 13, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

Assembly votes

3 recorded votes · each counted separately

Senate votes

1 recorded vote · each counted separately

AssemblyStage: Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in · February 12, 2026

53

Yes

45

No

1

Absent or Not Voting

99 assemblymembers recorded in this Assembly vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.

See how each assemblymember voted

AssemblymemberDistrictVote
Joel Kitchens1Yes
Shae Sortwell2Yes
Ron Tusler3Yes
David Steffen4Yes
Joy Goeben5Yes
Elijah Behnke6Yes
Karen Kirsch7No
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez8No
Pricilla Prado9No
Darrin Madison10No

Bill history

  1. Introduced

  2. Read first time and referred to Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges

  3. Fiscal estimate received

  4. Public hearing held

  5. Executive action taken

  6. Fiscal estimate received

  7. Report passage recommended by Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges, Ayes 3, Noes 2

  8. Available for scheduling

  9. Placed on calendar 11-18-2025 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)

  10. Read a second time

  11. Ordered to a third reading

  12. Rules suspended to give bill its third reading

  13. Read a third time and passed, Ayes 17, Noes 16

  14. Ordered immediately messaged

  15. Received from Senate

  16. Read first time and referred to committee on Rules

  17. Placed on calendar 2-12-2026 by Committee on Rules

  18. Rules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take up

  19. Read a second time

  20. Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 offered by Representative Bare

  21. Point of order that Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 not germane under Assembly Rule 54 (3)(f) well taken

  22. Decision of the Chair appealed

  23. Decision of the Chair upheld, Ayes 53, Noes 45

  24. Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Representative Neubauer

  25. Point of order that Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 not germane under Assembly Rule 54 (3)(f) well taken

  26. Decision of the Chair appealed

  27. Decision of the Chair upheld, Ayes 53, Noes 45

  28. Ordered to a third reading

  29. Rules suspended

  30. Read a third time and concurred in, Ayes 53, Noes 45

  31. Ordered immediately messaged

  32. Received from Assembly concurred in

  33. Report correctly enrolled

  34. Presented to the Governor on 3-18-2026

  35. Report vetoed by the Governor on 3-20-2026

  36. Placed on calendar 5-12-2026 pursuant to Joint Rule 82 (2)(a)

  37. Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82

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