Jim Piwowarczyk, Wisconsin State Representative for 98th District | www.facebook.com
Jim Piwowarczyk, Wisconsin State Representative for 98th District | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "referendum questions for certain referenda that affect property taxes. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates that referendum questions for various local governmental units in Wisconsin, seeking voter approval to exceed property tax levy limits or authorize bond issuance, must include specific financial disclosures. These disclosures entail a good faith estimate of the resulting annual dollar amount difference in property taxes on a median-valued, single-family residence if the referendum passes. Additionally, for bond issuance referenda, the question must also disclose the estimated interest rate and total interest cost, any defeasance fees, and the property tax impact on a median home in the local government unit. This requirement aims to provide voters with more detailed financial information to make informed decisions on tax-related referenda. The act applies to referenda held 90 days post-enactment.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (Republican-19th District), Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), Representative Lindee Rae Brill (Republican-27th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), Representative Joy L. Goeben (Republican-5th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator André Jacque (Republican-1st District), Senator Chris Kapenga (Republican-33rd District), and Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District), along seven other co-sponsors.
Jim Piwowarczyk has co-authored or authored another 17 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Piwowarczyk, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 98th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Adam Neylon.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB60 | 02/24/2025 | Referendum questions for certain referenda that affect property taxes. (FE) |
| AB24 | 02/12/2025 | County sheriff assistance with certain federal immigration functions. (FE) |
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