LRB-0097/2
ZDW:cdc
2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
October 31, 2023 - Introduced by Representatives Haywood, Sinicki, Ratcliff,
Baldeh, Emerson, Palmeri, Ohnstad, Joers, J. Anderson, Stubbs, Drake,
Subeck, Clancy and Jacobson, cosponsored by Senators L. Johnson, Roys,
Taylor, Wirch, Smith, Hesselbein and Larson. Referred to Committee on
Campaigns and Elections.
AB585,1,2
1An Act to create 49.87 of the statutes;
relating to: facilitating voter registration
2for applicants for public assistance.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
This bill requires that all of the following must occur in connection with each
application for public assistance in Wisconsin:
1. The person receiving the application must determine whether the applicant
is eligible to vote and registered to vote.
2. If the applicant is eligible to vote, but not registered to vote, the applicant
must be provided with the opportunity to register to vote online on-site and
assistance in doing so.
3. If the applicant is eligible to vote, but declines the opportunity to register
on-site, the applicant must be provided with a voter registration form and
information concerning eligibility to vote, instructions for completing the form, and,
unless the applicant declines in writing, assistance in completing the form. The
applicant must also be provided with a written explanation of how to register to vote
in person, by mail, and by electronic means.
For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be
printed as an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:
AB585,1
1Section
1. 49.87 of the statutes is created to read:
AB585,2,4
249.87 Voter registration. The departments of children and families and
3health services shall ensure that all of the following are done in connection with each
4application for any aid, benefit, or service provided under this chapter:
AB585,2,6
5(1) The person receiving the application shall determine whether the applicant
6is eligible to vote and registered to vote.
AB585,2,9
7(2) If the applicant is eligible to vote, but not registered to vote, the applicant
8shall be provided with the opportunity to register to vote online on-site and
9assistance in doing so.
AB585,2,16
10(3) If the applicant is eligible to vote, but declines the opportunity to register
11on-site, the applicant shall be provided with the voter registration form prescribed
12under s. 6.33 and information concerning eligibility to vote, instructions for
13completing the form, and, unless the applicant declines in writing, assistance in
14completing the form. The applicant shall also be provided with a written explanation
15of how to register to vote in person under s. 6.30 (1), by mail under s. 6.30 (4), and
16by electronic means under s. 6.30 (5).
