11.1401   Criminal penalties; prosecution.

Ch. 11 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See definitions in s. 5.02.

subch. I of ch. 11 SUBCHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

11.0100 11.0100 Construction. This chapter shall be construed to impose the least possible restraint on persons whose activities do not directly affect the elective process, consistent with the right of the public to have a full, complete, and readily understandable accounting of those activities expressly advocating for or against candidates for office or for or against referendums. Nothing in this chapter may be construed to regulate issue discussion, debate, or advocacy; grassroots outreach or lobbying; nonpartisan voter registration or turnout efforts; or the rights of the media.

11.0100 History History: 2015 a. 117.

11.0100 Annotation Campaign Finance in Wisconsin After Buckley. Anderson. 1976 WLR 816.

11.0101 11.0101 Definitions. In this chapter:

11.0101(1) (1) “Candidate” means an individual about whom any of the following applies:

11.0101(1)(a) (a) The individual takes any of the following affirmative actions to seek nomination or election to a state or local office:

11.0101(1)(a)1. 1. Files nomination papers with the appropriate filing officer, as determined under s. 5.02 (4v).

Effective date note NOTE: Subd. 1. is shown as amended eff. 7-1-25 by 2023 Wis. Act 126. Prior to 7-1-25 it reads:

Effective date text 1. Files nomination papers with the appropriate filing officer.

11.0101(1)(a)2. 2. Is nominated as a candidate for state or local office by a caucus under s. 8.05 (1) or by a political party and the nomination is certified to the appropriate filing officer, as determined under s. 5.02 (4v).

Effective date note NOTE: Subd. 2. is shown as amended eff. 7-1-25 by 2023 Wis. Act 126. Prior to 7-1-25 it reads:

Effective date text 2. Is nominated as a candidate for state or local office by a caucus under s. 8.05 (1) or by a political party and the nomination is certified to the appropriate filing officer.

11.0101(1)(a)3. 3. Receives a contribution, makes a disbursement, or gives consent for another person to receive a contribution or make a disbursement in order to bring about the individual’s nomination or election to a state or local office.

11.0101(1)(b) (b) The individual holds a state or local office and is the subject of a recall petition.

11.0101(1)(c) (c) The individual holds a state or local office.

11.0101(2) (2) “Candidate committee” means a committee authorized by a candidate or a candidate’s agent to make or accept contributions or make disbursements in support of a candidate’s campaign.

11.0101(3) (3) “Candidate’s agent” means an individual who has control over the day-to-day operation of the candidate committee, but does not include an employee of a political party or a legislative campaign committee that is not also an employee of the candidate.

11.0101(4) (4) “Charitable organization” means any organization described in section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

11.0101(5) (5) “Clearly identified” means any of the following with regard to a communication supporting or opposing a candidate:

11.0101(5)(a) (a) The candidate’s name appears or is stated.

11.0101(5)(b) (b) A photograph or drawing of the candidate appears.

11.0101(5)(c) (c) The candidate’s identity is apparent by unambiguous reference.

11.0101(5m) (5m) “Commission” means the ethics commission.

11.0101(6) (6) “Committee” means a candidate committee, legislative campaign committee, political action committee, independent expenditure committee, political party, recall committee, and referendum committee.