View full title
Establishing English as the official state language, use of artificial intelligence or other machine-assisted translation tools in lieu of appointing English language interpreters, and use of English for governmental oral and written communication and for nongovernmental purposes. (FE)
In one paragraph
Wisconsin's AB 377 (2025-26), as introduced, would have made English the official state language, required state and local government communication to be in English with listed exceptions, and let a state agency or local government give a person access to AI or other machine-assisted translation tools instead of appointing an interpreter. The Assembly passed it 51-45 on January 15, 2026 (with two amendments); the Senate failed to concur pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on March 23, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died and never became law. It would have let government agencies offer AI translation tools instead of interpreters; it set no duties for private businesses.
Key provisions
- Would create s. 1.101 declaring English the official language of Wisconsin
- If a state agency or local governmental unit is authorized or required by law to appoint an English language interpreter for a person, it may instead provide access to AI or other machine-assisted translation tools
- Would amend ss. 885.37 and 885.38 so the right to a qualified interpreter is subject to that AI/machine translation alternative
- State and local oral and written communication would have to be in English unless otherwise authorized or required by law, with exceptions including health, safety or liberty, criminal defendants and victims, and federal IDEA compliance
- Governments could not prohibit anyone from becoming proficient in any language or restrict nongovernmental use of any language
- Assembly Amendments 1 and 2 were adopted before passage and are not described here; Senate committee recommended concurrence 3-2 March 11, 2026; Senate failed to concur pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 March 23, 2026
Latest legislative action
Mar 23, 2026. Failed to concur in pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
Sponsors (showing 5 of 64)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Allen | Primary |
| Anderson | Primary |
| Armstrong | Primary |
| Behnke | Primary |
| Berceau | Primary |
Roll call votes (showing 3 of 5)
Report concurrence recommended by Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development, Ayes 3, Noes 2 Mar 11, 2026
3 yea2 nayPassed
PASSAGE Jan 15, 2026
51 yea45 nay1 otherPassed
Report Assembly Amendment 1 adoption recommended by Committee on Science, Technology, and AI, Ayes 6, Noes 0 Nov 12, 2025
6 yea0 nayPassed
Amendments (3)
-
Assembly Amendment 1 Not adopted 2025-10-30
-
Assembly Amendment 2 Not adopted 2025-11-04
-
Senate Amendment 1 Not adopted 2026-03-12
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error