WI AB377: Establishing English as the official state language, use of artificial intelligence or other machine-assisted translation tools in lieu of appointing…
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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)
AI Summary
AB377 establishes English as the official state language, allowing AI translation tools instead of interpreters, and affects both governmental and nongovernmental purposes.
If you operate in Wisconsin and provide translation services, you must consider using AI tools for governmental communications or face potential compliance issues.
State
Wisconsin
Bill Number
AB377
Status
In Committee
Risk Level
Medium
Category
Comprehensive
Last Action
Mar 23, 2026
Last Verified
May 22, 2026
Data Updated
May 22, 2026
What do these statuses mean?▼
Introduced— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Wisconsin's AB377 designates English as the official state language, permitting AI translation tools in place of interpreters, impacting both governmental and nongovernmental uses.
Key Provisions
Establishes English as the official state language for governmental and nongovernmental purposes (Section 1.101).
Allows the use of AI or machine-assisted translation tools instead of appointing English language interpreters.
Amends sections 885.37 (1), 885.37 (3) (b), and 885.38 (3) (a) (intro.) to support the establishment of English as the official language.
Latest Legislative Action
Failed to concur in pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 64)
Name
Role
Allen
Primary
Anderson
Primary
Armstrong
Primary
Behnke
Primary
Berceau
Primary
Billings
Primary
Binsfeld
Primary
Bodden
Primary
Bowen
Primary
Brandtjen
Primary
Brooks
Primary
Brostoff
Primary
C. Taylor
Primary
Cabrera
Primary
Callahan
Primary
Crowley
Primary
Dittrich
Primary
Donovan
Primary
Doyle
Primary
Duchow
Primary
Edming
Primary
Genrich
Primary
Green
Primary
Gundrum
Primary
Gustafson
Primary
Hebl
Primary
Hesselbein
Primary
Hurd
Primary
Kolste
Primary
Kreibich
Primary
Macco
Primary
Magnafici
Primary
Mason
Primary
Maxey
Primary
Milroy
Primary
Murphy
Primary
Mursau
Primary
Nedweski
Primary
O'Connor
Primary
Ohnstad
Primary
Penterman
Primary
Quinn
Primary
Rettinger
Primary
Rozar
Primary
S. Johnson
Primary
Sapik
Primary
Sargent
Primary
Schmidt
Primary
Schraa
Primary
Shankland
Primary
Sinicki
Primary
Skowronski
Primary
Sortwell
Primary
Spiros
Primary
Spreitzer
Primary
Subeck
Primary
Tittl
Primary
Tusler
Primary
Vining
Primary
Vruwink
Primary
Wichgers
Primary
Young
Primary
Zamarripa
Primary
Zimmerman
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 Yea 2 NayPassed ✓
PASSAGE ·
Jan 15, 2026
51 Yea 45 Nay 1 OtherPassed ✓
Report Assembly Amendment 1 adoption recommended by Committee on Science, Technology, and AI, Ayes 6, Noes 0 ·
Nov 12, 2025
6 Yea 0 NayPassed ✓
Report Assembly Amendment 2 adoption recommended by Committee on Science, Technology, and AI, Ayes 6, Noes 0 ·
Nov 12, 2025
6 Yea 0 NayPassed ✓
Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Science, Technology, and AI, Ayes 4, Noes 2 ·
Nov 12, 2025
4 Yea 2 NayPassed ✓
Amendments (3)
Assembly Amendment 1Pending2025-10-30
Assembly Amendment 2Pending2025-11-04
Senate Amendment 1Pending2026-03-12
Compliance Checklist
Implement AI translation tools for governmental communications Who: Governmental entities in Wisconsin Penalty: Potential operational challenges and legal scrutiny
Full Legal Analysis
AB377 amends sections 885.37 (1), 885.37 (3) (b), and 885.38 (3) (a) (intro.) and creates section 1.101 of the Wisconsin statutes. This bill establishes English as the official state language, allowing the use of AI or machine-assisted translation tools instead of appointing English language interpreters. The amendments to sections 885.37 and 885.38 relate to the procedural aspects of implementing English as the official language. The bill also extends its implications to nongovernmental purposes, as indicated in the title.
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