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Bill

SB 846

Relating to: citizenship as a requirement to be employed as a law enforcement officer or tribal law enforcement officer.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Nass and 1 co-sponsor

Requires U.S. citizenship for Wisconsin law enforcement and tribal law enforcement officers; failed passage in 2026 legislative session.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 846

Legislative bill overview

SB 846 would require U.S. citizenship as a mandatory qualification for employment as a law enforcement officer or tribal law enforcement officer in Wisconsin. The bill would establish citizenship as a condition precedent to hiring and maintaining employment in these law enforcement positions.

Why is this important

Law enforcement officers exercise significant state authority, including arrest powers and access to sensitive information. This bill directly addresses eligibility standards for these high-trust positions and reflects ongoing national debate about immigration status and public employment qualifications. The requirement would affect recruitment pools and hiring practices across Wisconsin's police departments and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Legal permanent residents' exclusion: The bill would prevent lawful permanent residents (green card holders) from serving as officers, eliminating a qualified workforce segment that includes individuals with decades of residence and background clearance
  • Tribal sovereignty considerations: Applying citizenship requirements to tribal law enforcement may conflict with tribal nations' sovereignty rights to determine their own law enforcement personnel qualifications and hiring practices
  • Recruitment impact: Law enforcement agencies facing officer shortages may argue the restriction unnecessarily narrows an already limited applicant pool in competitive labor markets

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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