WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 1168

Relating to: medical debt abolition and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Margaret Arney and 16 co-sponsors

The bill creates state-supported programs to reduce, forgive, or abolish medical debt for eligible Wisconsin residents.

Fiscal estimate received
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1168

Summary of Assembly Bill 1168 (Session 2025, Wisconsin)

1) Purpose and Intent

  • AB 1168 is titled “Relating to: medical debt abolition and making an appropriation.” In plain terms, the bill aims to address medical debt by creating mechanisms to abolish or relieve medical debt and provides an accompanying appropriation to fund those efforts.
  • The bill appears to be focused on reducing or eliminating medical debt burdens for individuals, potentially through state-supported programs or protections.

2) Key Provisions and Changes (What the bill would do)

  • Establishment or expansion of medical debt relief measures: The bill would implement procedures or programs to reduce, forgive, or abolish outstanding medical debt for eligible individuals.
  • State funding: The bill would authorize an appropriation or allocate funds to support the medical debt abolition initiatives. This could cover administrative costs, outreach, and the actual debt relief mechanisms.
  • Administration and delivery: The bill would designate which state department or agency is responsible for administering the program, including eligibility determination, disbursement of relief, and oversight.
  • Compliance and protections: Provisions may include safeguards to prevent abuse, ensure proper use of funds, and protect patients from aggressive debt collection practices during the relief process.
  • Reporting and accountability: Likely requirements for reporting on program effectiveness, funding use, and impact on burdens borne by Wisconsinites.

Note: The specific statutory language is not provided in the summary excerpt. The above outlines reflect typical components of debt relief legislation and the stated title.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Recipients: Wisconsin residents with medical debt who meet eligibility criteria would be eligible for debt relief under the program.
  • Debt collectors and creditors: Practices related to medical debt collection could be influenced by the new program’s protections and relief mechanisms.
  • State agencies: A designated state department or agency would administer the program, manage funding, and ensure compliance.
  • General public: Depending on funding levels, overall state budget impact and any changes to healthcare-financing dynamics could affect taxpayers indirectly.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referrals: The bill was introduced on March 19, 2026, with several co-sponsors listed (both House members and a Senator co-sponsor).
  • Committee process: The bill was read in the Assembly and referred to the Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care for consideration.
  • Fiscal impact: A fiscal estimate was requested and received (Action History shows “Fiscal estimate received” on 2026-04-08), indicating an analysis of the bill’s cost to the state.
  • Legislative progress: There is an entry noting “Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1” on 2026-03-23, which reflects a procedural path or a potential motion to bypass or limit debate that affected earlier attempts at passage. The current entry indicates ongoing consideration in committee rather than final enactment.

5) Additional Context

  • Sponsorship: The bill has a broad group of sponsors in both the Assembly and Senate, indicating bipartisan or cross-chamber interest in medical debt relief.
  • Status: As of the latest action, the bill is in committee (Health, Aging and Long-Term Care) with fiscal implications analyzed, but not yet enacted into law.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policy staff, advocates, or the general public) or add a brief comparison to existing Wisconsin laws on medical debt and patient protections.

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

Sign in to ask a question.