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Bill

Bill

SB 1157

Relating to: reporting a contributor’s place of employment.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 4 co-sponsors

Requires Wisconsin campaign finance reports to disclose political contributors' employers, enhancing transparency about economic interests funding candidates.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · SB 1157

Legislative bill overview

SB 1157 would require campaign finance disclosures to include the place of employment for political contributors. Currently, Wisconsin campaign finance reports list contributor names and addresses, but not employers. This bill seeks to add employer information to public records of political donations.

Why is this important

Campaign finance transparency is a foundational element of electoral integrity, allowing voters to identify potential conflicts of interest and understand which economic interests support candidates. Adding employer information would provide context that a contributor's name and address alone cannot convey, potentially revealing patterns of corporate or industry influence on political campaigns.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Opponents may argue that requiring employer disclosure creates additional personal information collection, particularly for self-employed individuals or those in sensitive positions
  • Administrative burden: Campaigns and the state would need to verify and manage employment information, raising questions about accuracy and compliance costs
  • First Amendment arguments: Some may contend that mandatory disclosure of employment alongside donations imposes an additional regulatory burden on political speech and association rights

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

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