The Wisconsin State Assembly approved a series of Republican-backed bills Thursday addressing higher education funding, campus free speech protections, gender-related medical care lawsuits, and administrative rule-making authority.
One major proposal, introduced by Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk, would remove race-based eligibility criteria from certain state financial aid programs. The measure would instead prioritize students based on broader “social and economic disadvantage” criteria, “without regard to race or sex.” Programs affected include teacher loan assistance and undergraduate grants previously targeted toward specific racial minority groups.
Supporters said the bill would make financial aid more equitable. “This bill updates Wisconsin’s higher education programs by focusing resources on students who face genuine barriers to success,” Piwowarczyk said. “This bill preserves these (grant and loan) programs while modernizing their focus so that they reach students who are most at risk of being left behind.”
Democrats strongly opposed the measure. Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde called the proposal “racist,” arguing that race remains a significant factor in determining disadvantage.
Lawmakers also approved legislation expanding free speech protections on public university campuses. The bill would allow students and employees to sue the Universities of Wisconsin or its governing Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System if they believe their First Amendment rights were violated.
Republicans said the proposal strengthens constitutional protections. Critics, including Rep. Angela Stroud, warned it could increase litigation and strain university resources. (RELATED: Wisconsin’s $370K Score Scam?)
In another closely debated measure, the Assembly approved a bill allowing individuals who underwent gender transition procedures as minors to sue medical providers if they later claim harm. Rep. Amanda Nedweski said the bill ensures medical accountability. “Medical accountability should not be partisan,” she said to WPR. “(This bill) simply ensures that a minor harmed by a gender transition procedure in Wisconsin has the same legal rights as the victim of a botched appendectomy.”
Opponents argued the measure could discourage doctors from providing care. Rep. Ryan Clancy warned of broader consequences for patients seeking treatment.
The Assembly also passed several bills aimed at increasing legislative oversight of administrative rules following a 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision limiting lawmakers’ ability to block regulations. The legislation would impose expiration dates on certain rules, allow more legal challenges, and require additional oversight for regulations expected to cost $10 million or more to implement.
Lawmakers additionally approved a proposed constitutional amendment allowing the Legislature to suspend administrative rules through a majority vote. Unlike standard legislation, constitutional amendments do not require approval from Gov. Tony Evers but must pass two legislative sessions before appearing on the ballot.
Many of the bills now move to the Wisconsin Senate. Gov. Evers has previously signaled he may veto measures he believes restrict executive authority or LGBTQ-related medical care.
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