Wisconsin bill would sunset administrative rules

Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a Wisconsin bill on March 20 that would have required all state administrative rules to automatically expire after seven years unless agencies proved their ongoing need and statutory authority through review by the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules.[1][3][5][7]

The measure, Senate Bill 277, was part of the "Red Tape Reset" package backed by groups like the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty and Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin. It aimed to curb what supporters called excessive regulations—over 165,000 restrictions making Wisconsin one of the Midwest's most regulated states—by forcing periodic reviews to eliminate outdated rules on everything from business operations to consumer goods.[3][5][7] The Wisconsin Senate had passed the bill, but Evers rejected it alongside related reforms on fee shifting for unlawful rules and regulatory budgeting.[2][3]

For Milwaukee residents, this veto preserves the status quo amid rising costs for housing, groceries, and energy, which critics link to unchecked rules that burden small businesses and families in the city.[5][7] It keeps agency flexibility but draws fire from free-market advocates who say it blocks relief for everyday expenses.

Lawmakers may revisit the issue in the next session, as the 2025-2026 legislative push highlighted ongoing tensions over gubernatorial veto power, including a November ballot amendment to limit partial vetoes.[2][5][8]