MADISON, WI – Today, Senate Bill 310 was signed into law as 2025 Wisconsin Act 61. This legislation would put a 60-day limit on emergency proclamations by local government executives, and clearly defines who the chief local executive is at the local level. As the Assembly author of this legislation, Representative Brent Jacobson (R – Mosinee) released the following statement:
“If the Covid Pandemic taught us anything, it taught us that governments can and will use emergencies to abuse their authority,” said Rep. Jacobson. “I’m proud to see this legislation added to our state statutes, enshrining the principles of limited, balanced government at the local level and protecting Wisconsinites from government overreach if, God forbid, we experience another major emergency like Covid.”
At the state level, emergency proclamations by the Governor are limited to 60 days. After those 60 days, the state of emergency can only be extended by the State Legislature. 2025 Act 61 establishes a similar limitation at the local level, requiring a local governing body to extend any executive emergency actions after 60 days have passed.
“Part of our job in state government is to learn from mistakes, and make sure they are not repeated,” said Rep. Jacobson. “I want to thank my colleagues, especially Representative Ortiz-Velez, for reaching across the aisle to make this common-sense change to our laws. Even in a time of intense partisan divide, it is good to know that we can come together to deliver bipartisan wins for our constituents.”
