MADISON, WI (July 31, 2026) – The American Tort Reform Association recently recognized Wisconsin as a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” in its 2026 Legislative HeatCheck report. This recognition comes after the Legislature tightened the rules on courtroom evidence and expert testimony during the 2025-26 Legislative Session.
“Wisconsin’s efforts to get rid of junk science in courtrooms will help many small businesses that are hit with unnecessary lawsuits each year,” said NFIB Wisconsin State Director Luke Bacher. “Small business owners have enough on their plates with high property taxes and burdensome regulation. By raising the bar on expert testimony, lawmakers have lessened the threat of costly legal bills and insurance premiums.”
The organization highlights Senate Bill 459 that was passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Evers on March 6th, 2026. The bill updates the current statutory rule requiring lawyers to prove to a judge that an expert’s opinion is based on a reliable method that is correctly applied to the facts of the case before the jury hears the witness’ testimony.
Click here to read ATRA’s report on Virginia.
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