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Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Rep. Knodl authors Wisconsin Assembly bill on referendum disclosure notices

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Dan Knodl, Wisconsin State Representative for 24th District | Facebook

Dan Knodl, Wisconsin State Representative for 24th District | Facebook

The new bill authored by State Rep. Daniel Knodl seeks to improve voter information by mandating comprehensive disclosure notices for statewide referenda and constitutional amendments, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "information provided to voters concerning proposed constitutional amendments and other statewide referenda. (FE)".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill mandates the creation of a "complete state referendum disclosure notice" for proposed constitutional amendments and statewide referenda passed by the legislature, replacing the current requirement for the attorney general to prepare an explanatory statement. This notice must include the referendum date, the full text of the ballot question, a plain language summary of current law, and explanations of the implications of yes or no votes. These explanations cannot exceed one page and must be in at least 12-point font. The notice must be posted at polling sites on election day, published on the Elections Commission's voter website for at least 30 days prior to the referendum, displayed on county clerks' websites, and included with absentee ballots. This measure aims to provide voters with accessible, comprehensive information to facilitate informed voting decisions.

The bill was co-authored by Senator Cory Tomczyk (Republican-29th District), Representative David Armstrong (Republican-67th District), Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), Representative Robert Brooks (Republican-59th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (Republican-19th District), Senator Dan Feyen (Republican-20th District), and Senator Jesse L. James (Republican-23rd District), along 13 other co-sponsors.

Daniel Knodl has co-authored or authored another 97 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Knodi, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 24th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Paul Melotik.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.

Bills Introduced by Daniel Knodl in Wisconsin Assembly During 2025 Regular Session

Bill NumberDate IntroducedShort Description
AB20704/23/2025Information provided to voters concerning proposed constitutional amendments and other statewide referenda. (FE)
AB20304/23/2025Limiting liability relating to traffic control devices for manufacturers and others
AB18804/15/2025Reduction of penalty surcharge when certain fines or forfeitures reduced. (FE)
AB18004/15/2025Requiring the Department of Health Services to seek any necessary waiver to prohibit the purchase of candy or soft drinks with FoodShare benefits. (FE)
AB16904/08/2025Various changes to the unemployment insurance law. (FE)
AB13403/13/2025The effective date of certain provisions contained in 2023 Wisconsin Act 126
AB12303/11/2025Calculation of miles for purposes of relocation of a child 100 miles or more from the other parent in an action affecting the family
AB10203/03/2025Designating University of Wisconsin and technical college sports and athletic teams based on the sex of the participants
AB10003/03/2025Designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants
AB7502/28/2025Department of Justice collection and reporting of certain criminal case data. (FE)
AB2802/17/2025Special registration plates with white lettering on a black background. (FE)
AB502/03/2025Requiring school boards to make textbooks, curricula, and instructional materials available for inspection by school district residents
AB202/03/2025Requiring school boards to adopt policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time

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