MADISON, Wis. (Gray) – The Wisconsin Assembly passed a bill Tuesday to regulate the state’s growing artificial intelligence data center industry.
The bill moved quickly through the Statehouse, receiving a vote less than two weeks after being introduced.
The bill passed 53-44, largely along partisan lines, with Democrats opposing it.
“This bill balances the strategic and economic benefits of AI and data centers to the state while balancing concerns ratepayers may have regarding energy,” said state Rep. Shannon Zimmerman, R-River Falls, the bill’s author.
The bill aims to protect the land, water and wallets of Wisconsin residents, according to state Republicans.
Democrats have criticized the speed with which the legislation has moved.
“The process was rushed. It won’t hold companies accountable the way we should, and it won’t fully protect our communities from higher energy costs,” said state Rep. Greta Neubauer, D-Racine.
Democrats say the bill doesn’t give the Wisconsin Public Service Commission enough authority to prevent data centers from driving up energy costs for residents.
“This bill is so underdeveloped that it’s embarrassing that we’re being asked to vote on it today,” said state Rep. Angela Stroud.
In a rare move, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission weighed in on the legislation, saying it would create “confusion” and “incite litigation.”
The bill faces an uphill battle. Gov. Tony Evers indicated he was unlikely to support the bill. A spokesperson for his office said Evers plans to continue conversations to find solutions that protect Wisconsin.
Click here to download the WSAW news app or the WSAW First Alert weather app.
Click here to submit a tip or article idea.
Copyright 2026 WMTV. All rights reserved.
