Duke Tucker, Wisconsin State Representative for 75th District | www.facebook.com
Duke Tucker, Wisconsin State Representative for 75th District | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "various changes to the unemployment insurance law and requiring approval by the Joint Committee on Finance of certain federally authorized unemployment benefits. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill enacts several modifications to the unemployment insurance (UI) law, which includes redefining misconduct in employment regarding eligibility for UI benefits. Key changes detail that theft or unauthorized use of employer property is considered misconduct without the requirement to prove intent to permanently deprive. It mandates that UI claimants residing out of state register with their local job center and requires the Department of Workforce Development to conduct random audits on at least 50% of work searches reported by claimants. Additionally, it introduces a requirement for legislative review via the Joint Committee on Finance for any federally authorized UI benefits that increase claimants' entitlement compared to state law. This bill further aligns the definition of misconduct in worker's compensation law with that of UI law, effective the Sunday after its publication, with specific provisions having delayed effective dates to allow for necessary administrative preparations.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Eric Wimberger (Republican-2nd District), Representative Robert Brooks (Republican-59th District), Representative Cindi Duchow (Republican-97th District), Representative Brent Jacobson (Republican-87th District), Representative Daniel Knodl (Republican-24th District).
Duke Tucker has co-authored or authored another 16 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Tucker, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 75th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative David Armstrong.
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.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB167 | 04/08/2025 | Various changes to the unemployment insurance law and requiring approval by the Joint Committee on Finance of certain federally authorized unemployment benefits. (FE) |
| AB161 | 04/04/2025 | Governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device |
| AB122 | 03/11/2025 | Alternative open enrollment application procedures for residency change based on military orders |
| AB83 | 02/28/2025 | Governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device |
Alerts Sign-up