Stephen Nass, Wisconsin State Senator for 11th District | Official website
Stephen Nass, Wisconsin State Senator for 11th District | Official website
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "establishing English as the official state language, use of artificial intelligence or other machine-assisted translation tools in lieu of appointing English language interpreters, and use of English for governmental oral and written communication and for nongovernmental purposes. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill establishes English as the official language of Wisconsin and permits state and local governments to use artificial intelligence or machine-assisted translation tools instead of appointing human interpreters. It mandates that government communications be in English, except when necessary for specific situations such as protecting citizen safety, facilitating trade, or complying with legal obligations. The bill outlines eight exceptions allowing non-English communication, including teaching languages or ensuring rights in legal contexts. Additionally, it prevents government entities from restricting the use of any language for nongovernmental purposes or hindering language proficiency development, promoting linguistic inclusivity while maintaining English for official purposes.
The bill was co-authored by Representative David Murphy (Republican-56th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), Representative Robert Brooks (Republican-59th District), and Representative Rick Gundrum (Republican-58th District), along one other co-sponsor.
Steve L. Nass has co-authored or authored another 93 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with all of them being adopted.
Nass graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 1978 with a BS.
Nass, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2015 to represent the state's 11th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Neal Kedzie.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SB357 | 06/27/2025 | Establishing English as the official state language, use of artificial intelligence or other machine-assisted translation tools in lieu of appointing English language interpreters, and use of English for governmental oral and written communication and for nongovernmental purposes. (FE) |
| SB312 | 06/04/2025 | Changing an individual’s sex on a birth certificate |
| SB311 | 06/04/2025 | Prohibiting funding for health services for unlawfully present individuals. (FE) |
| SB304 | 06/02/2025 | Hours for voting by absentee ballot in person at the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site. (FE) |
| SB277 | 05/21/2025 | The expiration of administrative rules. (FE) |
| SB270 | 05/20/2025 | The right of appeal for complainants aggrieved by decisions of the Elections Commission concerning the conduct of election officials |
| SB262 | 05/20/2025 | Assisted living facility referral agencies and providing a penalty |
| SB237 | 05/09/2025 | A sales and use tax exemption for equipment associated with the use of a search and rescue dog. (FE) |
| SB235 | 04/29/2025 | Criminal trespass at a campground and providing a penalty. (FE) |
| SB202 | 04/14/2025 | Local guaranteed income programs |
| SB191 | 04/14/2025 | Requiring a subpoena to a law enforcement officer or tribal law enforcement officer served in official capacity to be served at the officer’s work address |
| SB177 | 04/03/2025 | Standard industrial classification codes for linen supply and industrial launderers and modifying the manufacturing and agriculture tax credit. (FE) |
| SB174 | 04/03/2025 | Coverage of individuals with preexisting conditions and benefit limits under health plans |
| SB167 | 04/03/2025 | Possession of a firearm on school grounds by school employees and fees for licenses to carry a concealed weapon. (FE) |
| SB166 | 03/27/2025 | Consumer data protection and providing a penalty. (FE) |
| SB163 | 03/27/2025 | Income change notifications for child support or maintenance orders |
| SB151 | 03/21/2025 | Requests for information from employers about unemployment insurance claims |
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