Kristin Alfheim, Wisconsin State Senator for 18th District | www.facebook.com
Kristin Alfheim, Wisconsin State Senator for 18th District | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "right to bodily autonomy, elimination of certain abortion-related regulations, and coverage of abortion under certain health care coverage plans. (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 the fundamental right to bodily autonomy, ensuring individuals can access abortions as deemed necessary by their medical provider. It repeals various abortion-related regulations, including those that impose restrictions without any legitimate health benefits. Health care coverage plans offered by the state or the group insurance board must include abortion coverage if maternity coverage is provided. The bill repeals laws prohibiting provision of abortion-inducing drugs without a physician's presence and coverage of abortions by qualified health plans. It also eliminates requirements for physical exams by physicians within a certain distance for performing abortions. Additionally, it repeals statutes criminalizing actions to terminate pregnancies unless performed for therapeutic reasons by physicians in emergencies. Affected provisions take effect the day after publication, with some exceptions beginning March 1, 2026, for certain insurance contract terms.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Lisa Subeck (Democrat-79th District), Senator Tim Carpenter (Democrat-3rd District), Senator Dora E. Drake (Democrat-4th District), Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (Democrat-8th District), Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (Democrat-27th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), and Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), along 48 other co-sponsors.
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim has authored or co-authored another 38 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Alfheim, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2025 to represent the state's 18th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Dan Feyen.
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 |
---|---|---|
SB271 | 05/21/2025 | Right to bodily autonomy, elimination of certain abortion-related regulations, and coverage of abortion under certain health care coverage plans. (FE) |
SB261 | 05/20/2025 | Certain limitations on claiming the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit. (FE) |
SB251 | 05/09/2025 | Cost-sharing caps on prescription drugs and medical supplies to treat asthma under health insurance policies and plans. (FE) |
SB142 | 03/21/2025 | Algorithmic software for residential housing, and providing a penalty |
SB69 | 02/26/2025 | An income tax subtraction for certain expenses paid by a school teacher. (FE) |