The Wisconsin Senate Committee recommended passage of SB 445, an IHRA definition of antisemitism

February 2, 2026

From the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC):

An urgent vote is happening today in the Wisconsin Senate — and it’s being done in a way that shuts out public debate.

Today, February 2, 2026, the Wisconsin Senate [Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety] is holding a closed-door Executive Session on SB 445, the IHRA antisemitism bill. Its companion bill, AB 446, is moving in the Assembly. Our action alert applies to both bills.

The Senate [Committee] Executive Session is expected to proceed by paper ballot — a procedural tactic that eliminates debate, questions, and public input. There will be no opportunity for senators to publicly discuss concerns, and the public will not be heard on a bill … that directly threatens freedom of speech.

Passage was recommended by the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 5, Noes 3. Democrats Drake, Johnson, and Roys voted against; all 5 Republicans voted in favor.

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January 23, 2026

The Wisconsin Senate’s Judiciary & Public Safety Committee has scheduled a public hearing on SB445 for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 10:00 am in Room 411 South at the State Capitol.

Here is an analysis by UW-Madison Professor KD Thompson:

More information and Senate links below.

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November 7, 2025

Wisconsin Assembly Bill 446 (and Senate Bill 445) would require all State and local agencies to use the heavily-criticized International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) “working definition” of antisemitism, which risks suppressing protected political speech about Israel and Palestine. This is an attack on our free speech.

A quick summary of the issue from Peace Action WI:

What AB 446 does and why we oppose it

• Directs state & local entities to use the IHRA definition when evaluating discrimination and hate-crime enhancers.
• Chills protected speech by blurring criticism of a foreign government’s actions with antisemitism.
• Existing federal & state law already prohibit antisemitic discrimination; AB 446 is unnecessary and constitutionally overbroad.

Actions you can take:

1. Attend Public Hearings, Speak if You Wish. It’s best to come early. Staff will give you a form to register for or against a specific bill and to indicate if you also wish to speak. Remarks may be limited to as little as 2 minutes. Representatives of organizations usually go first, then individuals in the order of forms received. You may be asked questions. There should be space to sit in the hearing room or overflow rooms. You don’t have to speak, but it’s important to turn out in large numbers.
2. Email all members of the Assembly Committee on State Affairs and the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety with comments on the bill. Include your full name and street address in the email for proper consideration.
3. Email your own State Representative and Senator, found by entering your address under “Who Are My Legislators?” on the right. Include your full name and street address in the email so they know you are a constituent.
4. Contact Governor Evers. Stopping this attack on our free speech may come down to a veto by the Governor that withstands an override vote.