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The three November 2026 Wisconsin constitutional amendments address three distinct areas of government authority: emergency powers, governmental treatment in public programs and contracting, and executive authority over taxes and fees.

Places of Worship During Emergencies — AJR 10

AJR 10 would limit the government’s authority to close places of worship during an emergency. From a business perspective, the amendment is primarily related to emergency regulations and the scope of government authority during emergencies. Its potential business relevance is more indirect, particularly regarding how emergency policies are applied and how government authority is exercised during future emergencies.

Government Discrimination/Preferential Treatment — AJR 102

AJR 102 would limit the ability of government entities to use race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in certain government programs, employment, contracting, and administrative decisions. For the business community, this could be particularly relevant to public contracting, government employment, and government-administered programs, depending on how the amendment is implemented and interpreted.

Partial Veto of Taxes and Fees — SJR 116

SJR 116 would limit the Wisconsin governor’s ability to use the partial veto to create or increase a tax or fee, or to authorize the creation or increase of a tax or fee. This amendment has the most direct fiscal connection for businesses because it relates to state taxes, fees, budgeting, and executive authority over fiscal policy.

Overall Business Perspective

Taken together, the three amendments would make specific changes to the Wisconsin Constitution that limit certain government powers or practices.

For the business community, the amendments have different areas of relevance. SJR 116 has the most direct connection to business finances because it concerns state taxes and fees. AJR 102 could have more direct implications for businesses that interact with state or local government through public contracting, government employment, or public programs. AJR 10 is primarily focused on emergency government authority and would have a more indirect connection to businesses.

The amendments address separate policy areas and should therefore be considered individually based on the specific constitutional changes each would make.

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