On January 25, 2024, the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Shared Revenue, Elections, and Consumer Protection convened to discuss critical legislation aimed at safeguarding election officials. The primary focus of the meeting was the Election Worker Protection Act, introduced by Senator Jacques and Representative Govan. This bill seeks to enhance protections for election officials amid rising concerns about harassment and threats they face while performing their duties.

Senator Jacques highlighted the bill's key provisions, which include prohibiting the disclosure of personally identifiable information of election officials without their consent, classifying intentional harm against these officials as a felony, and providing whistleblower protections for those reporting election irregularities. The senator emphasized the bipartisan support for the legislation, noting its previous passage in the Senate and the Assembly's consideration of similar measures.

The committee discussed the nuances between the various iterations of the bill, including Senate Bill 291 and Assembly Bill 577, both of which share similar objectives but differ in specific provisions. One notable distinction is the Assembly's rejection of a civil action clause that would allow election officials to pursue legal recourse beyond criminal penalties.

Concerns were raised about the potential implications of amendments proposed by the Assembly, particularly regarding the scope of doxing provisions—rules governing the release of personal information. The committee members expressed a desire to avoid advancing any amendments that could complicate the legislative process or lead to further delays, especially as the session nears its conclusion.

The discussions underscored the urgency of finalizing protective measures for election officials, reflecting a growing recognition of the challenges they face in a politically charged environment. As the committee moves forward, the focus will be on reconciling the different versions of the bill to ensure robust protections are enacted before the end of the legislative session. The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the safety and integrity of election processes in Wisconsin.