Cybersecurity Policy Report, Wisconsin Senate Rejects Bill to Prohibit Equipment From ‘Foreign Adversaries’, (Mar 27, 2026)
The Wisconsin state Senate has failed to pass a bill to prohibit telecommunications providers from purchasing, renting, leasing, obtaining, or maintaining critical telecommunications equipment manufactured by entities associated with foreign adversaries. The bill passed the Assembly last month by a vote of 54-45.
AB 683 defines “foreign adversary” in accordance with federal regulations, currently including countries such as China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela. It further specifies “foreign principal” to include governments, officials, citizens without lawful U.S. residency, business entities, investment funds, and agents linked to these adversaries.
To ensure compliance, telecommunications providers would be required to annually certify to the Public Service Commission by Jan. 15 that they met the bill’s requirements. Providers maintaining prohibited equipment must report the geographic coordinates of such equipment, the service coverage areas affected, and submit a plan for replacement in line with federal guidelines.
The bill (A.B. 683, Reg Sess.) is sponsored by Rep. Daniel Knodl (R.).
News: StateLegislation DataSecurity