Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · Wisconsin
Democratic
· Representative
Karen Kirsch
Represents District 7 in the State Assembly.
Votes with Democrats
98%
on 209 party-line votes · House Democrats median 98%
Cast a vote
99%
Yea or Nay on 297 of 301 roll calls · House median 100%
Their bills that became law
11 of 217
as a primary sponsor, this session · Democrats median 13
Roll calls on record
301
2025-2026 Regular Session
Votes and bills updated Oct 12, 2026 from LegiScan (CC BY 4.0), which republishes the legislature’s own records. Profile details from OpenStates / Plural Policy. Figures cover 2025-2026 Regular Session.
How Karen Kirsch votes
A party-line vote is a roll call where most voting Democrats and most voting Republicans took opposite sides. Absences and not-voting are never counted. Same method as our Congress pages.
Where Karen Kirsch sits in the House
Each dot is one member of the House, placed by how often they voted on the Democratic side of party-line votes. Karen Kirsch is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
4 of 209 party-line votes.
AB446 · Consideration of a certain definition of antisemitism for purposes of laws, ordinances, policies, or criminal penalty enhancers concerning discrimination based on race, religion, color, or national origin.
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2026-02-17 · Passed 66–33 · most Democrats voted the other way
AB737 · Financing certain infrastructure by special charge approved by a neighborhood improvement district.
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2026-02-17 · Passed 64–35 · most Democrats voted the other way
AB211 · Exempting tobacco bars from the public smoking ban.
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2025-09-11 · Passed 57–37 · most Democrats voted the other way
AB89 · Theft crimes and providing a penalty. (FE)
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2025-03-13 · Passed 71–26 · most Democrats voted the other way
Closest votes they cast
Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.
AB625 · Pay for performance grant requirements. (FE)
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2026-02-12 · Passed 52–46
AB377 · Establishing English as the official state language, use of artificial intelligence or other machine-assisted translation tools in lieu of appointing English language interpreters, and use of English for governmental oral and written communication and for nongovernmental purposes. (FE)
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2026-01-15 · Passed 51–45
SB66 · Registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty.
Assembly: Assembly Amendment 1 laid on table · 2025-10-14 · Passed 51–45
AB58 · Flags flown, hung, or displayed from a flagpole or the exterior of state and local buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule.
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2025-09-11 · Passed 50–44
AB4 · Required instruction in civics in the elementary and high school grades, high school graduation requirements, and private school educational program criteria. (FE)
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2025-02-19 · Passed 52–46
Republicans they vote with most
Share of contested roll calls (the losing side got at least 10%) where both voted and landed on the same side. Unanimous votes are left out, because on those everyone agrees.
Shae SortwellRepublican · District 2 · 220 shared contested votes
10%
Calvin CallahanRepublican · District 35 · 188 shared contested votes
9%
Paul TittlRepublican · District 25 · 179 shared contested votes
8%
Their session, month by month
Dark bars are roll calls they were recorded on each month; the red part is the ones without a Yea or Nay (4 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← Wisconsin Delegation
YeaYeaNayYeaNayNayNayNayNayNayYeaNayNayNayYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaNayNayNayNayYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaNayYeaNayYeaYea
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Karen Kirsch was a primary sponsor of this session. Most bills from either party never leave committee; in Illinois many never get past the Assignments or Rules committee.
Introduced217
Out of committee23
Passed one chamber20
Passed both chambers12
Became law11
Never left committee0
For comparison, the median Democratic member of the House has 13 bills that became law this session.
The establishment of a family and medical leave insurance program; family leave to care for a family member and for the active duty of a family member; the employers that must allow an employee to take family or medical leave; allowing a local government to adopt ordinances requiring employers to provide leave benefits; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; providing an exemption from rule-making procedures; granting rule-making authority; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty. (FE)
An Act to repeal 103.10 (1) (a) 1., 103.10 (1) (a) 2., 103.10 (1m) and 103.10 (14) (b); to renumber and amend 103.10 (1) (a) (intro.); to amend 103.10 (1) (b), 103.10 (1) (c), 103.10 (3) (a) 1., 103.10 (3) (a) 3., 103.10 (3) (b)…
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-06-16
Honoring the life and public service of Representative Jim Soletski.
Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative Jim Soletski.
Became lawNot published. Enrolled Joint Resolution 7 · 2026-05-26
Exempting tobacco bars from the public smoking ban.
An Act to create 101.123 (3) (n) of the statutes; Relating to: exempting tobacco bars from the public smoking ban.
VetoedFailed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82 · 2026-05-13
Longevity bonuses for teachers in school districts. (FE)
An Act to amend 119.04 (1); to create 20.255 (3) (bt), 40.02 (22) (b) 15. and 115.418 of the statutes; Relating to: longevity bonuses for teachers in school districts. (FE)
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-04-22
Going armed at a polling place and providing a penalty.
An Act to amend 175.60 (2g) (a), 175.60 (5) (a) 6., 938.34 (14q), 938.78 (3), 939.632 (1) (e) 3. and 973.137 (1); to create 941.236 of the statutes; Relating to: going armed at a polling place and providing a penalty.
FailedRepresentative Mayadev added as a coauthor · 2026-04-21
Grants for falls prevention awareness and initiatives and making an appropriation. (FE)
An Act Relating to: grants for falls prevention awareness and initiatives and making an appropriation. (FE)
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-04-13
Creating the water fund for our future, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
An Act to amend 25.60 and 299.97 (2); to create 13.59, 20.370 (4) (az), 20.435 (1) (s), 25.17 (1) (ymk), 25.44 and 299.87 of the statutes; Relating to: creating the water fund for our future, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-04-13
Net zero emissions, carbon-free and renewable energy standards, and creating an office of sustainability and clean energy, granting rule-making authority, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE)
An Act to repeal 196.378 (1) (h), 196.378 (2) (d) 2. and 196.378 (2) (d) 3.; to renumber 196.378 (5) (a), 196.378 (5) (b) and 196.378 (5) (c); to renumber and amend 196.378 (1) (fg), 196.378 (1) (fm) (intro.), 196.378 (1) (fm) 1., 196.378 (1)…
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-04-09
Eligibility to receive occupational credentials for recipients of deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (FE)
In plain English Allows recipients of deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to be eligible to receive occupational credentials.
Official synopsis: An Act to create 995.40 of the statutes; Relating to: eligibility to receive occupational credentials for recipients of deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (FE)
Became lawPublished 4-10-2026 · 2026-04-09
Registers of deeds, transportation project plats, and providing a penalty. (FE)
An Act to repeal 59.43 (1c) (j), 59.43 (1c) (L) to (s), 59.43 (1c) (v), 59.43 (2) (a), 59.43 (2) (ag) 2., 59.43 (2) (ar), 59.43 (2) (d) and (e), 59.43 (2) (k), 59.43 (2m) (a) 2., 59.43 (2m) (a) 4. a. to c., 59.43…
Became lawPublished 4-9-2026 · 2026-04-09
Preference in state and local government contracts and procurement for materials manufactured in the United States. (FE)
An Act to renumber and amend 16.754 (2); to amend 16.754 (3) (intro.) and (a) and 66.0901 (1m) (b); to create 16.754 (2) (b) and 66.0901 (10) of the statutes; Relating to: preference in state and local government contracts and procurement for materials manufactured in…
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-04-08
A home repair program and making an appropriation. (FE)
An Act to create 20.490 (7) and 234.663 of the statutes; Relating to: a home repair program and making an appropriation. (FE)
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-04-07
Grants for patient lift devices and making an appropriation. (FE)
An Act to create 20.435 (7) (bm) and 146.619 of the statutes; Relating to: grants for patient lift devices and making an appropriation. (FE)
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-04-06
Requiring school boards to compensate teachers for time spent on nonclassroom services. (FE)
An Act to renumber 118.235; to amend 119.04 (1); to create 118.235 (title) and 118.235 (2) of the statutes; Relating to: requiring school boards to compensate teachers for time spent on nonclassroom services. (FE)
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-03-30
Use of artificial intelligence to deny prior authorization for medical necessity or experimental status.
An Act to create 609.825 and 632.852 of the statutes; Relating to: use of artificial intelligence to deny prior authorization for medical necessity or experimental status.
FailedSenator Keyeski added as a cosponsor · 2026-03-30
“In plain English” lines are written by ThePolitibase with AI (Claude), from the official synopsis only; the synopsis is the authoritative text. Descriptions are the legislature’s own synopsis. Bill data from LegiScan, CC BY 4.0.
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SB264 · 2026-02-19
Coverage of breast cancer screenings by the Medical Assistance program and health insurance policies and plans. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
AB1034 · 2026-02-19
Name, image, and likeness rights for University of Wisconsin System student athletes; maintenance costs for University of Wisconsin–Madison intercollegiate athletic facilities; and making an appropriation. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SB291 · 2026-02-19
Making certain child care expenditures eligible for the business development tax credit. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
SB23 · 2026-02-19
Extension of eligibility under the Medical Assistance program for postpartum women. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
SB389 · 2026-02-19
The per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
SB431 · 2026-02-19
Discrimination based on arrest record under the fair employment law. (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
SB501 · 2026-02-19
Creating a veterinary loan repayment grant program administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board and exempting from taxation amounts received from such a grant program. (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
SB176 · 2026-02-19
An income and franchise tax exemption for broadband expansion grants and for federal high-cost program funding for broadband expansion. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in as amended)
SB36 · 2026-02-19
An income tax exemption for cash tips paid to an employee. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
AB241 · 2026-02-19
Required ratio of journeyworkers to apprentices in apprenticeship programs and contracts. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB913 · 2026-02-19
Subtraction for certain income of members of the National Guard and Reserves. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SJR116 · 2026-02-19
Prohibiting the governor from using the partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee (second consideration). (Assembly: Decision of the Chair upheld)
SJR116 · 2026-02-19
Prohibiting the governor from using the partial veto to create or increase any tax or fee (second consideration). (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in as amended)
SB420 · 2026-02-19
Prohibiting rights of nature ordinances. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
AB957 · 2026-02-19
Internet crimes against children law enforcement and making an appropriation. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB915 · 2026-02-19
Tax credit for small businesses offering individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB878 · 2026-02-19
A tax credit for certain sales and use taxes paid on services sold through an amusement device. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB659 · 2026-02-19
Tuition and fee remission or grants for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System, a technical college, or a private nonprofit institution of higher education; and the University of Wisconsin System nonresident tuition exemption for certain veterans. (FE) (Assembly: Assembly Amendment 1 laid on table)
AB659 · 2026-02-19
Tuition and fee remission or grants for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System, a technical college, or a private nonprofit institution of higher education; and the University of Wisconsin System nonresident tuition exemption for certain veterans. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB812 · 2026-02-19
Allowing more than 35 percent of the area within a tax incremental district in the Village of Somers to be used for residential use. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB923 · 2026-02-19
Creating a civil cause of action for sexual extortion. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB961 · 2026-02-19
Warning labels for explicit content, creating an explicit content label warning surcharge, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB963 · 2026-02-19
Social media accounts for minors and providing a penalty. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB962 · 2026-02-19
App stores and app developers and providing a penalty. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SB799 · 2026-02-19
Parental access to health records of minors. (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in as amended)
SB480 · 2026-02-19
Residential tax incremental districts. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in as amended)
AB997 · 2026-02-19
Funding for the Department of Financial Institutions for contributions to Trump accounts and making an appropriation. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB996 · 2026-02-19
Contributions by the Department of Financial Institutions to Trump accounts. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB598 · 2026-02-19
Consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives without requiring a petition for guardianship or protective placement. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB670 · 2026-02-19
Exempting persons engaged in certain contract research services from the sales and use tax. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SB439 · 2026-02-19
Levy increase limit for the village of Oregon and the towns of Oregon and Rutland. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
AB1004 · 2026-02-19
Prohibiting education employers from entering into certain agreements related to information about alleged immoral conduct by an employee and civil immunity for information provided to a prospective employer. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB870 · 2026-02-19
Adopting changes to the federal Internal Revenue Code for state tax purposes and modifying administrative rules related to such changes. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB387 · 2026-02-19
Correction bill for 2025 Wisconsin Act 15 and making an appropriation. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB884 · 2026-02-19
Who may purchase certain contractual services and technical changes to tax provisions related to qualified retirement plans and the film production services credit. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB131 · 2026-02-19
Programs and requirements to address PFAS. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SB179 · 2026-02-19
Applying the motor vehicle fuel tax supplier’s administrative allowance to diesel fuel, a motor vehicle fuel tax refund for evaporation losses, and making an appropriation. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in as amended)
AB180 · 2026-02-19
Requiring the Department of Health Services to seek any necessary waiver to prohibit the purchase of candy or soft drinks with FoodShare benefits. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB130 · 2026-02-19
Exempting certain persons from PFAS enforcement actions under the spills law. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SB181 · 2026-02-19
A levy limit exemption for regional emergency medical systems and eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
AB1027 · 2026-02-19
Requiring information relating to the food stamp program to be compiled and provided to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB839 · 2026-02-19
Allowing the Town of Three Lakes in Oneida County to create a tax incremental district in the same manner as a city or village. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SB576 · 2026-02-18
A property tax exemption for prefabricated recreational structures. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in)
AB911 · 2026-02-18
Funding for a battery collection and recycling program and making an appropriation. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB973 · 2026-02-18
Grants for economic support specialists and making an appropriation. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SB810 · 2026-02-18
Reimbursement for the provision of military funeral honors. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in as amended)
AB1001 · 2026-02-18
Funding for grants for community emergency medical services and falls prevention initiatives and making an appropriation. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SB785 · 2026-02-18
Including information about investigations of license holders in an online licensing portal maintained by the Department of Public Instruction. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in as amended)
AB1002 · 2026-02-18
Funding for grants for economic support specialists and making an appropriation. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB970 · 2026-02-18
Grants for community emergency medical services, grants for falls prevention awareness and initiatives, and making an appropriation. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB411 · 2026-02-17
Creation of a farmland link program. (FE) (Assembly: Assembly Amendment 1 laid on table)
AB411 · 2026-02-17
Creation of a farmland link program. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB373 · 2026-02-17
Creating a refundable individual income tax credit for the parent of a stillbirth and making an appropriation. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB713 · 2026-02-17
Requiring battery stewardship organizations to administer battery collection and recycling programs and providing a penalty. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB737 · 2026-02-17
Financing certain infrastructure by special charge approved by a neighborhood improvement district. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB629 · 2026-02-17
Police authority to disable drones threatening public safety and providing a penalty. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
AB685 · 2026-02-17
Individual income tax subtraction for certain theft losses. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SB699 · 2026-02-17
Alternative methods of providing pupil transportation services. (FE) (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in as amended)
AB768 · 2026-02-17
Operation of drones over certain utility facilities and providing a penalty. (Assembly: Read a third time and passed)
SB485 · 2026-02-17
Video monitoring or recording in residential care centers for children and youth, group homes, and shelter care facilities. (Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in as amended)
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 301 total roll-call votes this session).
Capitol Office
📍State Capitol Room 15 West, P.O. Box 8952 , 2 E. Main St., Madison, WI 53708
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