Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · Wisconsin
Democratic
· Representative
Ben DeSmidt
Represents District 65 in the State Assembly.
Votes with Democrats
97%
on 211 party-line votes · House Democrats median 98%
Cast a vote
100%
Yea or Nay on 301 of 301 roll calls · House median 100%
Their bills that became law
25 of 389
as a primary sponsor, this session · Democrats median 13
Roll calls on record
301
2025-2026 Regular Session
Votes and bills updated Oct 6, 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 Ben DeSmidt 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 Ben DeSmidt 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. Ben DeSmidt is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
6 of 211 party-line votes.
AB180 · 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 · 2026-02-19 · Passed 71–22 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB36 · An income tax exemption for cash tips paid to an employee. (FE)
In plain English Exempts cash tips paid to employees from state income tax.
Assembly: Read a third time and concurred in · 2026-02-19 · Passed 60–31 · most Democrats voted the other way
AB320 · Increasing certain court fees and surcharges and indexing those amounts for inflation. (FE)
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2026-01-22 · Passed 65–32 · most Democrats voted the other way
AB461 · An income tax subtraction for certain overtime compensation. (FE)
In plain English Allows a subtraction from state income tax for certain overtime compensation.
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2026-01-15 · Passed 61–35 · most Democrats voted the other way
AB38 · An income tax exemption for cash tips paid to an employee. (FE)
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2026-01-15 · Passed 61–33 · 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.
AB3 · Incorporating cursive writing into the state model English language arts standards and requiring cursive writing in elementary grades. (FE)
Assembly: Read a third time and passed · 2025-02-19 · Passed 51–46
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
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 · 223 shared contested votes
10%
Shannon ZimmermanRepublican · District 30 · 182 shared contested votes
9%
Calvin CallahanRepublican · District 35 · 191 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 (0 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← Wisconsin Delegation
YeaYeaNayYeaNayNayYeaNayYeaNayYeaNayNayNayYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaNayNayNayNayYeaNayNayNayYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaNayNayYeaYeaNayNayYeaNayYeaNay
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Ben DeSmidt 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.
Introduced389
Out of committee54
Passed one chamber44
Passed both chambers25
Became law25
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
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
Implementation of an individualized education program or services plan under the Special Needs Scholarship Program. (FE)
An Act to amend 115.7915 (6) (h) of the statutes; Relating to: implementation of an individualized education program or services plan under the Special Needs Scholarship Program. (FE)
FailedRepresentative McCarville added as a coauthor · 2026-04-21
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 alternatives to prosecution and incarceration programs for persons with mental illness and making an appropriation. (FE)
An Act to amend 165.95 (5) (b), 302.43, 961.472 (5) (b), 967.11 (1), 967.11 (2) and 973.155 (1m); to create 20.455 (2) (er) and 165.958 of the statutes; Relating to: grants for alternatives to prosecution and incarceration programs for persons with mental illness and making…
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-04-14
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
The drug repository program.
An Act to repeal 255.056 (7); to renumber and amend 255.056 (3) (c) and 255.056 (3) (d); to amend 255.056 (1) (bg), 255.056 (1) (br), 255.056 (1) (e), 255.056 (2), 255.056 (2m) (intro.), 255.056 (2m) (b), 255.056 (3) (intro.), (a) and (b), 255.056 (4), 255.056…
Became lawPublished 4-9-2026 · 2026-04-09
Virtual currency kiosks.
An Act to create 217.12 of the statutes; Relating to: virtual currency kiosks.
Became lawPublished 4-9-2026 · 2026-04-09
Internet crimes against children law enforcement and making an appropriation. (FE)
An Act Relating to: Internet crimes against children law enforcement and making an appropriation. (FE)
Became lawPublished 4-9-2026 · 2026-04-09
Internet crimes against children administrative subpoenas for the crime of sexual extortion when the crime victim is a child. (FE)
An Act to create 165.505 (1) (bg) 3. of the statutes; Relating to: Internet crimes against children administrative subpoenas for the crime of sexual extortion when the crime victim is a child. (FE)
Became lawPublished 4-9-2026 · 2026-04-09
Position authorizations for Internet crimes against children law enforcement. (FE)
An Act Relating to: position authorizations for Internet crimes against children law enforcement. (FE)
Became lawPublished 4-9-2026 · 2026-04-09
Violence prevention grants and making an appropriation. (FE)
An Act to create 20.435 (1) (gd) and 255.20 (4) of the statutes; Relating to: violence prevention grants and making an appropriation. (FE)
FailedFiscal estimate received · 2026-04-09
Coverage under the Medical Assistance program for incarcerated individuals. (FE)
An Act to create 49.45 (62) of the statutes; Relating to: coverage under the Medical Assistance program for incarcerated individuals. (FE)
Became lawPublished 4-9-2026 · 2026-04-09
Modifications to housing programs under the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. (FE)
An Act to repeal 234.66 (1) (g) 2., 234.66 (1) (g) 3., 234.661 (1) (c) 5., 234.661 (1) (c) 6., 234.662 (1) (e) 3. and 234.662 (1) (e) 4.; to renumber and amend 234.66 (1) (b), 234.66 (4) (a) 5., 234.661 (1) (e), 234.661 (3)…
Became lawPublished 4-9-2026 · 2026-04-09
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 18 North, P.O. Box 8952 , 2 E. Main St., Madison, WI 53708
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