Lawmaker retirements, online sports betting and data centers

The Wisconsin Senate concluded its 2026 session without passing a Republican-backed bill aimed at regulating the state's rapidly growing data center industry. The proposed legislation, championed by Speaker Vos, sought to implement "guardrails" on data center operations, specifically addressing energy and water consumption. Key provisions included requirements for data centers to recycle water, site renewable energy sources on their properties, and assume responsibility for any necessary upgrades to the energy grid. Despite receiving some Democratic votes in the Assembly, the bill did not advance to the Senate floor, a decision that Speaker Vos publicly criticized. He suggested that the Senate Republicans' failure to act on the issue could have electoral consequences in the upcoming November elections. The discussion highlighted the complex political landscape surrounding data center development in Wisconsin, influenced by factors such as Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahiue's decision not to seek reelection and shifting dynamics within the legislature. While recent Marquette University polling indicates public opposition to data centers, political observers note that neither major party has yet established a clear and unified stance on the issue. This ambiguity suggests that data center regulation will likely remain a topic of debate in future election cycles and gubernatorial campaigns. The failure of this bill means that, for the time being, Wisconsin will not implement new statewide regulations for data centers.