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Wisconsin law

Administrative Laws in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin administrative law is governed by the Wisconsin Administrative Procedure Act (APA, Wis. Stat. ch. 227). 2011 Wisconsin Act 21 substantially restricted agency authority — providing that an agency may not implement or enforce any standard, requirement, or threshold unless explicitly authorized by statute or by rule promulgated under ch. 227. Judicial review of agency action is available in the Circuit Court under Wis. Stat. § 227.52 et seq., with appeals through the Wisconsin Court of Appeals to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Last verified: 2026-04-20

State law

Key Wisconsin Statutes

Wisconsin Administrative Procedure ActWis. Stat. ch. 227

Wisconsin's APA — governs agency rulemaking, contested cases, and judicial review.

Act 21 — Agency AuthorityWis. Stat. § 227.10(2m)

Wisconsin's 2011 statutory restriction on agency authority — an agency may not implement or enforce any standard, requirement, or threshold unless explicitly required or permitted by statute or promulgated rule.

Judicial Review of Agency ActionWis. Stat. §§ 227.52–227.60

Wisconsin's framework for judicial review of agency decisions, available in the Circuit Court of Dane County or the county where the petitioner resides or has its principal office.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.

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