FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 28, 2025

Contact – info@hotgovernment.com

Wisconsin Lawmakers Scramble to Push ROFR Through Under New Bill Number: AB 174

Madison, WI — The controversial Right of First Refusal (ROFR) provision just won’t die—and now it’s resurfaced under a new disguise: Assembly Bill 174 (AB 174).

After repeated public backlash forced lawmakers to abandon AB 25 and SB 28, supporters of ROFR are now scrambling to push this anti-competitive policy through under AB 174, hoping Wisconsin residents won’t notice. But we are noticing—and our pressure is working.

AB 174, like its predecessors, would grant monopoly control over energy transmission projects to incumbent utility companies, blocking fair competition, driving up costs, and putting corporate profits ahead of consumers.

There is no set date for a vote on AB 174, as lawmakers are still trying to figure out how to pass this atrocious legislation without facing the wrath of their constituents. They know the public doesn’t want this—but instead of dropping it, they’re trying to bury it deeper, change the name, and confuse voters.

A similar energy bill in Ohio resulted in a major corruption scandal, involving $60 million in bribes and the conviction of Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder. The Ohio case highlights the risks of legislation that limits competition and centralizes control over energy infrastructure, as is proposed under the Wisconsin Energy Reform Act (WERA), including its Right of First Refusal (ROFR) provisions.

Call to Action:

Wisconsin residents must remain vigilant. Contact your lawmakers, demand transparency, and tell them to oppose AB 174 or any legislation that hides ROFR language.

We’ve stopped this before. We can stop it again. Stay loud. Stay active. They’re watching—and they know we’re winning.