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If you have questions or comments regarding any information on the Worker's Compensation website or need an alternate format, please contact us by email at dwddwc@dwd.wisconsin.gov or by phone at (608) 266-1340.
The Worker's Compensation Act (WKC-1-P) serves as the foundation for the worker's compensation system. The Act is instrumental to maintaining an effective and efficient system.
The Wisconsin Worker's Compensation Act is unique in that amendments are formulated through a collaborative process that involves the primary stakeholders of the system - labor, management, insurers, medical providers, legislators and staff. This process yields an Act that provides a stable and widely supported worker's compensation system.
EmR2604 A new emergency rule effective May 31, 2026, similar to EmR2518, that makes appropriate amendments in ch. DWD 80, to provide the Department with authority for all procedural matters that have been under its purview as of January 1, 2026. The new emergency rule has been updated to more closely align with the proposed permanent rule language. Additional information can be found by referencing Scope Statement SS 018-26.
On March 30, 2026, Governor Tony Evers signed the WC Agreed Upon Bill for the 2025-2026 biennium, AB-651. 2025 Wisconsin Act 145 was effective on April 1, 2026. Appropriation language from the original bill was approved in 2025 Wisconsin Act 144, effective April 1, 2026. See Act 144, Act 145, and Wisconsin Act 145 Plain Language Summary for more information.
EmR 2518 Emergency rule that returned procedural rules for worker's compensation adjudicatory functions and hearings to ch. DWD 80 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, was effective on January 1, 2026, and expired on May 30, 2026.
On August 8, 2025, Governor Tony Evers signed Assembly Bill 232, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 33, which transferred statutory authority for adjudicatory functions from the Department of Administration's Division of Hearings and Appeals (DHA) back to DWD effective January 1, 2026.
On March 22, 2024 Governor Tony Evers signed the WC Agreed Upon Bill for 2024, AB-1073. 2023 Wisconsin Act 213 was effective March 24, 2024. See Act 213, AB-1073 and 2023 Wisconsin Act 213 Plain Language Summary for more information. AB-1074 was another agreed upon bill for the 23-24 session that did not pass.
CR 22-072 The permanent rule for computing the average weekly wage for part-time employees that complies with the recent amendments to s. 102.11 (1), Wis. Stats., became effective on June 1, 2023.
On April 8, 2022 Governor Tony Evers signed the WC Agreed Upon Bill for 2022, AB-911. 2021 Wisconsin Act 232 became effective on April 10, 2022. Wisconsin Act 232 Plain Language Summary
WC Agreed Upon Bill for 2020 was introduced in the Wisconsin State Senate on January 8, 2020.
WC Agreed Upon Bill for 2018 was introduced in the Wisconsin State Senate on December 21, 2017.
On February 29, 2016 Governor Scott Walker signed the WC Agreed Upon Bill for 2016, AB-724. 2015 Wisconsin Act 180 became effective on March 2, 2016. Plain Language Summary
DWD Contact Information
201 E. Washington Ave
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-3131
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