Senator Jacque Proposes Bills to Slow Data Center Growth
New legislation aims to reform tax exemptions and mandate transparency for Wisconsin data center developments.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Data Centers
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State Senator Andre Jacque has introduced two pieces of legislation, including Senate Bill 969, to address the rapid development of data centers in Wisconsin. The bills seek to curtail tax breaks and require greater transparency from developers.
Why it matters
Lawmakers have raised concerns that current policies treat data centers like charities and schools, potentially delaying local economic benefits. Officials are questioning whether the industry is currently paying its fair share to support the state infrastructure.
Wisconsin currently hosts 63 data center facilities and projects, with 43 operations running and eight more currently in the planning stage. Approved sales and use tax exemptions for these developments approach $2 billion in total.
The players
Andre Jacque
He is a Wisconsin State Senator who is leading the legislative effort to reform how the state incentivizes and regulates the data center industry.
Charlie Berens
He is a comedian and media personality who is partnering with Senator Jacque to help promote the new legislative agenda.
The details
Senate Bill 969 specifically targets developer practices by prohibiting the use of non-disclosure agreements in Wisconsin projects. Senator Andre Jacque is currently collaborating with comedian Charlie Berens to build public awareness and support for the proposed legislative changes.
Timeline
October 25, 2026: Senator Andre Jacque discussed the new legislative proposals during an interview on WOMT.
The Tech Race
The proposed legislation directly challenges the state's existing sales and use tax exemption for data centers, which currently serves as a primary pillar of Wisconsin's industrial recruitment strategy. This move signals a significant shift in how the state evaluates the long-term utility of hosting massive cloud infrastructure compared to traditional tax-exempt entities.
Residents may see changes in how local government funding is prioritized if the current tax exemption structure for data centers is overhauled. These policy changes could impact the local tax base and how the state balances industrial growth against infrastructure costs.
The takeaway
Legislators are increasingly focusing on the fiscal sustainability of high-tech infrastructure projects in their districts. Residents should monitor committee hearings to see how these bills evolve before they reach the full legislature.
Further reading
For more information on the current status of the industry, visit the Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Seehafer News.
Live Poll
Should state governments provide tax exemptions to large tech companies building data centers in your state?
