WI SB1070

Creates a democracy trust fund providing public campaign financing for Wisconsin Supreme Court justice, court of appeals judge, and circuit court judge candidates who qualify by collecting 1,000+ qualifying contributions of $5-$100 totaling $5,000-$50,000

Public financing benefits are $1,000,000 for primary and $3,000,000 for general election for Supreme Court justice candidates; $100,000 for primary and $300,000 for general election for appeals and circuit court judge candidates, with biennial cost-of-living adjustments starting July 1, 2028

Participating candidates may only accept qualifying contributions, seed money contributions up to $100 per donor (aggregate $5,000 limit), and personal funds up to $5,000; no private contributions allowed after accepting public financing

Funded through a $5 voluntary income tax checkoff on state returns (does not increase liability or reduce refunds), with general purpose revenues covering any shortfall between checkoff amounts and program costs

Takes effect December 1 following publication, with tax checkoff applying to taxable years beginning January 1 of the year of enactment (or following year if enacted after July 31)