Fox Cities News

A Wisconsin Senate committee held a public hearing on legislation proposed by Senator Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) that would waive the state’s $130 business formation fee for 18-year-olds still enrolled in high school. The bill, known as Senate Bill 267, seeks to expand the current exemption, which only applies to college students, to include high school seniors attending public, private, tribal schools, or those who are homeschooled.

The proposal aims to provide equal opportunities for all young entrepreneurs in Wisconsin by ensuring that 18-year-old high school students are treated the same as their peers in higher education when it comes to starting a business.

Senator Hutton said, “Across Wisconsin, many of our young adults are innovative and driven to make the most of their ambition and talents. A great example are the many talented high school students who I’ve gotten to know in the 5th Senate District who have been highly successful with robotics.

“This bill removes a financial barrier for them and other young entrepreneurs throughout the state and makes it easier for them to take their talents and ambition to the next level by forming their own business.

“Thank you Chairman Stafsholt and members of the Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage for hearing this bill today. Thank you also to all the co-sponsors who signed on—it’s heartening to see strong bipartisan support for helping foster the next generation of business leaders in our great state.”

Senator Hutton was elected as a Republican representative for Wisconsin's 5th Senate district in 2023, succeeding Dale Kooyenga.