WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- Welcome to a snowed-in edition of the MacIver Monday newsletter. We guarantee this week's email is better than shoveling. ⛄
Spotlight
State’s Public Trust Doctrine Shouldn’t Be Trusted
Richard Moore warns that Wisconsin’s public trust doctrine is being dangerously expanded far beyond its constitutional limits, threatening private property rights across the state. In a follow-up to the Shorewood trespass case, Richard explains how judicial activism could turn dry beaches, shorelands, wetlands, and even non-navigable areas into regulated public domain — enabling unchecked state control over zoning, development, and “scenic beauty.” He calls for scaling the doctrine back to its original narrow focus on navigable waters for navigation and recreation, restoring democratic policymaking and preventing what he describes as ideological overreach and inconsistent regulation.
Read Part 3 of 3 in his series here.
Deep Dive
AB 962: App Store Accountability Bill is Riddled with Problems
Michael Lucas dissects AB 962, the so-called "App Store Accountability Bill" that would force age verification, parental consent, and data encryption on platforms like Apple and Google. While pitched as child protection, Michael shows the requirements are easily bypassed by tech-savvy kids, raise serious First Amendment concerns, and create massive new privacy and data-breach risks through invasive ID uploads and facial scans. The bill substitutes ineffective state mandates for real parental responsibility and urges lawmakers to reject this flawed approach.
Your support makes the difference!
Wisconsin’s future depends on bold ideas and the courage to challenge the status quo—and that’s exactly what MacIver delivers every day. Right now, we are working on several big projects that will highlight good policy solutions to shape our state. Your support allows us to hold politicians accountable, advance free-market solutions, and give a voice to taxpayers across the state. If you value independent research and fearless reporting, please consider making a contribution today.
Coming Soon
U.S. Senate Action on SAVE America Act
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate is expected to take action on the SAVE America Act to safeguard our elections with commonsense reforms like those MacIver recently helped enshrine in Wisconsin law. Sen. Ron Johnson has stated he supports the bill., but Sen. Tammy Baldwin does not. Contact her office here.
You Should Know
Lawmaker Reaffirms DPI Audit Following Oconto Falls Grooming Lawsuit
A major lawsuit filed against Oconto Falls schools alleges a 20-year pattern of teacher-student grooming and abuse involving at least eight teachers and 14 victims. Sen. Eric Wimberger (R-Gillett) says the case underscores the urgent need for the long-awaited statewide DPI audit on how the Department of Public Instruction handles sexual misconduct allegations.
Quick Click
WEC Launches Election Hub Ahead of 2026 Elections
The Wisconsin Elections Commission has rolled out a new one-stop online hub with voter resources, election results, manuals, statistics, press releases, and security information to help Wisconsinites prepare for the 2026 cycle.
For Your Commute
MacIver's Michael Lucas talks with constitutional scholar and author Rob Natelson for the latest episode of his 'Unregulated' podcast. The two discuss a range of issues, including tariffs and presidential powers when it comes to issues of war. Give it a watch or listen below.
Last Update: Mar 16, 2026 2:42 pm CDT
