The Wisconsin Auctioneers Association (WAA) Legislative Committee recently met with the Illinois Legislative Committee to learn more about Illinois Senate Bill 2351, a new law that significantly expands auction regulation in Illinois beginning January 1, 2026. The meeting was very productive, and Illinois provided valuable insight as Wisconsin explores the possibility of pursuing a similar approach.
Illinois Senate Bill 2351 modernizes the Auction License Act by adding clear definitions for estate sales, estate sale services, and online auctions, and by requiring licensed auctioneers to be involved in these activities. The law brings previously unregulated estate-style and online sales under licensed auctioneer oversight, helping protect consumers while supporting professional, local auctioneers.
Wisconsin is interested in learning from Illinois’ experience as we evaluate whether similar consumer protections and professional standards could benefit auctioneers and the public here at home. This topic will be discussed in more detail at the 2026 WAA Convention.
In addition to this Illinois-inspired discussion, the Legislative Committee is actively monitoring two important Wisconsin bills:
2025 Senate Bill 706 (Pending)
Current law provides a sales and use tax exemption for five or fewer auctions of personal farm property or household goods held by the same auctioneer at the same location during a year. This bill clarifies that the exemption applies to five or fewer auction events, defining an auction event as the total number of consecutive days property is available for bidding. For auctions involving Internet bidding, the event is defined as the total number of consecutive days winning bids are selected, regardless of property location.
2025 Assembly Bill 758
Current law provides a sales and use tax exemption for precious metal bullion but requires purchasers to provide an exemption certificate. This bill eliminates the certificate requirement, simplifying how the exemption is claimed for bullion sales.
Call to Action
These three legislative items—Illinois-style auction regulation, Senate Bill 706, and Assembly Bill 758—have the potential to impact auctioneers across Wisconsin. Member involvement is critical. If you would like to join the WAA Legislative Committee and be part of shaping these discussions, please contact us at info@wisconsinauctioneers.org.
We also strongly encourage all members to attend the 2026 Convention, where these legislative issues will be discussed in greater detail and where your voice can help guide the future of our profession.
