Senate Minority Leader Diane Hesselbein said on UPFRONT Sunday morning that her caucus would supply the votes to pass a pair of controversial bills if Republicans bring them to the floor this week.
Democratic Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein expressed support for legalizing sports betting in Wisconsin, signaling potential Democratic backing for a controversial bill as the legislative session winds down this week.
In an interview on WISN 12’s “UPFRONT,” Hesselbein said a sports betting measure with “good provisions” could advance.
“I think a lot of us are in favor of this right now,” she told host Matt Smith.
Hesselbein also backed Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) legislation for college athletes and indicated Democrats remain open to bipartisan deals on other priorities.
“We’re always willing to have conversations about good policy,” she said. “If there’s bills that we can find common ground on, then absolutely we’re open to that.”
Republicans in the Wisconsin Assembly have advanced sports betting and NIL measures, but face mounting pressure in the Senate, where they operate under the informal “Rule of 17”—a self-imposed precedent requiring at least 17 GOP votes before bringing a bill to the floor for debate or passage. The rule effectively gives any bloc of fewer than 17 Republicans veto power over legislation, even if it enjoys majority support in the full Senate or strong bipartisan backing.
To pass the sports betting bill or other end-of-session priorities, Republican leaders would likely need to violate or suspend the Rule of 17, relying on Democratic votes to reach the 17-vote threshold or bypass the informal barrier entirely.
Hesselbein noted Democrats plan to offer amendments this week aimed at improving legislation. She emphasized the need to proceed responsibly on gambling expansion while addressing revenue needs for state and local governments.
