Skip main navigation

Outdated or Unsupported Browser Detected
DWD's website uses the latest technology. This makes our site faster and easier to use across all devices. Unfortunatley, your browser is out of date and is not supported. An update is not required, but it is strongly recommended to improve your browsing experience. To update Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge visit their website.

Genetic Testing

Overview

The Wisconsin Fair Employment Law prohibits your employer, employment agency, labor union, licensing agency and other persons from discriminating against you, an employee, job applicant, and/or licensing applicant, based on genetic testing.

The statute of limitations for filing a complaint is 300 days from the date the action was taken or you were made aware the action was taken.

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing means a test of your genes, gene products or chromosomes, for abnormalities or deficiencies, including carrier status, that are linked to physical or mental disorders or impairments, or that indicate a susceptibility to illness, disease, impairment, or other disorders, whether physical or mental, or that demonstrate genetic or chromosomal damage due to environmental factors.

What actions are covered?

When the fact that you have obtained a genetic test or the results of a genetic test motivates the decision related to an employment action or licensing action, it becomes unlawful discrimination.

Specifically, the law prohibits discrimination in:

Additionally, your employer, employment agency, labor union, and/or licensing agency cannot require you to submit to a genetic test as a condition of employment, union membership or licensure.

For more information