State Sen. Andre Jacque wants developers of AI data centers to spend more than a Manitowoc Minute discussing their plans with local communities.

Under Senate Bill 969, introduced by Jacque and Whitewater Republican Sen. Steve Nass, AI data centers would be prohibited from using nondisclosure agreements to conceal details about their proposals.

A public hearing on the bill was held Tuesday, with Jacque pointing out during his testimony to NDAs signed in other parts of the state that kept information from local governments and the residents they represent.

The hearing also included testimony from comedian Charlie Berens, who has been outspoken about the potential impact AI centers could have on communities. Jokes aside, Berens said residents simply want a voice in the process and access to all the information before decisions are made.

Kewaunee County made statewide headlines earlier this year when Wisconsin Watch chronicled Cloverleaf Infrastructure’s attempt to build an AI data center in the town of Carlton, linking the proposal to the potential revival of the Kewaunee Power Station.

Despite being turned away by Carlton and other communities, Cloverleaf Infrastructure has said it remains hopeful it can build a facility somewhere in northeast Wisconsin.