Environment

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1042: Relating to: the restrictiveness of shoreland zoning ordinances. (FE)

SB 1042 limits local government restrictions on routine maintenance and remodeling of structures near shorelands. It prohibits counties and the state department from requiring fees, approvals, or regulations for activities like repairs, replacements, or restorations - as long as the structure's footprint doesn't expand. The bill creates a new provision (59.692(1k)(ag)) allowing fees for these permitted activities, while repealing existing sections that previously restricted such work. This directly affects landowners with properties near shorelines and local governments enforcing shoreland zoning rules.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRemoves local restrictions on shoreland maintenance, reducing environmental oversight for activities near waterways that could impact ecosystems.85% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 874: Relating to: environmental review prerequisites for certain major highway project actions.

AB 874 streamlines environmental review requirements for major highway projects in the state. It defines "categorical exclusion" (a simplified review process for projects with minimal environmental impact) and requires the Department of Transportation to submit a report with a financing plan ensuring construction begins within six years of project approval. The bill mandates that projects must have federal environmental review approval (like a draft impact statement) before the commission can recommend approval. This affects highway projects listed under Section 84.013(1)(a)2m. and aims to accelerate project timelines while maintaining environmental review standards.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentStreamlines environmental reviews for highway projects by expanding categorical exclusions, reducing regulatory scrutiny that protects the environment, aligning with OPPOSE indicators.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationStreamlines environmental reviews for highway projects, requiring faster construction timelines to advance transportation infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 825: Relating to: environmental review prerequisites for certain major highway project actions.

SB 825 streamlines environmental review processes for major highway projects by establishing clearer timelines and requirements. It defines "categorical exclusion" (avoiding full environmental reviews for standard projects) and requires the transportation department to submit a report to the commission before construction begins, including proof that financing is secured to start work within 6 years of project approval. The bill directly affects highway projects listed under Section 84.013(3) and those described in Section 84.013(1)(a)2m., requiring project reports to include approved environmental documentation and a financing plan. These changes aim to accelerate project timelines while ensuring compliance with federal environmental review standards.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentStreamlines environmental reviews via categorical exclusions, reducing regulatory hurdles for highway projects, indicating weakened environmental protections.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationStreamlines environmental reviews for highway projects, accelerating infrastructure development without reducing funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 890: Relating to: eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits. (FE)

SB 890 modifies eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits by disallowing credits for acres with non-accessory photovoltaic solar energy systems installed during the taxable year. Specifically, it prevents tax credits on qualifying farmland where such solar systems (defined as not being accessory uses, like rooftop installations) are present. The bill creates new provisions to track both total qualifying acres and acres affected by these solar systems. This change directly impacts farmers seeking farmland preservation tax credits who have installed larger-scale solar installations on their land, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRestricts tax credits for farmland with non-accessory solar systems, reducing tax benefits and altering fiscal incentives for farmers.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill disallows tax credits for farmland with non-accessory solar systems, discouraging clean energy adoption on agricultural land, directly opposing environmental progress.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 900: Relating to: eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits. (FE)

AB 900 modifies eligibility for farmland preservation tax credits by prohibiting credits for any qualifying farmland where a non-accessory photovoltaic solar energy system (like standalone solar panels) is located during the taxable year. This directly affects farmers or landowners who seek these tax credits but have installed such solar systems on their eligible farmland. The bill creates new definitions to clarify that credits cannot be claimed for acres with these non-accessory solar installations, while maintaining credit eligibility for land without them. The policy change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRestricts tax credit eligibility for solar-equipped farmland, reducing available tax benefits under the program.85% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyProhibits tax credits for non-accessory solar systems on farmland, restricting renewable energy development by removing financial incentives for solar installations.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits tax credits for solar installations on farmland, reducing incentives for clean energy adoption on agricultural land.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Conservation

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signed · Wisconsin · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 798: Relating to: a wetland assured delineation program, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

SB 798 establishes a "wetland assured delineation program" that allows certified professionals to identify wetland boundaries for development projects without requiring final government confirmation. To qualify, professionals must meet specific education/experience requirements (e.g., bachelor’s degree with 5 years’ field experience) and submit reports by March 15 annually. This program directly affects land developers, environmental consultants, and property owners needing wetland assessments, as certified delineators’ work will carry the same legal weight as government-verified reports under state law. The bill also extends deadlines for emergency rule procedures and grants the Department of Natural Resources authority to implement program rules.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentEliminates government review of wetland delineation, reducing regulatory oversight for developers and potentially weakening wetland protections.85% confidence

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 78: Relating to: the distribution and labeling of fertilizers and soil or plant additives produced from manure. (FE)

SB 78 modifies labeling and testing rules for fertilizers and soil additives made from manure compost or vermicompost. It allows producers to use "typical analysis" (an average nutrient analysis) instead of the standard "guaranteed analysis" for claims about plant nutrients and beneficial substances on labels. The bill also exempts these compost-based products from a requirement that mixed fertilizers must contain at least 24% combined nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. This simplifies regulatory compliance for producers of compost-derived soil and plant products.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts compost fertilizers from nutrient content requirements, reducing regulatory oversight that could prevent over-fertilization and water pollution.85% confidence

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 82: Relating to: governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device.

SB 82 prohibits state and local governments from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles based on their energy source (like gasoline, electric, or hydrogen power). It also bans similar restrictions on other devices that rely on specific energy sources for key functions. The law applies broadly to all government agencies and units, preventing them from enacting policies that target vehicles or devices solely by their power source. The only exception allows governments to maintain their own vehicle purchase policies for their own fleets.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPrevents restrictions on vehicles/devices by energy source, enabling adoption of renewable energy options like electric/hydrogen power.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentPrevents governments from restricting fossil fuel vehicles (e.g., banning gasoline cars), weakening emission reduction efforts and environmental regulations.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits restrictions on vehicle energy sources (electric/hydrogen), enabling broader adoption of sustainable transportation options without government barriers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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vetoed · Wisconsin · Senate May 13, 2026

SB 420: Relating to: prohibiting rights of nature ordinances. (FE)

SB 420 prohibits cities, towns, villages, and counties from enacting "rights of nature ordinances," which are local laws granting legal rights to natural resources (like rivers or forests) to exist, be protected from pollution, or maintain healthy ecosystems. The bill directly affects local governments that might consider such ordinances. It creates a new statute (66.0132) explicitly banning these ordinances without providing exceptions. The law is purely procedural, preventing local governments from passing this specific type of ordinance.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits local 'rights of nature' ordinances that protect ecosystems from pollution, directly restricting environmental safeguards.95% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 3: Relating to: requiring local approval for certain wind and solar projects before Public Service Commission approval.

SB 3 requires local governments to approve certain wind and solar energy projects before the Public Service Commission can review them. This directly affects renewable energy developers seeking to build projects and local municipalities responsible for granting permits. The bill creates a new step where community-level approval must be secured prior to state-level review by the Public Service Commission. This changes the current process by adding a mandatory local consent requirement before state agencies can act on these projects.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRequires local approval before state review for wind/solar projects, creating potential delays or denials that hinder renewable energy development.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRequires local approval before renewable projects proceed, potentially delaying or blocking wind/solar development, which hinders environmental progress.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Utility Regulation

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