Environment

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 298: Relating to: ban on the use of certain insecticides by the Department of Natural Resources.

SB 298 prohibits Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources from using neonicotinoid insecticides on state lands acquired and maintained under section 23.09(2)(d). This directly affects the department's land management practices on public parks, preserves, and conservation areas. The ban includes three key exceptions: existing farming agreements entered before the law's effective date, forest insect control on state forests/nurseries, and designated infestation zones under existing forest management rules. The bill creates a clear policy change by restricting a specific pesticide class on most state lands while preserving necessary forestry applications.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans neonicotinoid insecticides on state lands, protecting ecosystems and pollinators from harmful chemicals used in public land management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Public Lands

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 635: Relating to: notifying counties and tribes of an exceedance of groundwater protection standards or standards for PFAS. (FE)

AB 635 requires the state environmental department to notify county health departments, tribal health departments, and county land conservation departments within 7 business days whenever groundwater protection standards or PFAS standards are exceeded. The bill creates a formal notification system to alert affected local governments and adjacent counties that might face negative impacts, with notices available for public review under state law. This law directly affects local health and land management agencies in counties where water contamination breaches are confirmed, ensuring timely public awareness of groundwater safety issues.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates timely notification of groundwater/PFAS exceedances, enhancing pollution control and environmental protection through formal alert system for affected entities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 296: Relating to: enumeration of projects in the Authorized State Building Program, modifications to building program project budgets, selection of project architects and engineers, single prime contracting, agency cooperation with energy conservation contractors, timeline for claims before the Claims Board, and making a transfer to the state building trust fund. (FE)

SB 296 updates Wisconsin's state building program rules. It requires state agencies to list projects in the official building program (with a $2 million minimum cost threshold), mandates quarterly budget reports for cost overruns, and sets a 6-month deadline for resolving contractor claims involving state buildings. The bill also allows waivers for projects over $200 million, changes how architects/engineers are selected for larger projects, and encourages partnerships with energy service companies to improve facility efficiency. These changes directly affect state agencies, construction contractors, and energy providers managing public building projects.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires agencies to cooperate with energy conservation contractors, promoting building energy efficiency.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEncourages energy conservation partnerships and agency cooperation with energy service contractors, promoting building efficiency and reduced emissions.70% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 150: Relating to: passing legislation to reduce carbon emissions.

SB 150 requires the state legislature to create and pass a plan by the 2025-26 session to reduce the state's carbon emissions by 52% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The bill directly affects the state government, which must develop this plan, and will impact all residents and businesses through new emission regulations. Key provisions include setting specific emission reduction targets and mandating that the plan prioritize improvements in economic and racial equity. The bill focuses on establishing concrete, time-bound goals rather than detailing specific regulatory mechanisms.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates 52% carbon reduction by 2030 and neutrality by 2050, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and emission targets.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentSB 150 mandates 52% emission cuts by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, directly advancing climate action through binding targets.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 316: Relating to: the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship 2000 program and a major land acquisitions program. (FE)

SB 316 modifies funding rules for Wisconsin's land acquisition programs that support parks and recreational lands. It reduces the maximum grant percentage from 50% to 40% for local governments applying for funds after purchasing land (instead of before), while maintaining a 30% cap on using grants for the remaining costs. The bill also sets aside $2 million annually from fiscal years 2026-27 through 2029-30 specifically for the state to acquire land directly, and preserves a $38,000 grant for Upper Whiting Park development. These changes directly affect cities, counties, and conservation groups seeking state funding for land acquisitions under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesReduces local grant funding from 50% to 40% for land acquisition, restricting public land program support and defunding local government participation.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill maintains land conservation funding through modified grants and allocates $2M annually for park land acquisition, directly supporting environmental protection and natural resource conservation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Conservation Parks & Recreation

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 290: Relating to: special registration plates to support protecting pollinators and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 290 creates a special vehicle registration plate titled "Protect Pollinators" with a voluntary $25 annual or $50 biennial fee for vehicle owners who choose it. All fees collected beyond $23,700 (or production costs, whichever is less) are deposited into the conservation fund to support pollinator protection programs. The plate must display "Protect Pollinators" and cover the entire plate, as specified in the bill. This directly affects Wisconsin vehicle owners who select this plate option, directing funds toward conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates voluntary $25/$50 fee with excess funds deposited into conservation fund for pollinator programs, directly funding a specific initiative through targeted revenue.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds pollinator protection programs via special plate fees; excess funds deposited into conservation fund, directly advancing environmental conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Conservation

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 632: Relating to: issuance of permits for the mining of sulfide ore bodies.

AB 632 imposes a moratorium on issuing permits for mining sulfide ore bodies (mineral deposits where metals mix with sulfide minerals) until two conditions are verified. Specifically, the department must confirm that similar mining operations in the U.S. or Canada have operated for at least 10 years without polluting groundwater or surface water from acid drainage or heavy metals, and that similar closed mines have remained pollution-free for 10 years. This applies to all permit applications, regardless of when they were submitted, and remains in effect until the verification requirements are met. The bill directly affects mining companies seeking permits for sulfide ore mining projects in the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMoratorium requires proof of 10-year pollution-free mining operations, preventing potential groundwater/surface water contamination from sulfide mining.90% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 502: Relating to: a nuclear energy generation tax credit; prioritizing nuclear energy resources; approval of certain electric tariffs for very large customers; and authorizing electric utilities to recover certain precertification costs through rates. (FE)

SB 502 creates a 20-year tax credit for nuclear energy facilities in Wisconsin, providing electric utilities and cooperatives with annual credits of $10,000 per megawatt (decreasing to $1,000 by year 19) for qualifying nuclear power generation. The credit applies only to facilities located in Wisconsin that generated electricity during the tax year, with a cap of 20 years per facility. It also modifies definitions to include nuclear energy in "renewable resource" reporting for state agencies and utilities. The bill allows credit transfers to other taxpayers subject to state income tax, but prohibits partnerships and similar entities from claiming the credit directly.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates 20-year tax credit for nuclear facilities, providing fiscal incentive that reduces state revenue via tax relief for utilities.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates 20-year tax credits for nuclear facilities, prioritizes nuclear resources, and classifies nuclear as renewable for reporting - directly funds nuclear energy generation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes nuclear energy via tax credits, a low-carbon power source, advancing environmental protection by incentivizing clean energy generation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Nuclear

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 112: Relating to: hunting of sandhill cranes, programs related to sandhill crane damage, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 112 establishes a permit system for hunting sandhill cranes, requiring state approval and federal compliance. It allocates 50% of permit fees to fund crane population management and education, while the remaining 50% supports wildlife damage programs. The bill creates a $1.875 million annual appropriation for reimbursing landowners affected by sandhill crane damage. These changes directly affect hunters (who need permits), landowners (receiving damage reimbursements), and conservation programs managing crane populations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates $1.875M annual appropriation for landowner reimbursements and allocates permit fees to conservation programs, directly funding state budget initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAllocates 50% of permit fees to crane population management and education, directly funding wildlife conservation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Conservation Wildlife

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 145: Relating to: passing legislation to reduce carbon emissions.

AB 145 requires the state legislature to create and pass a plan to reduce carbon emissions by 52% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The bill mandates that any legislative plan developed must prioritize improving both economic and racial equity alongside emission reductions. It directly affects the legislature, which must finalize this plan during the 2025-26 session. The key provision is establishing legally binding emission reduction targets with an explicit requirement to address equity impacts in the implementation strategy.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates binding carbon emission targets (52% by 2030, net-zero by 2050) requiring shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, directly advancing clean energy policy goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates legally binding carbon reduction targets (52% by 2030, net-zero by 2050) with equity requirements, directly advancing environmental protection through emission cuts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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