AB 7 requires local governments (cities, villages, or towns) to approve large-scale wind and solar projects (15 megawatts or more) before the Public Service Commission can approve them. Developers must seek municipal approval, which must be granted or denied within 90 days (with possible 90-day extensions for specific reasons). If a municipality fails to act within the deadline, the project is automatically approved. This bill directly affects renewable energy developers and local governments, shifting approval authority to municipalities for qualifying projects.
SB 289 requires state agencies to provide detailed economic impact analyses for proposed rules that impose costs on businesses, local governments, or individuals. Agencies must quantify expected implementation and compliance costs (and potential savings) for each affected group, attribute all costs directly to the rule (not other laws or federal requirements), and include this in their analysis. If an independent analysis shows costs exceed $10 million over two years, the rule must be paused until costs are addressed or offset. This bill directly affects state agencies creating new rules and the businesses, local governments, and individuals who would bear the financial impact.
AB 315 modifies grant rules for Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program and land conservation efforts. It creates new provisions requiring governmental units and nonprofits to apply for funding *before* purchasing land to qualify for up to 50% of acquisition costs (reduced to 40% if applying after purchase). The bill maintains a 30% cap on additional costs covered by grants or in-kind contributions. These changes directly affect local governments and conservation groups seeking state funds to acquire land for parks, recreation, or conservation. The bill does not create new funding but adjusts eligibility and percentage limits for existing programs.
AB 288 prohibits retailers and plant providers from labeling plants as "beneficial to pollinators" if those plants were treated with systemic insecticides that carry pollinator warnings on their labels (such as "bee protection" statements or environmental hazard notices). The law directly affects businesses selling plants at retail or to end users, requiring them to avoid misleading claims about pollinator benefits when insecticides with specific warnings were used. Key provisions define "systemic insecticide" and require that labeling aligns with the insecticide's actual pollinator safety status. This creates a clear policy change: plants treated with pollinator-risk insecticides cannot be marketed as pollinator-friendly, aiming to prevent consumer confusion about environmental impact.
AB 333 creates a refundable tax credit for low-income residents who purchase bicycles (including electric bikes) for their dependents. Eligible claimants - those with family income under 200% of the federal poverty line - can claim up to $200 per dependent annually, based on actual purchase costs. The credit is refundable, meaning unused portions are paid directly by the state via a dedicated appropriation. Claimants must submit proof of purchase with their tax return and meet residency and income requirements.
AB 488 adds soybean-derived fire suppression products to the list of eligible costs for state fire safety grants. The bill specifically allows grant recipients to purchase these products using funds from existing fire suppression grant programs. This change directly affects state agencies, local fire departments, or organizations applying for these grants, making soybean-based fire suppression materials a qualifying expense.
AB 129 requires all public and private schools to implement safe drinking water systems by developing management plans that specify locations for filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 100 occupants) and filtered faucets. The bill mandates regular testing for lead (max 5 ppb) and PFAS chemicals, with immediate action if contaminants exceed limits - including shutting off affected outlets and replacing filters. Schools must maintain these systems, conduct annual testing, and update plans every five years. The bill is currently pending in the Education Committee after introduction in March 2025.
Senate Joint Resolution 37 (SJR 37) proposes to amend the Wisconsin Constitution by creating a new section that establishes a right to a clean, safe, and healthy natural environment. This constitutional right would apply to all people in the state, including future generations, and specifically mentions clean water, air, healthy soils, and a stable climate. The proposed amendment dictates that these rights shall never be infringed, be subject to strict scrutiny in court, and be protected equitably across all communities. Additionally, it designates the state as a trustee responsible for protecting Wisconsin's natural resources for its citizens.
SB 343 requires state highway departments to include bike paths and pedestrian pathways in all new highway construction or reconstruction projects funded by state or federal money. It creates specific exceptions allowing projects to skip these features only if the cost exceeds 20% of the total project budget, if they would cause excessive harm in a tight space, if there's no community need, or if a local community refuses to maintain them. The bill directs the state transportation department to create rules defining these exceptions, with a requirement for a senior official to review cost-based exceptions. This policy directly affects state highway planning and project developers working with state or federal funds.
AB 310 creates a state-funded grant program to help agricultural businesses reduce nutrient runoff into waterways. It provides financial assistance for farmers and ranchers to implement practices like cover cropping, precision fertilization, or manure management systems. The program aims to improve water quality by directly supporting on-farm changes that limit excess nutrients from entering rivers and lakes. (Note: As introduced, specific eligibility details and funding levels remain under review by the Agriculture Committee.)
