AB 1178 amends Wisconsin statutes to update definitions and procedures for regional transit authorities, ensuring they are recognized as eligible entities for various state programs including highway relocation orders, right-of-way applications, and employer classifications for employee benefits. The bill creates new funding mechanisms by establishing appropriation accounts to collect and distribute taxes imposed by transit authorities that choose to levy them, with a portion of those revenues retained for administrative costs. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which organizations qualify as municipalities and employers under existing laws, explicitly including transit authorities created under the specified chapter while excluding cultural arts districts from certain employer definitions. This bill does not mandate tax collection but provides the legal framework for transit authorities to adopt resolutions imposing taxes if they choose to do so.
SB 967 allows towns to set maximum water levels for artificial lakes or ponds created by dams if the water saturates road beds. It creates a new rule (82.03 (5) (ag)) requiring town boards to approve such limits when road saturation occurs. The bill also updates existing law (88.90 (1)) to let property owners affected by flooding from negligent waterway obstructions demand removal by notifying the landowner responsible. This directly affects towns managing water bodies, dam operators, and property owners near waterways. The changes focus on preventing infrastructure damage from water levels and clarifying recourse for flood-related harm.
AB 882 allows towns to set maximum water levels for artificial water bodies (like ponds or reservoirs behind dams) if high water saturates road beds. It specifically enables town boards to require lower water elevations when a dam's operation threatens road safety. The bill also clarifies that landowners damaged by flooding from negligent obstruction of waterways can demand removal of the obstruction by giving written notice to the responsible party. These changes directly affect towns managing water infrastructure and landowners impacted by water-related damage.
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.
AB 822 modifies Wisconsin's local roads improvement program for town road projects. It exempts projects under $65,000 from requiring registered engineer certification, sets a minimum 10-year design life for funded improvements (requiring professional review for shorter assessments), and prevents counties from contracting with towns for road work they've already estimated. The bill creates new deadlines for towns to submit applications to county facilitators and establishes committees to review funding requests. These changes directly affect towns seeking road funding, counties managing projects, and county highway commissioners handling contracts.
SB 831 creates an Autonomous Driving Safety Board within the Department of Transportation to regulate autonomous vehicle operations on state highways. The bill requires operators to obtain a board-approved permit, involving an application, public hearing, and two-thirds board vote for approval before operating, while prohibiting use on interstate highways. It sets a strict blood alcohol limit of 0.02 for anyone operating an autonomous vehicle and imposes a $1,000 penalty for operating without a valid permit. Permit holders must register vehicles, provide insurance coverage, submit annual safety reports, and share protocols for emergency services interaction.
AB 848 creates an Autonomous Driving Safety Board within the Department of Transportation to regulate autonomous vehicle operations on state highways. Operators must obtain a board-approved permit, requiring a public hearing, a two-thirds board vote for approval, and adherence to safety standards like maintaining financial responsibility for damages. The bill sets a lower blood alcohol limit (0.02%) for autonomous vehicle operators and prohibits operation on interstate highways. Violating the permit requirement carries a $1,000 penalty, while operators must submit annual safety reports detailing traffic interactions and incident data.
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.
SB 722 creates a permit system allowing trucks with 6 or more axles to transport grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer at weights exceeding standard limits, capped at 91,000 pounds total. It requires a $325 permit from the Department of Transportation for such transport on state trunk highways, with routes specified by the department and no approval for interstate highways without federal compliance. Permits are suspended during spring thaw periods and cannot cover non-trunk highways without additional route approval from other highway authorities. This directly affects agricultural haulers and trucking companies moving these specific commodities, adding a regulated pathway for heavier loads within defined limits.
SB 525 streamlines the process for sign owners to remove vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs along highways. It creates a permit system allowing sign owners to trim or remove vegetation within a 500-foot "viewing window" around a sign, defined as the area where the sign must be visible. The bill requires permit applicants to describe proposed work, mandates 15-day advance notice and photo documentation for existing sign owners, and specifies that vegetation removal must include stump removal and proper disposal. This directly affects sign owners and highway departments managing rights-of-way, with new rules for permits, documentation, and compensation for removing trees in designated "living snow fences."
