This bill updates eligibility criteria for highways seeking agricultural road improvement grants. It adds a new requirement that an engineering analysis by a licensed professional must confirm a highway cannot safely handle heavy agricultural traffic. Previously, eligibility was based on structural deficiencies or posted weight restrictions. The change directly affects farmers and rural communities relying on specific highways for transporting equipment and crops.
AB 409 makes it illegal to pass a stopped vehicle on or near a highway without exercising caution, creating a new traffic violation. It directly affects drivers who pass stopped vehicles, such as those involved in accidents or breakdowns, particularly near emergency or maintenance crews. The key provision establishes a specific penalty (fines or citations) for violating this rule, aiming to improve safety in highway stoppages. This bill updates traffic regulations to address unsafe passing behavior near stationary vehicles.
AB 509 updates Wisconsin's rules for highway project delivery by creating new definitions for alternative methods like "design-build" and excluding others. It establishes a $300 million annual funding limit for alternative delivery projects (adjusted yearly using the DOT's construction cost index), with a cap of six contracts per year. The bill specifically prohibits using "construction manager-general contractor" or "progressive design-build" methods in the pilot program. This directly affects the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, contractors bidding on highway projects, and state transportation budget allocations.
AB 653 creates a state-funded program to improve safety at high-risk intersections. It directs the Department of Transportation to provide local governments (cities and counties) with funding for safety upgrades at signalized and stop-sign intersections with excessive crash rates. The program prioritizes intersections in the 10% of counties with the worst crash records from 2019-2024 data, using $6 million in new annual funding. This directly affects local governments managing highways by enabling them to apply for grants or reimbursements for intersection safety improvements.
AB 329 clarifies and updates regulations for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles. It creates new definitions for terms like "bridge," "culvert," "dune buggy," and "navigable waterway" to standardize language in traffic laws. Key provisions require ATVs to have one headlamp/tail lamp and UTVs to have two of each, prohibit operation without functioning lights, and specify rules for crossing bridges/culverts (e.g., 1,000 feet or less, with local ordinances). The bill also adds exceptions for emergency use and defines patrol vehicles used by law enforcement. This directly affects ATV/UTV operators, emergency responders, and local governments managing roadway access.
AB 679 creates a new permit system for trucks carrying grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer that exceed standard weight limits. It allows vehicles with 6 or more axles to operate at up to 91,000 pounds gross weight on state highways, provided they meet axle weight distribution rules and follow department-specified routes. The bill directly affects agricultural haulers and trucking companies transporting these materials, requiring a $325 permit for such operations. Permits are invalid on interstate highways (except as permitted by federal law) and may be suspended during spring thaw conditions. This bill does not change base weight limits but establishes a regulated pathway for heavier agricultural transport.
AB 334 requires state highway departments to include bicycle and pedestrian facilities in all new highway projects funded by state or federal money (such as those under statutes §20.395 or §20.866). The bill mandates this unless specific exceptions apply, such as if facility costs exceed 20% of the total project cost, if the location is too constrained, if there's no demonstrated need (e.g., low population/traffic), or if a community refuses to maintain the facilities. It grants the transportation secretary authority to review and approve such exceptions on a case-by-case basis. This directly affects state highway projects and transportation planning decisions across the state.
AB 522 clarifies rules for skateboard and in-line skate use on public roads. It establishes that riders must follow safety rules (e.g., riding carefully, not attaching to vehicles) and prohibits use on certain roadways without local permission. Local governments gain authority to restrict skateboard use on their streets via ordinance, while still allowing crosswalk crossings. The bill also updates legal definitions to exclude skateboards from "recreational vehicles" and prohibits towing them. These changes directly affect skateboard users, municipalities, and road safety regulations.
AB 439 modifies eligibility rules for a state grant program that funds improvements to agricultural roads. The bill adds a new requirement: a highway must have an engineering analysis by a licensed professional showing it cannot handle heavy agricultural traffic to qualify for the grant. This directly affects farmers and agricultural businesses that rely on these roads, as it expands the criteria beyond existing structural deficiencies or weight restrictions. The change aims to ensure roads serving farming operations receive targeted funding based on actual traffic capacity needs.
SB 527 clarifies rules for skateboard and in-line skate use on roadways. It defines skateboards as non-motorized devices and prohibits attaching them to vehicles or riding on certain roadways under state jurisdiction. Local governments may create ordinances restricting skateboard use on their roads (except at crosswalks), while riders must follow safety rules like riding carefully. The bill also updates vehicle definitions to exclude skateboards and in-line skates from certain categories. These changes aim to standardize safety expectations and local authority over sidewalk and roadway access.
