Transportation

vetoed · Wisconsin · Assembly May 13, 2026

AB 882: Relating to: town authority over the water elevation of an artificial water body created by a dam and recourse due to damage caused by an obstructed waterway.

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables towns to set water levels to prevent road bed saturation from high water, directly enhancing road safety and infrastructure protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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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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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 24, 2026

AB 822: Relating to: administration of town road improvements under the local roads improvement program. (FE)

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExempts small road projects from certification, mandates 10-year design life, and prevents redundant contracting - enhancing road infrastructure efficiency and quality under local roads program.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 983: Relating to: surplus property held by the Department of Transportation. (FE)

AB 983 requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to notify local governments, school districts, and tribes before selling surplus land, giving them 60 days to express interest in acquiring it for public use. If they respond, the DOT must offer the land at appraised value for general public use, or at a reduced price if the land is needed for transportation or infrastructure projects. The bill also mandates that buyers provide a plan for the public use and agree to permanent restrictions ensuring the land remains for that purpose. This change affects counties, municipalities, school districts, and federally recognized tribes that may seek to acquire DOT surplus land. The policy directly alters the DOT's land sale process to prioritize public ownership over general public sales.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires DOT to offer surplus land at reduced price for transportation projects and mandates public use plans, directly advancing transportation infrastructure development.90% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 831: Relating to: operation of autonomous vehicles on highways and providing a penalty.

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates safety board, sets strict BAC limit, and penalties for autonomous vehicle operations, enhancing transportation safety standards on highways.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing Roads & Highways

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 848: Relating to: operation of autonomous vehicles on highways and providing a penalty.

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates safety board, mandates permits, lowers BAC limit, and sets safety standards for autonomous vehicles on highways, enhancing transportation safety.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Autonomous Vehicles Driver Licensing 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 · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 922: Relating to: accessibility of locations of Department of Transportation. (FE)

AB 922 requires all Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) office locations that issue operators' licenses to meet 2010 ADA accessibility standards by January 1, 2030. This directly affects DOT offices serving the public, particularly people with disabilities seeking license services. The bill mandates modifications to ensure full accessibility, prohibits using exceptions or local ordinances to avoid compliance, and sets reporting deadlines: by 2027, DOT must identify priority locations needing upgrades and cost estimates, and by 2028, submit progress reports on completed modifications.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates ADA accessibility compliance for DOT offices, enhancing transportation service access for people with disabilities in infrastructure-related public services.85% confidence

Tags People with Disabilities

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signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

AB 737: Relating to: financing certain infrastructure by special charge approved by a neighborhood improvement district.

AB 737 allows municipalities to establish neighborhood improvement districts that can impose special property charges to fund infrastructure directly related to residential development within those neighborhoods. Property owners in designated districts would pay these charges, which can be collected in installments over time and included in regular tax bills, rather than requiring delinquency. The bill requires districts to specify exactly which infrastructure projects the funds will support and how charges are calculated per parcel, while allowing exemptions from notice requirements if a single owner holds all properties in the district. This legislation affects local property owners and municipalities by creating a new mechanism for financing neighborhood-specific infrastructure improvements through targeted assessments.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds infrastructure for residential development through neighborhood districts, enabling new housing projects without explicit affordability focus.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds neighborhood infrastructure projects via special property charges, directly supporting transportation infrastructure development within residential areas.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Housing Finance Property Development

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 754: Relating to: regional transit authorities and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 754 reorganizes how regional transit authorities manage tax revenues. It requires 1.5% of collected transit taxes to fund administrative operations through a new state account, clarifying fund allocation. The bill updates multiple statutes to explicitly include "transit authority" in definitions for entities like housing authorities, redevelopment boards, and local cultural arts districts. This affects all regional transit authorities that impose local taxes under Chapter 77. The changes clarify funding pathways without creating new taxes or services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires 1.5% of transit tax revenue for administrative operations, clarifying fund allocation and promoting fiscal responsibility within existing tax structure.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires 1.5% of transit taxes for administrative funding, clarifying allocation to support regional transit authority operations and infrastructure management.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Business Taxes Public Transit Transportation Funding

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