Transportation

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 783: Relating to: the commercial driver training grant program. (FE)

This bill changes eligibility requirements for state grants supporting commercial driver training. To qualify, training must meet federal standards, be provided by a registry-listed provider at a state-based facility, and trainees must obtain a commercial license in Wisconsin after March 2024 (with a specific exception for non-training-provider applicants). It also limits grants to one per trainee. The bill directly affects training providers and applicants seeking state funding for driver education programs.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates federal standards for commercial driver training grants, enhancing transportation safety standards in vehicle regulation training programs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 722: Relating to: weight limits for vehicles transporting grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer. (FE)

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates permit system for heavier agricultural trucks on state highways, enabling more efficient transport while managing infrastructure impact through DOT route specifications.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight Roads & Highways

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vetoed · Wisconsin · Senate May 13, 2026

SB 699: Relating to: alternative methods of providing pupil transportation services. (FE)

SB 699 modifies school transportation rules to allow more flexible options. It lowers the standard passenger limit for school buses from 14 to 9 or fewer people (excluding the driver) and creates a new emergency process: school boards can request temporary transportation for 10+ passengers if regular service is unavailable, requiring approval from the transportation secretary. The bill also specifies insurance requirements, mandating minimum $10,000 property damage and $25,000 bodily injury coverage for non-school-owned vehicles carrying 9 or fewer passengers. These changes directly affect school districts, bus contractors, and private providers offering pupil transportation services.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill enhances educational access by improving school transportation flexibility and emergency options, directly supporting K-12 student mobility and access to schools.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationModifies school bus rules for flexible transportation options and mandates safety insurance, enhancing regulatory adaptability within vehicle regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Public Transit

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 766: Relating to: the commercial driver training grant program. (FE)

AB 766 amends Wisconsin's commercial driver training grant program rules. It requires training providers to meet federal standards (49 CFR part 380), be listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR), and deliver training at TPR-registered facilities. The bill also mandates that trainees obtain their initial Wisconsin commercial driver license (CDL) after March 23, 2024 (or a later date for non-training-providers), and prevents multiple grants for the same trainee. These changes directly affect training providers applying for state grants and individuals receiving training under the program.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates federal safety standards (49 CFR part 380) for commercial driver training, enhancing transportation safety and regulatory compliance within vehicle operations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing

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passed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 528: Relating to: certain airport improvement contracts. (FE)

SB 528 modifies how airports funded partly with federal money can contract for construction. It allows the state transportation secretary to use "construction manager at risk" contracts (where the contractor guarantees a maximum price) for eligible airport projects, without selecting solely based on lowest price. This applies specifically to "qualified projects" like airport structures or improvements, when federal rules permit it. The bill creates an exception to standard state procurement laws for these federally funded airport contracts.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill modifies airport construction contracting rules to allow 'construction manager at risk' contracts for infrastructure projects, advancing transportation infrastructure development without lowest-price mandate.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 607: Relating to: housing and homelessness; emergency rental assistance program; indigent civil legal services; workforce development; community action agencies; poverty reports; mental health; economic security; reimbursement for nonemergency medical transportation services; urban mass transit aid; lead exposure and abatement services; lead service line replacement; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 607 creates new programs and modifies existing ones to address housing, homelessness, and related services in Wisconsin. It establishes a lead service line replacement program for water systems, creates an annual review process for homelessness services, and funds emergency rental assistance for households earning under 80% of county median income. The bill allocates $43 million for indigent civil legal services, $5 million for emergency rental assistance (2026-27), and $2.5 million for housing grants. These provisions directly affect low-income residents, homeless individuals, and service providers by expanding access to housing support, legal aid, and water infrastructure improvements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $43M for indigent legal services, $5M for emergency rental assistance, and $2.5M for housing programs, explicitly funding public services under budget appropriations.92% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly includes reimbursement for nonemergency medical transportation services, improving healthcare access and aligning with support indicators.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllocates $5M for emergency rental assistance (2026-27) for households under 80% median income and $43M for indigent civil legal services related to housing, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly funds workforce development programs, directly advancing employment standards and worker skills training per its title and allocation of $43M for related services.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly allocates funds for 'reimbursement for nonemergency medical transportation services' and 'urban mass transit aid', directly advancing transportation services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights Workforce Development Public Transit

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 273: Relating to: camera monitor systems as an alternative to mirrors for commercial motor vehicles.

SB 273 allows commercial motor vehicles to use federally approved camera monitor systems instead of traditional mirrors, as permitted under federal regulations. The bill directly affects commercial trucking operators and drivers by providing an alternative to standard mirror requirements (49 CFR 393.80(a)). It requires camera systems to be exempted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or approved under federal safety standards. This change modifies state law to align with federal approval processes for such technology.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllows federally approved camera systems instead of mirrors for commercial trucks, enhancing vehicle safety per federal standards (49 CFR 393.80(a)).95% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight

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signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 2, 2026

AB 619: Relating to: a tax credit for aviation biofuel manufacturing, authorizing the state to contract public debt for an aviation biofuel project grant, and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 619 creates a $150 million grant program to fund aviation biofuel manufacturing projects in Wisconsin, funded through state public debt issuance. The bill requires grantees to use facilities exclusively for aviation biofuel production (with limited exceptions for other biofuels if 80% of output is aviation fuel), source 80% of biomass locally, and invest at least $1.5 billion in aviation biofuel manufacturing within five years. It directly affects companies building such facilities and the Department of Natural Resources, which administers the grants. The program aims to support the state's forest products industry and create jobs, with strict repayment terms if grantees fail to meet requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $150M grant appropriation via state debt for aviation biofuel manufacturing, directly funding a specific program through state budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds $150M for aviation biofuel manufacturing, requiring 80% local biomass and exclusive renewable production, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds aviation biofuel manufacturing (clean energy) with 80% local biomass sourcing, promoting reduced emissions and sustainable resource use per bill requirements.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds $150M aviation biofuel manufacturing grant, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure through renewable fuel production for aviation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Tax Credits Forestry Airports

vetoed · Wisconsin · Senate May 13, 2026

SB 525: Relating to: removal of vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs.

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."

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationStreamlines vegetation removal for highway sign visibility, enhancing road safety by ensuring clear signage along transportation infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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signed · Wisconsin · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 339: Relating to: the weight limit for utility terrain vehicles.

This bill (SB 339) establishes a weight limit for utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) in the state, though the specific weight limit value is not provided in the available text. It sets an effective date of January 6, 2026 (or March 1, 2026, if published after January 7, 2026). The bill directly affects UTV owners, manufacturers, and local authorities responsible for enforcement. The context provided does not specify the exact weight limit, who is exempt, or the enforcement mechanisms, so a detailed summary of the policy changes cannot be completed. The bill passed the legislature on October 14, 2025, and was cosponsored by Representative Tranel.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationSets UTV weight limit to enhance road safety, directly addressing vehicle regulation within transportation policy90% confidence