Transportation

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Dec 10, 2025

AB 271: Relating to: camera monitor systems as an alternative to mirrors for commercial motor vehicles.

AB 271 allows commercial motor vehicles operating in Wisconsin (intrastate commerce) to use camera monitor systems instead of traditional mirrors, provided the systems meet federal safety standards. The bill specifically permits systems exempted under federal regulations (49 CFR 393.80) or approved as mirror alternatives in federal safety standards. This change directly affects commercial truck and bus operators by removing a requirement for physical mirrors when using federally compliant camera systems. The law aligns Wisconsin statute with existing federal approvals, without creating new safety standards.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPermits camera systems meeting federal safety standards as mirror alternatives for commercial vehicles, enhancing vehicle safety compliance in transportation regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Public Transit

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 329: Relating to: operation of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles and revision of the Department of Transportation highway maintenance manual.

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationUpdates safety standards for ATVs/UTVs including lighting requirements and bridge/culvert rules, enhancing transportation safety per bill provisions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways

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vetoed · Wisconsin · Assembly May 13, 2026

AB 326: Relating to: local grant writing and compliance assistance. (FE)

AB 326 creates a program providing grants to small local governments (populations under 7,500) to cover costs for grant writing and compliance assistance services. Grants up to $5,000 can be used for securing funding related to public works, transportation infrastructure, public safety, utility costs, or cybersecurity projects. The program requires a simple application listing only basic details (project purpose, contact info, and estimated costs) and prioritizes first-time applicants. A report evaluating the program must be submitted by December 2028.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds ($5k grants) for local governments' grant writing/compliance, representing a budgetary expenditure to support infrastructure and public service funding access.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExplicitly allows grants for cybersecurity projects, directly funding and advancing cybersecurity initiatives for small governments.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationGrants explicitly fund transportation infrastructure projects, enabling small governments to secure funding for road/transit improvements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Cybersecurity

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 288: Relating to: authorized lights for funeral procession vehicles.

SB 288 allows the lead vehicle in a funeral procession, or all vehicles in a procession, to use flashing amber or purple lights during the procession. It requires that if any vehicle in the procession uses such lights, all vehicles must be equipped with them. This change directly affects funeral home operators and drivers participating in funeral processions by standardizing lighting rules for safety and visibility.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationStandardizes funeral procession lighting for safety visibility, enhancing vehicle regulation standards under transportation safety policies.90% confidence

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signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 2, 2026

AB 679: Relating to: weight limits for vehicles transporting grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer. (FE)

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates permit system for heavier agricultural trucks, enabling efficient transport under vehicle regulations, directly addressing transportation infrastructure and vehicle policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight Roads & Highways

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 434: Relating to: local traffic calming grants and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 434 creates a new $60 million annual state grant program to fund local traffic calming projects. It directly affects counties, cities, villages, towns, and federally recognized tribes by providing funding for infrastructure projects designed to reduce vehicle speeds. The program, administered by the Department of Transportation, will award grants for projects eligible under federal transportation alternatives programs. Grants require applications with specified details, and the department will set evaluation criteria for funding decisions. This is a concrete policy change establishing ongoing state funding for community safety improvements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates $60M annual appropriation for traffic calming infrastructure grants, directly funding public services through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates $60M annual grant program for local traffic calming projects to reduce vehicle speeds, directly funding transportation infrastructure and enhancing safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Traffic Safety

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 334: Relating to: requiring bicycle and pedestrian facilities in highway projects and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

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.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates bicycle/pedestrian facilities in highway projects, enhancing infrastructure safety and promoting sustainable transportation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Roads & Highways

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 9: Relating to: special registration plates with white lettering on a black background. (FE)

SB 9 creates a new special vehicle registration plate option in Wisconsin featuring a black background with white lettering displaying "Wisconsin" and the vehicle's registration number. It requires a voluntary $25 fee for issuance or renewal (with $50 for biennial plates in the first year), after which the Department of Transportation retains up to $23,700 for initial production costs, depositing any remaining funds into the transportation fund. This plate design is specifically for Wisconsin residents who choose to purchase it, distinct from existing military, sports, or university plate programs. The bill does not change existing plate categories but adds this new visual option with a dedicated fee structure.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs $25 plate fee surplus into transportation fund, providing incremental funding for infrastructure projects.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 141: Relating to: allowing an unlicensed person to use a motor vehicle and providing a penalty.

SB 141 modifies Wisconsin statutes to hold vehicle owners and renters accountable when unlicensed individuals operate their vehicles, regardless of whether the owner or renter knew the driver lacked a license. The bill creates new provisions (343.45(2m) and 343.46(2m)) that remove the requirement for owners or renters to have "actual knowledge" of the driver's unlicensed status. Penalties for violations include fines up to $1,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses. This bill directly affects vehicle owners, renters, and those who permit unlicensed operation of motor vehicles.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill strengthens vehicle safety regulations by holding owners accountable for unlicensed drivers, enhancing transportation safety through stricter enforcement.90% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 344: Relating to: a refundable income tax credit for bicycle purchases and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 344 creates a refundable income tax credit of up to $200 per dependent for bicycle (including electric bicycle) purchases by low-income residents. It directly affects families with dependents whose income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty line, allowing them to claim the credit against their state income tax or receive a cash payment if the credit exceeds their tax liability. Key provisions require claimants to submit purchase documentation, restrict eligibility to full-year residents, and cap the credit at $200 per dependent annually. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and is funded through a new appropriation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides refundable tax credit ($200/dependent) for low-income families (≤200% FPL) on bicycle purchases, directly offering tax relief to lower-income residents.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes sustainable transportation by providing tax incentives for bicycle purchases, directly aligning with the topic's indicators of funding eco-friendly transit options.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes State Budget Tax Credits Bicycle Infrastructure

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