Transportation

SB 690 prohibits local governments from using eminent domain (condemnation) to acquire land specifically for recreational trails, bicycle ways, bicycle lanes, or pedestrian paths. The bill amends multiple statutes governing land acquisition for parks and recreation, explicitly adding that condemnation authority cannot be used for these trail-related purposes. This affects counties, cities, and park authorities that previously could use condemnation for such projects under existing laws. The key change is a clear restriction on eminent domain use for trail development, not a ban on trails themselves.

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 694 amends multiple state statutes to explicitly prohibit the use of eminent domain (government power to take private land) for establishing or extending recreational trails, bicycle ways, bicycle lanes, or pedestrian paths. It directly affects state agencies, counties, and cities when acquiring land for public parks, trails, or related infrastructure. The bill adds consistent language across various land acquisition statutes, banning condemnation for these specific purposes while allowing it for traditional park or trail development under other provisions. This policy change clarifies that governments cannot use eminent domain to build or expand recreational trails or bike/pedestrian pathways, though they may still acquire land for other park-related projects.