AB 1178 amends Wisconsin statutes to update definitions and procedures for regional transit authorities, ensuring they are recognized as eligible entities for various state programs including highway relocation orders, right-of-way applications, and employer classifications for employee benefits. The bill creates new funding mechanisms by establishing appropriation accounts to collect and distribute taxes imposed by transit authorities that choose to levy them, with a portion of those revenues retained for administrative costs. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which organizations qualify as municipalities and employers under existing laws, explicitly including transit authorities created under the specified chapter while excluding cultural arts districts from certain employer definitions. This bill does not mandate tax collection but provides the legal framework for transit authorities to adopt resolutions imposing taxes if they choose to do so.
SB 824 requires the state Department of Transportation to include specific goals in the long-range statewide transportation plan, affecting statewide transportation planning and implementation. The bill mandates a vision for five key areas: low-carbon public transit, transportation electrification, cost-effective charging infrastructure, equitable clean transportation incentives, and solutions for underserved rural, low-income, and minority communities. It also requires the department to submit a report within six months detailing current efforts, gaps, and future strategies for meeting these requirements. These provisions directly shape how transportation funding and projects are prioritized across the state.
AB 830 requires the state transportation department to include specific goals in its long-range transportation plan, directly affecting how the department develops statewide infrastructure strategies. The bill mandates inclusion of a vision for low-carbon public transit, transportation electrification, cost-effective charging infrastructure, equitable clean transportation incentives, and solutions for underserved rural, low-income, and minority communities. The department must also submit a report within six months detailing progress on these requirements and future plans for implementation. This legislation sets concrete policy standards for sustainable and equitable transportation planning without specifying funding or enforcement mechanisms.
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✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates low-carbon transit, transportation electrification, and clean infrastructure in state transportation planning, advancing renewable energy integration and equitable clean transportation solutions.90% confidence
✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates low-carbon transit, transportation electrification, and clean incentives, directly advancing climate goals and environmental protection in transportation planning.95% confidence
✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates transportation electrification and charging infrastructure, advancing clean tech adoption in public transit planning.85% confidence
✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates inclusion of low-carbon public transit, electrification, and equitable clean transportation goals in statewide plan, advancing sustainable infrastructure.95% confidence
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.
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.
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.
SB 392 requires all driver education courses to include specific safety instruction about school buses. It mandates teaching students how to properly cross in front of school buses, recognize school bus lights, and understand when drivers must stop for stopped school buses - including how road design affects these rules. This applies to all driver education courses starting on the bill's effective date. The law directly affects driver education curricula and students learning road safety.
AB 395 requires school buses to be equipped with audiovisual recording devices to capture events during transportation. This mandate directly affects school districts and bus operators, who must install and maintain the devices. The key provision specifies that the recording systems must capture both audio and visual footage inside and around the bus, with data retention and privacy safeguards outlined in the bill. The legislation focuses on enhancing transparency during student transportation without specifying additional safety outcomes.
SB 136 amends school bus lighting rules to allow painted school buses (per §347.44(1)) to use specific safety features. It permits one amber or white back-up lamp on each side (mounted near wheels, with downward light direction), front and rear illuminated signs (steady, non-glaring light), and LED strobe lights meeting SAE J845 Class II standards. These changes directly affect school bus manufacturers, school districts, and the Department of Transportation (which will set installation rules). The bill updates existing safety equipment requirements without creating new mandates, focusing solely on technical specifications for lighting and signage.
AB 393 modifies restrictions on school bus drivers over 70 years old and those with certain medical conditions, allowing them to operate school buses under new medical review requirements. The bill requires school districts to implement a standardized medical evaluation process for qualifying drivers. This directly affects school bus drivers in these categories and their employers. The legislation is currently in the Assembly Transportation Committee after recent amendments.
