AB 521 Wisconsin Assembly · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Relating to: removal of vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs.

AB 521 simplifies the process for sign owners to remove vegetation obstructing highway advertising signs. It defines a "viewing window" as a 500-foot zone along the highway where signs must remain visible, and creates a streamlined permit system for trimming or removing obstructing vegetation within this area. Existing sign owners with permits issued since 2012 can now maintain signs without new approvals (after notifying the department 15 days in advance), while new applicants must follow a 60-day permit review process. The bill also requires sign owners to remove stumps and dispose of all vegetation removed, and to compensate the department for trees (2+ inches in diameter) removed from designated "living snow fences."
Bill status failed 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Oct 15, 2025 Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jan 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on calendar 1-15-2026 by Committee on Rules
lower
Dec 17, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee on Rules
lower
Dec 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Report passage recommended by Committee on Transportation, Ayes 4, Noes 2
lower
Oct 15, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Representatives Maxey, O'Connor, Armstrong, Behnke, Goeben, Gundrum, Gustafson, B. Jacobson, Knodl, Melotik, Mursau, Penterman, Spiros, Steffen, Tucker, Wichgers and Doyle; cosponsored by Senators Tomczyk, Jacque, Nass and Wanggaard
lower
17 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors